NEW! Icons of the Viking Age

Discover the iconic sights of Aarhus during a walk through one of Denmark’s oldest cities. Nestled near the mouth of the Aarhus River, this historic city traces its origins to the Viking Age. Meet your guide at the pier, then set out on a journey past some of the newest and most modern buildings of Aarhus, as well as some of its older landmarks. See the Gothic-style medieval cathedral, the longest and tallest church in Denmark—constructed during the 12th century, it is considered one of the country’s most important medieval landmarks. Stroll the narrow cobblestone streets of the lively Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest neighborhood, en route to the Vor Frue Kloster, a neoclassical monastery that is home to the oldest bells in Denmark. Continue your walk and pass by the massive Dokk1 complex that dominates the waterfront of the inner harbor, then return to your ship.

Travel back in time and learn more about the history of Denmark during a tour of Aarhus’s charming Old Town. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach, viewing Denmark’s largest and second-oldest university, en route to Den Gamle By. The city’s oldest neighborhood is an open air museum showcasing Danish history through the ages. Follow your knowledgeable guide past the timbered houses and replicas of streets and shops from the 16th century onward, then visit an exhibition highlighting the era of industrialization that began in the 1920s. End your tour in the 1970s, gaining insight into the women’s movement and discover how different kinds of living arrangements such as the kollektiv (“the collective”) were formed. Afterward, return to your ship, passing the stately Marselisborg Palace, one of the Danish royal family’s summer residences, and its surrounding woods.

Explore the Moesgaard Museum, one of Denmark’s newest and most intriguing cultural attractions. Nestled in the forested suburbs outside of Aarhus, the award-winning Moesgaard Museum is dedicated to archaeology and ethnography, its extensive collection highlighting Danish culture and history in a stunning architectural setting. Upon arrival, receive a short introduction from your guide, then set off to explore the museum independently. You will have an opportunity to visit exhibits such as the Grauballe Man, a bog body discovered in 1952 that dates back to the Iron Age. Alternatively, gain insight into the Norse culture in the separate Viking exhibition, or investigate how medieval Denmark developed, opening up to European influences and becoming a center for culture, handicrafts and faith. At the end of your visit, rejoin your guide and return to your ship.

Learn the significance of the Jelling stones to Danish history during a visit to this national treasure. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in the heart of the town of Jelling. Here, dating back to the 10th century, stand two massive carved runestones that were erected by the Viking kings Gorm and his son Harald. The inscription on the older rune is the first documented use of “Denmark” and is considered the nation’s “birth certificate”; the second rune testifies to the country’s conversion to Christianity. Enjoy a guided tour, seeing the runes, framed by two great mounds, as well as the small church and concrete pillars that trace the path of the fortifications that once stood here. At the Experience Center, enjoy free time to explore the life and legacy of the Vikings through interactive exhibitions, then return to your ship.

Delve into the world of art during a captivating visit to the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum. Travel from the pier by foot for a leisurely stroll through Aarhus along the historic street of Møllestien to the ARoS. Established in 1859, it is the oldest public art museum in Denmark and one of the largest in Northern Europe. Upon arrival, head to the museum’s roof for a walk through its iconic Rainbow and enjoy sweeping views through the multicolored glass. After a brief introduction to the museum, set out to explore the museum on your own. You may choose to delve into exhibits chronicling works from the Danish Golden Age to now, or view the extensive collection of pop art and tributes to architecture. At the end of your time, return by foot to your ship, stopping to admire the massive Dokk1 complex that dominates the waterfront of the inner harbor en route.

Get a glimpse into the life of the Vikings at one of the oldest ring fortresses in Denmark. Embark on a scenic drive by motor coach to the town of Hobro and the Viking Centre Fyrkat. It was here, situated in the hilly terrain at the mouth of the Mariager Fjord, that renowned Danish King Harald Bluetooth built a defensive fortification during the 10th century to protect the ancient trade route between the northern and central parts of Jutland. See the reestablished earthworks, walkways and foundation outlines, which give a sense of the scale and importance of the fortress. Visit a replica of a Viking longhouse outside of the earthworks that showcases life during the Middle Ages. Then, travel to a nearby recreation of a Viking farmstead consisting of nine reconstructed houses from the era for more insight into the Vikings. Afterward, you will return to your ship.

