Tall Ships Races in Aarhus
Your guide to The Tall Ships Races Aarhus 2026
From June 24 to 27, Aarhus will be transformed into one big maritime summer party when The Tall Ships Races takes over the harbor with some of the world's most beautiful sailing ships. You can look forward to open ships, free concerts, family activities and lots of atmosphere along the waterfront. Here we have put together a guide to some of the experiences you shouldn't miss during the four festive days.
Photo Dennis Borup
Experience the impressive ships in the Port of Aarhus
The Tall Ships Races is about much more than concerts, activities and summer atmosphere at the harbor. The heart of the event is of course the impressive ships that will dock in Aarhus from June 24 to 27 and transform the harbor area into a maritime universe filled with history, adventure and an international atmosphere.
As you move around Herman Sallings Plads, Pier 2 and Pier 3, it quickly becomes clear why this particular event attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. The masts rise towards the sky, the ropes move in the wind, and the beautiful hulls lie side by side along the quay. Some of the ships have crossed oceans. Others are used today as training ships for young sailors. What they all have in common is that they bring maritime traditions, strong stories and impressive craftsmanship to Aarhus.
The ships are divided into four classes: A, B, C and D. Class A are the largest and most spectacular ships with tall masts and classic sail setups. These are often the ships that make people stop, take out their cameras and just stand there for a moment and look. Class B consists of less traditionally rigged ships, while classes C and D primarily include modern sailing vessels. Together, this provides a great variety where you can experience both historic sailing ships and more modern racing boats.
One of the special things about The Tall Ships Races is that you don't just have to admire the ships from the dock. On many of the vessels, there will be an open ship option, where you can come aboard and experience life on deck up close. Here you will have the opportunity to see the details, feel the atmosphere and get a sense of what life at sea is actually like. It is often one of the experiences that both children and adults remember best.
In addition to the participating Tall Ships, Aarhus will also be visited by some particularly well-known Danish ships. Both the School Ship DANMARK and the Georg Stage will be stopping by, and for many it is a highlight. In addition, you can also experience open ship on, among others, the Brita Leth and the Danish Navy's MHV 908 Brigaden.
If you love ships, harbor environments and great experiences, it's hard not to be impressed. But even if you're not normally interested in sailing, there's something very special about standing in the middle of Aarhus and experiencing so many iconic ships gathered in one place.
Here are some of the ships you should keep an eye on:
Among the biggest eye-catchers during The Tall Ships Races in Aarhus you will undoubtedly find the Norwegian Statsraad Lehmkuhl. The impressive ship was built in 1914 and, at almost 85 meters, is one of the most spectacular ships in the entire field. When she is in the harbor, it is difficult not to be drawn by the size and details.
Another notable ship is the Sørlandet from Norway. Built in 1927, the ship holds a special place in maritime history. It is said to be the world's oldest fully rigged ship in operation and is known for its long tradition as a training ship.
From the Netherlands comes the Wylde Swan, which stands out with its elegant design and reputation as a fast racing vessel. The ship is the world's largest two-masted topsail schooner and is built for both speed and long voyages across the open sea.
You can also experience Pogoria from Poland, which has been a well-known name in the Tall Ships context for many years. The ship is used as a training ship and, with its classic lines, is a beautiful example of the maritime tradition on which the Tall Ships Races are based.
Among the Dutch ships, the Morgenster is also worth keeping an eye on. The historic ship was originally launched way back in 1919 and has had a life spanning from fishing to training sailing over the years. Today, it is one of the ships that many visitors seek out.
In class B you will find, among other things, the Danish Schooner Jylland, which is a ship with a very special history. Here the focus is not only on sailing, but also on community, development and strong human stories.
There will also be smaller but very exciting vessels such as Pascual Flores from Spain, Kapitan Borchardt from Poland and Atlantica from Sweden. Although they are not as large as the Class A ships, they have plenty of character and history.
The beauty of The Tall Ships Races is the mix. You get the big wow moments with the huge full riggers, but you often find the little details and special stories with the smaller ships.
My advice is actually quite simple: Go exploring. Take the time to move around between the ships, look up at the masts, feel the atmosphere on the quay and jump aboard when the opportunity presents itself. Because whether you are a ship enthusiast or just curious, this is an experience that only comes to Aarhus every few years.
