Sandra Rehder, Managing Director, BOLD Consulting
When people think of Denmark, they often picture Copenhagen: bicycles, clean design and progressive urban policies. But there is a smaller, perhaps even more agile city making waves in northern Europe – Aarhus. Often dubbed “the little Copenhagen”, this city of around 350,000 people has quietly evolved into a hub for inclusive urban development, international collaboration and digital innovation.
What makes Aarhus remarkable isn’t its size, but its ambition – and the consistency with which that ambition is translated into reality.
1. Urban Development: Built for Humans
Aarhus takes human-centred urban planning seriously. The waterfront, once dominated by industry, has been transformed into a liveable, vibrant space with housing, culture and nature seamlessly integrated. Projects like Aarhus Ø, a newly developed urban island, reflect a vision where sustainability, quality of life and design converge. Everything feels deliberate – and deeply accessible.
2. Inclusion: More Than a Concept
Denmark ranks high on global equality indices, and Aarhus brings those values to life. Whether in education, city services or cultural programming, inclusion is not treated as a checkbox, but as an operating principle. Public spaces are designed for all – children, elderly, people with disabilities, newcomers. And that matters, especially as cities become more complex.
3. International Spirit, Local Heart
Aarhus has an unmistakably global mindset. English is widely spoken. The city’s university attracts talent from all over the world, and international start-ups are increasingly calling it home. Yet, the city maintains a strong local identity – rooted in Scandinavian values and design thinking.
4. Digital Denmark in Action
Denmark is consistently ranked among the most digital countries in the EU – and Aarhus exemplifies why. From seamless digital public services to smart infrastructure and sustainable data solutions, the city integrates tech without letting it dominate. The result is digitality with purpose – quiet, effective, almost invisible.
What can cities like Berlin, Hamburg or Munich take away from Aarhus?
That big vision doesn’t need big size – but it does need clear intent, inclusive design and cross-sector collaboration. Aarhus teaches us that digitality, international openness and liveability are not competing forces – they are mutually reinforcing.
At BOLD, we support organisations and cities that are ready to design the future – by starting with the needs of people.
March 2025
