Tall Ships Races in Aarhus is an experience you shouldn't miss out on.

Old sailing ships, maritime traditions and summer atmosphere at the harbor

Tall Ships Races is much more than just beautiful sailing ships along the harbor. It is an international maritime event where some of the world's largest and most impressive sailing ships come together, while young people from all over the world get the opportunity to experience life at sea and learn about cooperation, responsibility and community on board.

These days, Aarhus is the center of just that, and with temperatures of 28 degrees, blue skies and sun over the harbor, the setting could hardly be better.

You can see the masts even before you reach the harbor.

The masts rise above the buildings at Herman Sallings Plads, and it's easy to see that something is different in the city right now. The port of Aarhus almost feels transformed into something from another time, when large sailing ships and maritime traditions filled the waterfront with life.

At the official opening, Mayor Anders Winnerskjold explained why Aarhus is an obvious host city for the event.

“Aarhus has always had a strong relationship with the sea,” said the mayor, who also pointed out that the harbor has throughout time been the city's opening to the world.

He also said something that captures the essence of Tall Ships very precisely. “The sea not only divides us. The sea also binds us together.”

And that's exactly the feeling you get when you walk around the harbor these days.

Norwegian Sørlandet from 1927 and one of the world's oldest fully rigged sailing ships still sailing the waters.

The history behind the Tall Ships Races goes back 70 years

The Tall Ships Races have a rather unique history. It all started as a one-off event in 1956, where the purpose was to celebrate the world's remaining tall ships, because at the time it was believed that they were on their way to disappearing completely. But the interest was so great that the event grew into the international event we know today.

One of the most fascinating things is that four of the 20 ships from the very first race in 1956 are still participating today. Among them are the Norwegian Sørlandet and Christian Radich, as well as the Dutch Maybe and the Danish Georg Stage.

This also means that Sørlandet, which is currently docked in Aarhus, was part of the first Tall Ships race 70 years ago.

A walk along the harbor is an experience in itself.

From Herman Sallings Plads and all the way around Navitas to Bassin 7, the ships lie side by side with tall masts, white sails and a tangle of ropes, making the harbor area feel like a mix of a living museum and an international summer festival.

The atmosphere is relaxed, cozy and summery. People walk around with ice cream and cold drinks in their hands, families stop and point towards the enormous ships, and there are always little moments where you just stand still and look.

If you visit the Tall Ships Races, I would definitely recommend taking the whole walk around and not just stopping at the largest ships. There is also something very special about the smaller vessels, each with its own history and charm.

The special begins when you step aboard

What's special about the Tall Ships Races is not just the ships seen from the outside. It's just as much the experience of getting on board.

There's something about stepping from land onto an old sailing ship that can't be compared to anything else. You set foot on deck and suddenly it feels like you're stepping into another world.

Planks under your feet instead of cobblestones. Ropes in all directions above your head. Old details and original instruments that are still used to this day.

Norwegian State Council Lehmkuh from 1924.

Councilor Lehmkuhl made the biggest impression

One of the ships that made the biggest impression on me was undoubtedly the Norwegian Statsraad Lehmkuhl.

It's hard to fully describe in words how impressive that ship really is. And there's something almost majestic about it.

On board I had a chat with one of the crew, who told me about life at sea and everyday life on the ship. The crew works around 10 hours a day, and everyone has their fixed roles within deck, navigation, engine and catering.

One of the most fascinating things was hearing that the ship still sails without an autopilot. There is always someone at the helm, 24/7.

It's hard not to stop and think about that. In an era where everything is digital and automated, there are still places where experience, craftsmanship and human presence are still crucial.

The crew member also showed us the navigation bridge, where the original magnetic compass from 1914 still hangs. It still works, although modern equipment is of course also used today.

I also got an explanation of why speed at sea is still measured in knots and not kilometers. In the past, people would send a rope with knots into the water and measure how fast the knots ran through their hands. That told them how fast the ship was sailing.

Tall Ships is really about people

During the opening speech, CEO of Sail Training International, Vanessa Mori, said that this year's Tall Ships Races are something very special because 2026 marks the event's 70th anniversary. For seven decades, Tall Ships has brought together young people and crews from around the world around sailing, community and learning.

"The true reason we organize the Tall Ships Races each year is young people," she said from the stage.

She described how life on board teaches young people about responsibility, cooperation and trust, and how something special happens when people from different countries and cultures meet at sea.

"When young people come together at sea, something remarkable happens."

That perspective makes even more sense when you have been on board yourself and felt the atmosphere.

From the outside we see the beautiful ships with tall masts and white sails. But behind the facade are stories about people, traditions and a life at sea that few of us know about.

It's worth the trip.

If you're wondering if the Tall Ships Races are worth the trip, my answer is pretty clear. It is.

Take the walk all the way around. Don't just look at the biggest ships, stop by the smaller ones too. Go aboard, ask questions and take your time to soak up the atmosphere.

Tall Ships Races is not just about looking at ships. It's about getting closer to a world that few of us know about.

Facts about Tall Ships Races Aarhus 2026

• Tall Ships Races will be held in Aarhus from June 24 to 27
• 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the Tall Ships Races
• The ships are located from Herman Sallings Plads around Navitas and on to Bassin 7.
• There is access to the port area and the opportunity to visit several of the ships
• The event offers ships, music, activities and maritime experiences for the whole family

2026 route after Aarhus
• Aarhus is the starting point for this year's Tall Ships Races
• The ships then sail on to Harlingen, Antwerp and Stavanger
• The final will be held in Aalborg on August 2nd.