Toldboden, Aarhus — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

Toldboden, the old Customs House of Aarhus, is one of those buildings that stops you in your tracks. Built between 1895 and 1897 by architect Hack Kampmann, it's considered one of his finest works, and when you see the brickwork up close, you'll understand why.

The building is actually the fourth customs house to stand in Aarhus. The very first one literally stood on wooden stilts in the harbour, a half-timbered structure that was removed as the city outgrew it. Each replacement got bigger, reflecting Aarhus's growing importance as a trading port. The current one was built to make a statement, and it does.

Kampmann used the city's coat of arms as a motif for the facade: a large square tower flanked by two lower, polygonal towers. But it's the brickwork that architects and design lovers come to see. The largest tower features a diagonal brick pattern, and the gable triangle is decorated with a herringbone design, made more striking by the varied colours of the bricks. Everything is executed with remarkable precision on a base of hewn granite.

Since 1995, the building has served various roles, from a drawing hall for architecture students to a student house, corporate headquarters, and concert venue. Today it houses a restaurant, so you can actually sit down and admire the interior while you eat.

If you're exploring Aarhus's waterfront, Toldboden is a must-see. And if you happen to be on a Questo quest, look closely at the building's details. They might hold a clue or two.