For Austin vibes with Danish style, visit Denmark’s ‘second city’

With its progressive spirit, legendary live music and festivals, and mouth-watering barbecue, Austin is undeniably cool. For a similar vibe to Austin, but in Europe, head to Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city.

Set on the picturesque Jutland peninsula, Aarhus is among the world’s happiest cities (currently ranked number four, per the Institute for the Quality of Life). Like Austin, it offers a welcoming atmosphere, terrific museums, farm-to-table dining, a commitment to green spaces and sustainability, and a large student populationthat adds youthful energy to the mix.

A walkable city center—highlighted by the Latin Quarter’s cobblestoned lanes, indie shops, and cozy cafes—plus easy access to nature and Denmark’s signature hygge, offer plenty of reasons to visit the “City of Smiles.” 

Living history and modern art

At the open-air Den Gamle By (Old Town Museum), wander through four centuries of Danish life. Step back in time along cobbled streets lined with timber-framed houses from the 1600s, then fast-forward to the innovations of the 1920s, the social movements of the 1970s, and a faithfully recreated Y2K-era neighborhood—complete with a Blockbuster Video.

Nearby, the striking ARoS Aarhus Art Museum—one of Northern Europe’s largest—features five galleries with over 8,000 works from Danish and international artists, including Bjørn Nørgaard, Pablo Picasso, and Andy Warhol. Don’t miss "Your Rainbow Panorama," a colorful circular walkway that bathes the city in kaleidoscopic hues and offers sweeping 360-degree views of Aarhus and beyond.

Just outside the city center—and easily reachable by bike, car, or bus thanks to Aarhus’s efficient transit system—the Moesgaard Museum is a must-see for visitors of all ages. Set in an architectural marvel nestled within a bucolic landscape, the museum offers an immersive journey through the Stone, Bronze, Iron, and Viking Ages, as well as medieval times. Many exhibits invite hands-on exploration, bringing history to life. The museum’s treasures include the Grauballe Man, a remarkably well-preserved Iron Age body discovered in a peat bog in 1952.

A little further afield in Silkeborg, Museum Jorn honors the legacy of Danish artist Asger Jorn and carries forward his mission to make art accessible and meaningful for everyone. Alongside works by Jorn and Per Kirkeby, the museum’s collection features pieces by more than 550 artists from around the world. Family-friendly do-it-yourself spaces and interactive workshops invite budding artists and curious minds of all ages to explore their creativity.

(How to plan a trip to Jutland, Denmark's Lake District)

Nature just beyond the city

Like Austin, Aarhus lies close to a network of lakes, with its scenic Lake District stretching from Silkeborg to Skanderborg along the 98-mile (158 kilometers) Gudenå—Denmark’s longest river. Dive into the time-honored tradition of lake bathing at Lake Bath Østre Søbad (near Almindsø), where two bathing bridges, a children’s pool, a sandy beach, and a sauna invite locals and visitors alike to relax and refresh.

In Silkeborg—Denmark’s outdoor capital—visit the Silkeborg Kanocenter to rent canoes, kayaks, and motorboats year-round. Or hop on Hjejlen, the world's oldest operational coal-fired paddleboat still in operation, for a scenic ride. Disembark at Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain) and trek along the greenery to one of Denmark’s highest points. Standing at 482 feet (147 meters), it’s a leisurely climb for most skill levels, leaving plenty of time to savor the scenery.

National Park Mols Bjerge is an outdoor haven where you can take a scenic drive through rolling hills and pretty peaks (opt for an official sightseeing bus tour for the best spots), go on a boat trip that includes a seal safari, or snorkel in the area’s biodiverse waters teeming with snails, crustaceans, and mussels.

Closer to Aarhus’s city center, spend the day sunning and swimming at Bellevue Beach, or visit the striking Infinite Bridge—a circular wooden walkway that stretches out into the sea. For a refreshing urban swim, take a dip in the Harbor Bath at Aarhus Ø, a vibrant new waterfront district where modern architecture meets lively restaurants and shops.

LGBTQ+ inclusivity

In 1989, Denmark became the first country to legally recognize same-sex relationships, so it's no surprise that Aarhus welcomes all. The city hosted its first Pride in 2012 and continues to go all out with a parade, rainbow-filled picnics on the grass of Rådhuspladsen (City Hall), drag shows, and other events around the city. GBar is a popular queer dance club.

(Must-see LGBTQ-friendly destinations for every kind of traveler)

The KØN – Gender Museum is one of the few cultural institutions to explore gender and equality through thought-provoking exhibits.

Fruit wine and an Elvis shrine

One of Austin’s major draws is its proximity to Texas Hill Country’s vineyards. Similarly, Aarhus sits within easy reach of numerous wineries, including Cold Hand Winery—a pioneer in Danish fruit wines. Using the process of cryoconcentration, Cold Hand crafts ice wines flavored with apple, pear, and quince, along with fortified and sparkling varieties made from cherry, black currant, and rhubarb.

While Hill Country offers a taste of Germany in New Braunfels and Fredericksburg, a trip to the city of Randers transports you to the United States at the quirky Memphis Mansion—a Graceland replica with an identical façade and one of the largest private collections of Elvis memorabilia. At the on-site Highway 51 Diner, you can indulge in burgers, ribs, shakes, and other classic American fare.

Where to eat and sleep

Fresh seafood shines at Mefisto in the Latin Quarter, while Salling ROOFTOP serves smørrebrød and other classic Danish dishes with a view. Save plenty of time for dinner at Moment (a 30-minute drive from Aarhus), which has earned a Michelin Green Star since 2020 and features a multi-course meal with inventive dishes sourced only from the restaurant’s farm and garden, paired with the finest wine or freshest juice. For something casual, check out Aarhus Street Food—housed in a series of former garages—for traditional Danish bites and global eats like tacos and bánh mì.

Rest up at Villa Provence, a charming French-style boutique hotel with a pretty courtyard and hearty breakfast. For unique stays outside town, glamp in a wine barrel or Airstream at Cold Hand Winery, or head to Bjørnen i Bjergene (Bear in the Mountain) at Mols Bjerge National Park, where Mongolian yurts, wood-burning stoves, and plenty of fresh air make for a serene escape for couples or groups. 

(7 of the best gourmet getaways in Denmark)