Today's destination is Aarhus, Denmark:
https://www.visitdenmark.com/denmark/destinations/jutland/aarhus
Rainbows, Swimming and a Local Connection.
We are going to Aarhus in Denmark today, and if your list includes Copenhagen as the only Danish city, then you might want to go a bit further.
Although Aarhus is Denmark's second-biggest city, it doesn't feel overwhelming. I discovered art, architecture, beaches, music, and all sorts of things you can explore on foot.
Mona, the day host at Servas, made my visit particularly memorable.
Knowing a local makes all the difference in your experience of a place, and for me, this is especially important at Step 5 of solo travel—when traveling internationally and gaining the confidence to interact with people and places far from home. I got in touch with Mona through Servas, an international organization which links travelers with local hosts so that they can take part in cultural exchanges. Before my trip, I joined Servas, completed an application, and contacted local members in Aarhus to see whether anyone was free to meet me during my visit. Mona generously agreed to be my day host and provided a great local connection I otherwise wouldn't have made. If you want to get to know locals, consider joining a network such as Servas or contacting other community travel organizations before your trip.
1. A visit to the rainbow at ARoS
The museum of art in Aarhus, ARoS, was my top attraction.
It has a huge circular rainbow atop the building.
This exhibit, known as Your Rainbow Panorama, was created by Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. To experience it, you walk along a circular glass walkway on the tenth floor, and the whole city changes color as you go around it.
Red, orange, yellow, green, and blue.
I wasn't the only one who experienced it.
Mona came with me and went through the museum with me.
That's the impact a local can have; instead of just looking at the art, I had someone from Aarhus with me who offered her point of view and helped me understand her city.
The modern art down in the basement was unusual. As I passed through the odd exhibits I came across a number of things which made me ask myself: Exactly what am I looking at?
The rainbow panorama was spectacular, and on this hot July day it was also quite warm!
2. Go to the Water
Following our visit to the museum, Mona and I set off towards the water.
The distance was roughly a forty-minute walk, but with a local, the walk became an integral part of the experience.
On the way, we talked, had a picnic lunch, and finally got to the water to swim.
Then we entered.
One of my most pleasant memories from Aarhus was swimming.
It's wonderful to spend part of the day at a large art museum and then, a few hours later, be swimming outdoors in Denmark.
Mona and I had fun in the water and ate our picnic together. I prepared sandwiches that morning in my hostel, and sharing them was a nice way to get to know my host.
I remember those experiences long after I have forgotten which painting was displayed in which gallery.
Thank you, Mona.
3. Visit the old and the new parts of Aarhus
Aarhus is a fascinating blend of the old and the new.
Walk through the Latin Quarter, see the cathedral and City Hall, and take in the waterfront.
There is also Den Gamle By, known as 'The Old Town', an open-air museum; although I didn't visit it on this trip, I might go on my next visit. It was awarded Museum of the Year for 2026.
4. Find the Free Experiences
One of my favorite surprises was the Aarhus Jazz Festival.
I came across a free performance right in the middle of the city.
Harmonica, saxophone, and vocals filled the air, and the musicians played American tunes I recognized.
Between songs, they spoke Danish.
I didn't understand a word.
But I understood the music.
That's one of the wonderful things about travel: sometimes you don't need a common language.
5. Be Smart About the Costs
Denmark can be expensive, so I found ways to stretch my budget. In addition to making the most of breakfast buffets and watching hostel costs, I recommend getting around by bike or on foot—many cities, including Aarhus, have convenient, affordable bike rental schemes that can save money compared to taxis or public transport. Shopping at local supermarkets for snacks or picnic supplies instead of eating every meal out is another easy way to save. Consider visiting free attractions like parks, street art, and public events, or use city tourist cards for discounts if you plan to visit several paid sites. Little steps like these add up and help make a trip to Denmark much more affordable.
I stayed at Roberta's Society, a hostel-hotel in a former city library.
https://robertassociety.com/facilities/
It was centrally located, but it didn't have the social atmosphere I normally associate with a hostel. I really didn't meet people there.
There were also additional charges for things like bedding and breakfast, so check exactly what's included before booking.
One morning, I bought the breakfast buffet for about $15 and made the most of it. I had breakfast and took sandwiches, fruit, and soft-boiled eggs for later.
And, yes, I tried licorice ice cream.
You have to try something Danish!
My Aarhus To-Do List for Solo Women Travelers (including but not limited to those over 50)
No matter your age, these ideas are here to help every woman traveling solo feel confident, welcome, and inspired.
Make ARoS and its rainbow panorama a priority.
Bring your swimsuit.
Go through the Latin Quarter and down the waterfront.
Check out free concerts and festivals.
If you are interested in how ordinary Danish people lived, consider Den Gamle By.
My main suggestion is to try to meet some locals.
An organization such as Servas can then make a difference.
Mona didn't act as my overnight host; she was a day host, which allowed us to meet, walk, talk and experience Aarhus together.
That makes for a great combination when traveling alone.
You keep the freedom of traveling on your own while still having a personal link to the place you are visiting.
Leaving Aarhus
It rained on my final morning.
I went to the train station, booked a seat, and settled in for the three-hour journey back to Copenhagen.
I watched Denmark go by through the train window.
Horses, farms, bridges, windmills, and green countryside.
Around me were families, backpackers, cyclists, and other travelers.
And I thought about what Aarhus had given me.
Above all, a new human connection.
Today's Solo Travel Lesson
Aarhus reminded me of an important point from Step 5 Solo Travel.
The word solo doesn't necessarily mean being alone. If you're meeting locals, trust your instincts and meet in public places, especially when meeting someone for the first time. Taking a few simple safety measures can help ensure new friendships enhance your adventure while giving you peace of mind.
It is possible for you to go to a different country on your own, to explore it yourself and to make your own decisions, and at the same time to get in touch with someone who lives there.