Learn about the rich heritage of Denmark’s manor houses during a visit to Gammel Estrup. Once a stately manor home, today Gammel Estrup is a museum devoted to Danish manor and estate history. After a drive through the Jutland countryside, step inside the museum, owned by the same family for some 600 years. Accompanied by your guide, walk through the house and hear about its owners, including Eske Brock, whose diaries recorded daily estate life, and Count Jørgen Scheel, whose extravagant spending led to the family’s financial ruin. Continue downstairs to the Servants’ Hall and the housekeeper’s modest quarters, then walk to the Green Museum. Here, you will receive an introduction before setting out to explore independently. View exhibitions on agriculture, food, forestry and hunting that shaped rural and estate life, then return by motor coach to your ship.

Immerse yourself in nature during a drive through a national park, followed by a walk through Ebeltoft village. Board your motor coach for the scenic drive to Mols Bjere National Park. Nestled on the Djursland Peninsula, this serene park is known for its glacial landscapes, including rolling hills, valleys and wetlands. It is an extremely biodiverse region, home to more than half of Denmark’s wild plant species and an array of wildlife such as roe deer, hare, foxes and more. Take in the views as you drive through the park to reach Ebeltoft, a historic town set within the park, whose roots date back to the Middle Ages. Upon arrival, set out on foot through cobbled streets lined with half-timbered houses. After, continue your exploration independently, perhaps visiting a local café or browsing the nearby shops for a memento of your visit, before returning by coach to your ship.

Journey through Denmark’s second city to view notable landmarks during a panoramic drive. Meet your guide and board your motor coach for the drive to the historic center. See the City Hall, designed by renowned architect Arne Jacobsen in 1941, and pass St. Clemens Cathedral, Denmark’s longest and tallest cathedral. View the country’s second-oldest university campus and drive alongside the botanical gardens, home to Aarhus Music Hall, one of Scandinavia’s largest cultural venues. Admire the ARoS Aarhus Art Museum, famous for its colorful rooftop walkway, and pass Den Gamle By, an open air museum showcasing historic buildings relocated from across Denmark. Continue through Marselisborg Forest to view Marselisborg Palace, the summer residence of the Danish royal family. If the royals are not in residence, enjoy a brief photo stop before returning to your ship.

Visit the Aarhus Botanical Gardens, home to the greenhouses of Aarhus University, during a small group experience. Drive by motor coach to the botanical gardens and upon arrival, set out to explore this tranquil retreat. Begin your experience with a leisurely stroll through landscaped grounds before entering the greenhouses, one of Aarhus’s most fascinating attractions. Spread across four climate zones, the expansive glasshouses showcase diverse ecosystems from around the world. Wander through lush tropical rainforests, explore arid desert landscapes, and admire impressive collections of rare and exotic plants. As you explore, your guide will share engaging insights into biodiversity, climate adaptation and the essential role plants play in our environment and everyday lives. After your visit, return to your ship.

Enjoy a thrilling journey by RIB during a high-speed ride along the waters of Kalø Bay. Meet your SeaRanger guides at the pier where you will don your life jacket and receive a short safety briefing. Leaving the city behind, venture into a landscape shaped by the Ice Age, where rolling hills, rugged coastlines, and unspoiled nature create a spectacular backdrop. As you cruise through the bay, keep watch for native wildlife, including porpoises and seals, while your guides share stories of Viking settlers, local traditions and the forces that formed this remarkable region. Arrive at Nappedam near the historic Kalø Castle ruins and take a short walk to the SeaRanger’s waterfront camp. Here, join in preparing an outdoor lunch using local ingredients and enjoy a stroll amid your surroundings. After lunch, return to Aarhus harbor and walk back to your ship.