Crypt Church of Our Lady
Explore Denmark's oldest preserved room in the 11th-century crypt, alongside a 14th-century church with medieval art.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful exploration
Crypt Church of Our Lady
Best Time
Peaceful exploration

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Denmark's oldest preserved room in the 11th-century crypt, alongside a 14th-century church with medieval art.
"A journey through centuries, from the ancient crypt to medieval art, offering profound peace."
Scan the QR Code
Listen to fascinating historical info via QR code at the crypt stairs. :iphone:
Mind the Real Candles
Candles are real! Be cautious of flames, especially in the peaceful crypt. :fire:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Ancient Crypt
Beneath the main church
Descend to the oldest preserved room in Denmark, a serene crypt from around 1060. Meditate or find peace in this historical sanctuary.

Restored Wall Paintings
Inside the church
Marvel at the beautifully restored medieval wall paintings that adorn the church, offering a glimpse into its rich artistic past.

15th Century Altar
Inside the church
Gaze upon the intricate altar from the early 15th century, depicting life, cruelty, pain, and hope.

Copy of Oldest Crucifix
In the crypt
See a replica of the oldest found crucifix, symbolizing the early Christianization of Vikings and the blend of cultures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Uncover Layers of History
Peaceful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Scan the QR Code
Listen to fascinating historical info via QR code at the crypt stairs. :iphone:
Mind the Real Candles
Candles are real! Be cautious of flames, especially in the peaceful crypt. :fire:
Brochures Available
Find brochures in Danish, English, and German inside the church. :book:
Explore the Park
Relax in the nice park with a cozy atmosphere and church views. :park:
Tips
from all over the internet
Scan the QR Code
Listen to fascinating historical info via QR code at the crypt stairs. :iphone:
Mind the Real Candles
Candles are real! Be cautious of flames, especially in the peaceful crypt. :fire:
Brochures Available
Find brochures in Danish, English, and German inside the church. :book:
Explore the Park
Relax in the nice park with a cozy atmosphere and church views. :park:
Visit the Monastery Garden
Peek over the wall to see the beautiful garden of the adjacent elderly home. :flower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Crypt Church of Our Lady for its incredible historical depth, particularly the ancient crypt dating back to 1060 AD, which is described as a peaceful and unique experience. The restored wall paintings and 15th-century altar are also highlighted as significant artistic and historical features. Some find the quiet, almost solitary visits during weekdays to be a major draw.
"Three churches in one. The Crypt Church is really cool and a bit spooky. The Monastery Church definitely worth the visit. We learned a lot about the church's history in Aarhus."
Beth Shelly
"Very beautiful church with a crypt church underneath. Well worth the walk to explore this church"
Jason Frattini
"This church was in earlier history, part of the monastery placed in the building beside the church.
The church is really worth a visit because it houses surprising history.
Today is the building beside the church, a home for elderly. You can look over the surrounding wall and see the beautiful garden.
At the church, there is a nice park with a cosy atmosphere and a view of the church. You can sit here and rest. There are toilets in the church.
Inside the church, you will find brochures in Danish, English, and German.
Our Lady Church was built in the 14th century as a monastery church.
Old wall paintings are restaurated.
The altar from the start of the 15. Century is a picture of life, cruelty, pain, and maybe a hope for a coming heaven.
Under the building, is there a cryptchurch from around year 1060. It was found in 1955.
Steps are leading you down down to this oldest preserved room in Denmark. It's a phantastic place to turn inside, to medidate or be in peace.
The cross in the crypt is a copy of the oldest found crucifix. Around the year 1100. Early christianisation of vikings is this cross marked by both cultures."
ottmar schäfer
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Crypt Church of Our Lady is located in the city center of Aarhus. It's easily accessible by public transport or a pleasant walk from the city's main areas. Many visitors find it convenient to combine with exploring other city attractions.
While specific parking details can vary, the church is in a central urban area. It's advisable to check for nearby public parking garages or consider using public transportation to avoid parking hassles.
Absolutely! If you're staying in or near the city center, walking to the Crypt Church of Our Lady is a great way to experience Aarhus. The church is part of the city's historical core.
As it's centrally located, several bus routes likely stop near the church. It's recommended to use a local transit app or website to find the most convenient stops based on your starting point.
