Aarhus University Seal

About Aarhus University

Aarhus University is a state-run public research university located in Aarhus, Denmark. The university was founded in 1928. When it was merged with the Aarhus School of Engineering in 2013 it became the largest university in Denmark.

The university consists of four faculties: Health, Arts, Aarhus BSS, and Science and Technology. The engineering educations are part of the latter.

The campus was designed by Danish architects Kay Fisker, C. F. Møller, and Povl Stegmann in collaboration with landscape architect Carl Theodor Sørensen. The yellow brick buildings are a common design key.

In addition to the main campus, Aarhus University has several smaller campuses and departments throughout Aarhus. The Department of Engineering and School of Engineering are located at IT-byen at Katrinebjerg and at Navitas by the harbour. 

Facts about AU:

  • 40,000 Bachelor's, Master's, PhD, and part-time students
  • 8,000 employees
  • 3 locations: Aarhus, Emdrup (Copenhagen), and Herning

About the city of Aarhus

Aarhus is the second-largest city in Denmark. It is located on the east coast of the Jutland peninsula.

Aarhus is the youngest city in Denmark measured by average age, but historically one of the oldest. The city began as a fortified Viking settlement founded in the 8th century. The city was founded at a natural harbour and the primary driver of growth for centuries was seaborne trade in agricultural products. Back then Aarhus was called Aros. As the industrial revolution took hold, the city grew to become the second-largest in the country by the 20th century.

Today, Aarhus is at the cultural and economic core of the region and the largest centre for trade, services, and industry in Jutland. Aarhus is the principal industrial port of the country in terms of container handling.

The canal is one of the most popular gathering places and acts as a magnet on the residents and guests of the city. The historic Latin Quarter is the oldest part of the city with its narrow, cobblestoned streets. Furthermore, Aarhus is surrounded by forests, beaches, and water – all within walking distance.

Within the past few years, Aarhus' new neighbourhood, Aarhus Docklands (Aarhus Ø), has seen the light of day on the harbour waterfront and this modern part of the city is rapidly expanding. A mix of old historic buildings and modern architecture characterises Aarhus.

In 2017, Aarhus was selected as European Capital of Culture along with Paphos in Cyprus. Her Majesty the Queen was the patron for the entire year of cultural highlights. In 2018 Aarhus was the European Volunteering Capital, and the city hosted the Hempel Sailing World Championships.


Getting around Aarhus

On foot:

The entire city is clean, compact, and well-organised, which makes walking an excellent and enjoyable way to get around. You can find a map for the inner city here.

By taxi:

To book a taxi, please call this telephone number (+45) 89 48 48 48 or ask your hotel receptionist. There is also a taxi stand right outside the main exit of the train station and conveniently located taxi stands all over the city.

By bus or light rail:

Midttrafik runs the yellow buses and the light rail in the city. The bus route number is indicated at the front, and the back of the bus and the terminus is displayed at the front. Please check the Midttrafik website for more information on buses, light rail, and city links.

The Aarhus light rail (Aarhus Letbane) is a tram-train system. The first part of the light rail from the city centre to the university hospital was finished and ready for use in December 2017. The same tickets and prices apply for the light rail as for the busses. If you are lucky, you will catch the train with stop names voiced by the famous, and at times controversial, Aarhus-born author and director Jørgen Leth.

By bike:

Denmark is an ideal country for cycling. There are not many steep hills, and there are many safe bicycle paths. Around the city, you will find a system of self-service city bikes available for a deposit.