A Day in Aarhus – In Pictures

Last summer, we were fortunate to sail the Baltics with Windstar Cruises on a magnificent journey aboard their unique hybrid sail-motor yacht, the Wind Spirit. Sailing from Stockholm to Oslo, we called on a number of fascinating ports, with one of my favorites being the city of Aarhus, Denmark.

Sailing into Aarhus, Denmark aboard Windstar's Wind Spirit. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

While I resisted the urge to pleasantly sing,  “In the middle of our street,” after our guide repeatedly said “Aarhus”, we drove through town and into the Danish countryside, weaving our way through small towns nestled in amongst the rolling hills and forests. If you shut your eyes, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in Ireland or Scotland.

Aarhus and its surrounding environs are both scenic and beautiful. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

But the highlight of the day was in the quaint, unassuming town of Silkeborg, where we had a close encounter with a man who died in the 4^th Century.

The Tollund Man, as he is known, resides at the Silkeborg museum – an equally unassuming building painted bright canary yellow. Looking at it, you’d hardly think that one of the most amazing sights in the world resides inside. Tutankhamen might be more famous, but the Tollund Man is no less awe-inspiring.

The Tollund Man - a 2,300 year old man from the Iron Age, on display at the Silkeborg Museum in Silkeborg, Denmark. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

He’s so well-preserved that when he was discovered in a peat bog in 1950, police initially thought they were dealing with a murder victim. And in a sense, they were – only the crime took place over 2,300 years ago.

Coupled with the natural beauty of Denmark and the friendliness of the Danish people, our time in Aarhus and nearby Silkeborg was one of the most memorable days on our Baltic adventure, and a must-see for anyone travelling nearby.

Here, then, is A Day in Aarhus – In Pictures.

The Lake District is both beautiful and scenic. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

The unassuming town of Silkeborg plays host to an Iron Age relic: the Tollund Man. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

The Maritime industry has always played an important role in the history of Aarhus. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Wind Spirit recieves a Danish greeting. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

Departing Aarhus aboard Windstar's Wind Spirit. Photo © 2011 Aaron Saunders

From the Deck Chair will return tomorrow!