Felicity Long
If Scandinavia were high school, Copenhagen, Denmark, would be its prom queen. With its A-list restaurants, design aesthetic and plentiful hygge (loosely translated as coziness), the city gets a lot of attention. But this year another Danish city is taking its turn wearing the crown.
Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, has been tapped as a European Capital of Culture for 2017 (along with Paphos, Cyprus). The designation, which is typically celebrated with a yearlong menu of special events, exhibitions and performances, is a boon for lesser-known destinations by putting them into the international spotlight.
To that end, Aarhus began going for the title as far back as 2008 with a citywide campaign called "Let's Rethink" that encouraged its residents to, among other things, support their own arts and culture.
Part of that strategy included the revitalization of the waterfront district with the creation of Dokk1, a cultural center adjacent to the Custom House that features a theater and a library.
Of course, some of the city's most compelling sights were already there. A few of my favorites include the Aros Aarhus Kunstmuseum, a modernistic structure whose exterior looks like a giant cube. A vertical spiral in the interior twists its way down through contemporary art galleries inspired by Dante's "Inferno." The real draw, however, is "Boy" by Ron Mueck, an unnerving, 17-foot-tall sculpture of a crouching child fashioned from fiberglass whose expressive eyes seem to follow museumgoers as they make their way around the exhibit hall.
A record 835,606 people visited the museum in 2016, and this year it is expected to lure even more, thanks to an exhibition of Nordic art in collaboration with the Tate London gallery.
Another favorite, the Arne Jacobsen-designed Aarhus Town Hall, is an example of Danish modern design at its most authentic. Its features include a dramatic, circular staircase; walls that look like they've been made from ice pop sticks and great views from the bell tower.
Local artists in small galleries show off their wares in the city center's Latin Quarter, where there are trendy boutiques and cafes.
Fans of medieval history can stroll through Danish accounts at Den Gamle By, a living museum that boasts some 75 houses dating from the 1500s to the early 20th century. The attraction, which is walking distance from the city center, also offers gardens and shops.
Travel even farther back in time at the Moesgard Museum for a look at the 2,000-year-old "bog man," who was discovered in the early 1950s in nearby Nebelgard Fen bog.
For an easy way to see the sights, the AarhusCard is available for 24-, 48- or 72-hour periods and priced from about $43. It offers free admission to 20 local attractions, travel on local buses and discounts on shopping.