Moesgaard in Aarhus

Written by: Niels Pallesen, General Manager at Wakeup Aarhus

Come close to the ancient times on Moesgaard

Approximately 20 minutes' drive from Aarhus city center you will find Moesgaard – a museum in international league. The museum was completely transformed in 2014 with a new building of 16,000 m2, designed by Henning Larsen Architects, and landscape design by Kristine Jensen.

The special feature of the building is that it is dug into a south-facing slope with a location north of Moesgård manor. The roof is covered with grass and provides access to a phenomenal view.

Exhibitions on Moesgaard

At Moesgaard in Aarhus there are exhibitions with unrivalled archaeological findings from Denmark’s ancient past. Do you know the Grauballe Man? The Grauballe Man is the world’s best preserved bog body and he is to be found at Moesgaard. The same applies with the weapons pieces from Illerup Ådal.

Sacrifices, that tells the story of the art of war and power struggle in the Iron Age. The collection of Moesgaard Museum also contains seven local rune stones and the exhibition “The Lives of the Dead”, which allows the visitors to experience the many different ways people around the world influence the perception of death.

The past is brought to life at Moesgaard in Aarhus. The attraction is at an international level due to the architecture, the exhibitions and the location in the beautiful natural surroundings in Skåde Bakker – south of Aarhus, overlooking the sea and the woods.

Through an innovative communication method and a breathtaking architectural setting, Moesgaard is a world-class museum experience in Aarhus. An exceptional past becomes alive and provides us with a better understanding of what has created our present, our daily life and our lives.

The exhibition of ancient times is impressive, and with the various ages that come to life, you can explore the giant burial mounds from the Bronze Age, or be there when the Iron Age farmers make weapons pieces to their gods. Both children and adults learn and experience a lot on Moesgaard in Aarhus. Find information about new exhibitions at Moesgaard.

Viking gathering at Moesgaard

The annual Viking gathering is organised by Moesgaard and can be experienced on selected days during week 30. At the event, you can meet and greet more than 1,000 Vikings, who look forward every year to gathering for the largest Viking event in the Nordic region at Moesgård Strand.

At the Viking gathering at Moesgaard, you get an insight into the daily lives of the Vikings and see them compete against each other in areas such as riding, weaponry, craftsmanship and food. The Viking gathering is known as the unofficial world championship in Viking combat, where the battles are not just theatre and show, but a matter of honour that is taken seriously in Viking circles.

You can also enjoy the cosy markets, try archery, eat authentic food made from ingredients from the Viking Age and experience music, theatre and storytelling for children. Viking battles and riding shows attract the largest audiences, as this is where the authenticity becomes particularly intense.

As a spectator, you are taken on an active journey through time, where camp life, fast horses and fierce battles can be experienced up close.