This Danish city's indoor rainforest houses 400+ animals, while its historic center has preserved half-timbered houses. Home to Scandinavia's largest aquarium.
Randers, Denmark's sixth-largest city, sits along the Gudenå River in eastern Jutland. You'll find Denmark's oldest pedestrian street here, still paved with its original cobblestones and lined with 15th-century merchant houses. The city has evolved beyond its medieval roots to include surprising modern attractions like Northern Europe's largest artificial rainforest and a full-scale replica of Elvis Presley's Graceland.
Visiting Randers Tropical Zoo
Walk through three geodesic domes, each recreating a different continental ecosystem: South American, African, and Asian. You'll see 175 species of animals moving freely among 350 plant varieties. The newest section, THE ICE AGE (opened 2023), takes you back to the end of the last glacial period with hands-on exhibits including a reindeer hunter's camp and a wolverine habitat.
Walking Through the Medieval Center
St. Martin's Church, built in 1490, rises above the old market square with its tall brick spire. Walk down Houmeden street, which became pedestrian-only in 1963, and feel the original cobblestones under your feet while passing timber-framed buildings. The red-brick House of the Holy Spirit, built in the 1500s, stands next to the square as an example of local monastic architecture.
Exploring Memphis Mansion
This Danish tribute to Elvis Presley covers twice the area of the original Graceland in Tennessee. Browse through collections of Elvis memorabilia in the museum, and eat at the 1950s American diner where you can try classic American dishes, including the peanut butter and banana sandwich. Check the calendar for regular events and themed parties throughout the year.
Following the Gudenå River
Walk or cycle along the three-kilometer Gudenå River Park through central Randers, from the medieval district to the harbor area. Take any of the side paths leading to viewpoints overlooking the Gudenå Valley. The main path connects to a wider network of trails extending to nearby towns.
Discovering Local Glove Making
Visit Randers Handskefabrik boutique, where craftspeople have made gloves since 1811. Inside, wooden drawers line the walls from floor to ceiling, filled with gloves of all sizes. The workshop's historical records show their gloves were worn by European nobility, including members of the French court.
Attending Randers Ugen
During this nine-day August festival, you can watch performances in local theaters and on temporary stages in the market square and along the river. Visit art galleries during their extended hours for special exhibitions, and join or watch sports competitions happening throughout Randers.
