Aarhus C

Midtbyen

Is the oldest part of Aarhus and was where the city originated, and is therefore known as the city's historical center. It is characterized by narrow, winding, cobbled streets and many small shops and a large part of the area is carfree and has been pedestrianised. The square of Store Torv in front of the cathedral forms a natural centre of the pedestrian zone. The main walking route through Midtbyen, is the long pedestrian street of Strøget, which runs from the cathedral to the central train station. Apart from the small boutiques, Midtbyen also presents large department stores and the shopping centre Bruun's Galleri with 93 stores. The main routes by car in Midtbyen, are via one of the three roads, Nørre Allé, Vestre Allé and Søndre Allé.

Vesterbro

This part should not be confused with Vesterbro in the capital, Copenhagen. Aarhus' Vesterbro is newer than Midtbyen, and was originally the western entrance to the town, which is why there are street names such as Vesterport, literally meaning Western-gate. The main square of Vesterbro Torv, used to be a market square for pigs and other animals in the 1880s. Now it is the busiest junction in Vesterbro. Half a mile west of Vesterbro Torv, is one of the city's most famous landmark, Den Gamle By, located within Aarhus Botanical Gardens. Right next to Den Gamle By, is the now defunct Ceres Brewery from 1856. The site of the old brewery is currently being transformed and rebuild into a new neighbourhood of Vesterbro, presenting educational institutions, residential apartments, offices and businesses.

Frederiksbjerg

Frederiksbjerg is located south of Midtbyen and the central station. Its name literally means Frederik's hill or mountain. Separated by a wide railway yard, it is connected to the inner city by three bridges. It is inhabited by approximately 20.000 people.

Frederiksbjerg has around 400 shops mainly located in the three large shopping streets Bruunsgade, Jægergårdsgade, Frederiks Allé. Frederiks Allé is a main route leading into the City from the suburbs, and going out of Frederiksbjerg it changes name to Skanderborgvej, as it historically was the main road to the town of Skanderborg. Frederiksbjerg is a quieter part of Aarhus C, with most buildings dating from the beginning of the 20th century, and with many large apartments, suitable for families with children.

Aarhus Docklands

This is the newest part of Aarhus C. The area is founded on both newly constructed land and wharfs bought by the municipality from the Port of Aarhus company in 2007 and is not yet fully developed. There have been many ambitious development projects here, including the proposition of a 144m tall Light House building, which would have become Denmark's tallest building. Parts of this project were postponed due to the 2008 financial crisis. The city plans to develop Aarhus Docklands as a new modern neighbourhood with canals, parks and modern architecture.

University of Aarhus

The university campus is located to the north of Midtbyen, with most buildings situated in Universitetsparken and Vennelystparken. Inside Universitetsparken are nine dormitories which house some 500 students of the university. In the centre of Universitetsparken are two lakes. The parks are often used by students for studying outside and by others for picnics and walks.

Landmarks and institutions

Rail

Aarhus is connected to the rest of the country with inter-city and commuter rail, and Århus Central Station serves as a major hub for rail traffic in Denmark. Many trains terminates here while others pass through and continue to the rest of the country. The station is mainly served by DSB, but also Arriva has several lines terminate at the station.

Bus

Because of the city's lack of rail infrastructure to serve the city itself, like metro, S-train, or light rail, it has a tight net of bus lines. Most city bus lines go through the inner city and pass through either Park Allé or Banegårdspladsen (lit. English, "Central Station Square") (German: Bahnhof Platz) or both. Many lines continue through Midtbyen, by a special road only for buses where there are several big stops. County and Inter-city buses terminate at Aarhus Bus Terminal which is located north east of the Central station. Its location has been a problem through many years and a relocation is planned.

Roads

Aarhus C is more or less defined as the area south, east and north of the ring road of Ring 1 (Ringgaden), one of the main traffic routes in Aarhus. The six old main roads leading to and from the larger nearby cities, radiates outwards from Aarhus C. This includes Grenåvej, Randersvej, Viborgvej, Silkeborgvej, Skanderborgvej and Oddervej.