The greenhouses

Peter Holms vej, 8000 Aarhus C

A green oasis in the middle of Aarhus

The Greenhouses in Aarhus are one of those places where the pace automatically slows down. A few steps after you walk through the door, the sounds of the city are replaced by running water, lush plants and a warm, humid climate that feels far from everyday Danish life. Here you can move through four different climate zones, experience plants from all over the world and take your time to explore the small paths, bridges and green spaces hidden behind the glass facades. Whether you visit the Greenhouses to take photos, find peace or learn more about plants and nature, it is an experience that invites you to shrug your shoulders. And best of all, admission is free all year round.

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Cafe

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Atmosphere

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Practical

Enjoy a break in the café

In the middle of the green surroundings you will find the café, where you can sit down with a cup of coffee, a light lunch or something cold to drink. The large glass areas and the many plants create a calm atmosphere, which makes the café an ideal place to take a break, whether you are visiting the Greenhouses alone or with others.

On the first floor is an open seating area with a view down over the greenhouses and the café. There is free Wi-Fi and plenty of space to read, work on the computer or just enjoy the silence with a view of the green surroundings. Many people also use the area as an informal meeting place or for a relaxing time with a board game.

From the Mediterranean to the desert

The greenhouses are divided into different climate zones, and already in the Mediterranean House you will notice how the temperature, light and vegetation change character. Plants from Southern Europe, South Africa and Australia grow here, where olive trees, citrus plants and the rare silver tree share space with colorful flowers and carnivorous plants.

In the Desert House, the climate becomes even drier, and the landscape is dominated by large cacti, succulents and agaves, some of which have been here for decades. It is fascinating to see how diverse nature can be, and how plants have evolved to cope with long periods without rain. Along the way, you can use the Useeum app, which tells the story behind many of the plants you encounter on your tour through the greenhouses.

The greenhouses Lianas and passion flowers

Mountain forest and tropical rainforest

From the dry surroundings, the tour continues to the Mountain Forest House, where the temperature drops slightly while the humidity increases. Here, the atmosphere is inspired by mountain forests at an altitude of 1.000 to 2.000 meters, and between coffee plants, ferns and lush trees, the sound of mountain gorillas can be heard, giving the area an extra dimension.

The Tropical House is the largest greenhouse and one of the places most visitors spend the longest. Here, cocoa trees, vanilla, banana plants and tall palms grow side by side under the 19-meter-high glass dome. From the observation tower, you can see the rainforest from above, before moving on to the water basin with vegetarian piranhas and the large water lilies. If you are lucky, one of the colorful butterflies will fly by as you explore the winding paths through the tropical planting.

More than a botanical garden

The greenhouses are part of Aarhus University and function as both an excursion destination, a teaching environment and a living plant collection. More than 2.500 plant species from all over the world grow here, and the plants are cared for every day by gardeners and researchers who work with conservation, dissemination and research.

Around the greenhouses you will find signs and digital communication solutions that tell about the origin of the plants, their special properties and the climate conditions they live in. Therefore, a visit to the Greenhouses is not only a nature experience, but also an opportunity to learn more about the diversity found in nature. At the same time, it is a place where many Aarhusians come to find peace, regardless of whether they have an hour or a whole afternoon to spare.

A trip in the desert – The desert house houses cacti and succulents, which thrive in heat and almost no water.

FAQ – Practical information for your visit

How much does it cost to visit the Greenhouses?

There is free admission for everyone to both the exhibitions and the climate zones, making it one of the most popular free experiences in Aarhus for students, families and tourists alike.

When are the Greenhouses open?

From September to June, it is open Monday to Friday from 9 am to 16 pm and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 10 am to 16 pm. During the summer period (July and August), opening hours are extended to 17 pm every day.

Where can I park?

You will find 5 hours of free parking at Poppelpladsen. Simply drive down Peter Holms Vej to find the space, which is within easy walking distance of the entrance to the Botanical Garden.

Can I take the bus to the Greenhouses?

Yes, it is easy to use public transport. Buses 3A, 14 and 44 stop at Viborgvej. If you are coming from the Silkeborgvej side, you can use buses 4A, 11, 15, 43 or 113.

Is there a café in the Grow Houses?

Yes, Væksthusenes Café serves delicious, light meals, cakes and drinks in green surroundings. The café follows Væksthusenes opening hours and is the perfect place for a lunch break.

Find on Google maps

Experience the Greenhouses through pictures

Get an insight into the four climate zones, the characteristic glass domes and the many plants that make the Greenhouses one of Aarhus' most popular attractions. The gallery shows everything from the tall palm trees in the Tropical House and the large cacti in the Desert House to the green paths, water basins and small details that many visitors stop to experience.

Whether you are visiting the Greenhouses for the first time or returning, the pictures give a good impression of the different environments that await behind the glass facades. Here, the landscape changes from dry desert areas to lush rainforest in just a few minutes' walk, and there are new details to discover year-round.

A trip to the Mediterranean – Plants from Spain, South America, Australia and South Africa – all gathered in the Mediterranean House.

The Useeum app – Scan the plant signs with the app and get exciting facts directly on your mobile.

Eats flies – The carnivorous plants feed on insects and catch them with sticky leaves and traps.

Bags on the trees – The small bags contain beneficial insects that eat pests and protect the plants.

A trip to Cape Town – The silver tree is protected and only grows naturally in the area around Cape Town in South Africa.

Tropical oases – The plants are placed in small, humid oases – with everything from banana plants to ferns.

Subtropical deserts – Plants from Africa and America – many with thorns or poisonous milky sap.

50-year-old Agave – This agave turned 50 years old in 2020 – it only blooms once in its lifetime.

Discovery of new species – Scientists are constantly discovering new plant species – several have been named by researchers from Aarhus University.

The angel's trumpet – Look up! The large, white flowers hang from the ceiling and can grow up to 25 cm long.

Spaniel beard – This plant has no roots – it absorbs moisture directly through small hairs on the leaves.

The rainforest – The largest greenhouse is filled with tropical plants from all over the world.

Lianas and passion flowers – Lianas wind their way up the trunks – this is where butterflies lay their eggs.

Flowers on the stem – In the rainforest, many flowers grow directly on the trunks, not on branches.

High ceilings – The tropical house has a ceiling height of 19 meters – sugar cane, cocoa trees and vanilla grow here.

Christmas cactus – This holiday cactus originally comes from Southeast Brazil.

The pond with pirate fish – Victoria water lilies can carry up to 45 kg – the pond also houses vegetarian piranhas.

Food for the manatees – The surplus plants from the pond are sent to Randers Rainforest as feed.

Butterflies in the Tropehuset – Heliconius and Glasswing butterflies hover between plants and towers.

Feeds on certain plants – Butterflies depend on very specific plants to lay eggs and live.

Rare orchid – Orchids are among the world's most sought-after plants. Some species are so rare that they are threatened by illegal collection.

“Deformed penis” – This spectacular flower only blooms every three years and emits a strong, unpleasant odor – it has earned its nickname for good reason.