What to Expect When You Visit Den Gamle By, Aarhus' Old Town Open-Air Museum

Open air museums and galleries are nothing new these days, but have you heard of an entire town that serves as one? This is exactly what Den Gamle By is.

Known as The Old Town in English, it is the world's first ever open-air town museum. If those whole concept of it is enough to intrigue you to visit, you can find it in Aarhus, Denmark.

Here's what you can expect when you visit Den Gamle By.

It's Open Every Day

Yes, you read that right. Den Gamle By is open even during the holidays. It typically opens at 10 a.m. while its closing hour depends on the date of your visit.

However, before you head there, here's something to take note of: you have to buy tickets. Ticket prices likewise vary depending on the date of your visit. What is consistent no matter what the date is is that children can enter for free.

For the complete ticket prices as well as opening hours, click here.

Historical Shops

Den Gamle By is home to 75 historical buildings that were collected from 20 different townships in Denmark. These buildings house equally historical shops that visitors can enter and shop from.

The Bookshop, otherwise known as Bookseller Chr. Andersen, still looks like it is in 1927 and contains reprinted versions of Danish classics. Rahbek's Mini-Market, on the other hand, sells a myriad of products ranging from Type 00 toilet paper to cherry rum.

Those looking to take a sweet treat to go can head to the bakery, where all the sweets are actually baked according to recipes from pre-1900.

The House of Memory

One of the places you can find within Den Gamle By is known as The House of Memory. Intended for people affected by dementias as well as their caregivers and relatives, it provides an immerse experience that is meant to trigger distant memories.

This is done through exposing guests to tastes, smells, and sounds that can lead them to remember such memories during their visit. The House of Memory itself looks like it is stuck in the 1950s and visitors can even perform daily chores while inside.

Eating Options

Den Gamle By has a handful of dining options for its hungry visitors. One of which is Restaurant Gæstgivergården, which serves traditional Danish fare. If sandwiches are your thing, make sure to sample the offerings this restaurant has to offer.

Another dining option is Café Bonnich, which was actually originally located in Aabenraa, Jutland. This is where you can find traditional pastry cream cakes. Those looking for coffee and tea will find them here as well.