Yes, the Church of Our Lady is one of Aarhus's largest churches and is situated in the city center, making it relatively easy to locate. Look for signs directing you to major churches or historical sites.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the main church and its crypt is generally free, though donations are often appreciated. Visitors have reported having the place to themselves during off-peak hours.
The church is typically open during daylight hours, but specific times can vary. It's best to check locally or look for signs upon arrival, as some visitors have found it open around midday on Fridays.
There is usually no separate admission fee for the crypt. It's considered part of the church's historical complex and is accessible to visitors, often with informational materials available.
While weekend visits are possible, the church might be busier with services or events. Weekday visits, especially midday, are recommended for a more peaceful and less crowded experience.
The crypt is a sacred and historical space. Visitors are asked to be respectful, quiet, and mindful of the real candles. The stairs leading down are a key access point.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find beautifully restored medieval wall paintings, a significant 15th-century altar, and informative brochures. The main draw is the access to the ancient crypt below.
The crypt, dating back to around 1060, is the oldest preserved room in Denmark. It houses a copy of the oldest found crucifix and offers a unique, peaceful atmosphere for reflection.
Yes, the historical architecture, wall paintings, and the atmospheric crypt make it a great spot for photography. Be mindful of any restrictions during services and always be respectful.
Yes, restrooms are available within the church premises, which is a convenient amenity for visitors exploring the site.
Originally built as a monastery church in the 14th century, it was later expanded and served various roles, including a hospital. Its crypt dates back to the 11th century, making it a site of immense historical depth.
📸 📸 Photography
The ancient crypt itself offers a unique, atmospheric setting. The restored wall paintings and the 15th-century altar inside the church are also highly photogenic. Don't forget the exterior architecture!
Generally, photography is allowed, but it's always wise to be discreet and respectful, especially if services are taking place. Avoid flash photography in the crypt to preserve its ambiance.
Yes, you can take photos in the crypt, but remember it's a very old and sacred space. Focus on capturing the historical atmosphere rather than intrusive shots.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for the crypt due to its subterranean nature. A wide-angle lens can help capture the enclosed space effectively.
Many visitors are drawn to the contrast between the modern world and the ancient stones of the crypt. Capturing the details of the wall paintings and the altar also yields great results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider using the available brochures or the QR code for audio information to make the visit more engaging. The park outside also provides a nice space for kids to run around and decompress after exploring the church and its underground levels. It's a great way to introduce children to history in a tangible, memorable way.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the details like the copy of the oldest found crucifix, symbolizing the cultural fusion of Viking and Christian influences. The historical significance extends to its post-Reformation use as a hospital, adding another layer to its story. The availability of multilingual brochures enhances the learning experience.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Contemplatives
The serene atmosphere of the crypt, with its historical weight and quietude, is perfect for meditation or simply soaking in the profound sense of history. The church itself offers a tranquil space to sit, reflect, and appreciate the centuries of devotion that have taken place within its walls. The nearby park also provides a peaceful spot to rest and contemplate.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Crypt's Origins
Within this ancient chamber, you'll find a copy of the oldest found crucifix, dating from around 1100 AD. This artifact is significant as it embodies the early Christianization of the Vikings, showcasing a blend of both cultures in its design. The atmosphere in the crypt is often described as peaceful and even a little spooky, making it a unique highlight for many visitors. The stairs leading down are the only access, adding to the sense of discovery.
Architectural Evolution and Artistic Treasures
Inside the church, visitors can admire restored wall paintings that bring medieval artistry back to life. The altar, dating from the early 15th century, is a striking piece depicting themes of life, cruelty, pain, and hope. These artistic elements, combined with the church's historical narrative, make it a rich destination for those interested in religious art and architecture. Brochures in Danish, English, and German are available to help visitors understand the significance of these features.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit