4 Best Sights in Århus, Jutland

Rising gracefully over the center of town, the Aarhus Cathedral was originally built in 1201 in a Romanesque style but was expanded and redesigned into a Gothic cathedral in the 15th century. Its soaring, whitewashed nave is one of the country's longest. The cathedral's highlights include its chalk frescoes in shades of lavender, yellow, red, and black, which grace the high arches and towering walls. Dating from the Middle Ages, they depict biblical scenes and the valiant St. George slaying a dragon and saving a maiden princess in distress. Also illustrated is the martyrdom of St. Clement, who was drowned with an anchor tied around his neck. He became a patron saint of sailors. Climb the tower for bird's-eye views of the rooftops and streets of Aarhus.

A hit from the day it opened in 2004, this museum displays more than 9,000 artworks dating from 1770 to the present, as well as internationally known visiting exhibits. On the top floor there's a restaurant as well as a rooftop patio—a photographer's dream.

Don't miss the town's open-air museum, known as Den Gamle By. Its 75 historic buildings—including 70 half-timbered houses and a mill—and its millstream were carefully moved from locations throughout Denmark and meticulously re-created, inside and out.

Just south of the city is Marselisborg Slot, the palatial summer residence of the royal family. The changing of the guard takes place daily at noon when the queen is here. When the royal family is away (generally in winter and spring), the grounds, including a sumptuous rose garden, are open to the public. You can get here on Bus 1, 18, or 19.