Airbnb in Aarhus: What Can You Earn in Denmark's Second City?

Aarhus has roughly 800–1,000 active Airbnb listings — a fraction of Copenhagen's inventory, which means less competition per listing. The city attracts a diverse mix of guests: business travellers (Aarhus University Hospital, Vestas, Arla), university visitors (parents, conference attendees), tourists (ARoS, Den Gamle By, Moesgaard), and event-goers (NorthSide, Aarhus Festuge, Spot Festival).

Unlike Copenhagen, where short-term rental regulation is tightly enforced, Aarhus operates with lighter oversight. The 70-day rule applies identically, but the municipality has been less aggressive in enforcement — though this may change as the market grows.

For a comprehensive overview of what draws visitors to the city, see VisitAarhus — the official tourism portal.

The legal framework is identical to the rest of Denmark: you may rent out your primary residence for up to 70 days per year (100 if Aarhus Kommune opts into the extended scheme). Airbnb reports your earnings to SKAT automatically, and you qualify for the 43,800 kr. standard deduction.

If you live in an ejerforening or andelsbolig, check your vedtægter for any additional restrictions. Aarhus has a higher proportion of andelsboliger than Copenhagen, and many cooperatives have explicit short-term rental clauses.

Holiday homes in the Aarhus area (Mols, Ebeltoft, Djursland) follow Planloven rules and are not subject to the 70-day limit — making them attractive for year-round rental. Find information about holiday options in the Aarhus area at VisitAarhus' holiday home section.

Aarhus city centre (Latinerkvarteret, Åboulevarden, Trøjborg): Highest demand and rates. A 2-room flat commands 900–1,300 kr./night. With 70 days at 85% occupancy, expect 53,000–77,000 kr. gross annual income.

Frederiksbjerg/Aarhus Ø: Popular residential areas with strong weekday demand from business travellers. Nightly rates: 800–1,100 kr. for a well-furnished flat. Annual potential: 47,000–65,000 kr.

Brabrand/Viby/Højbjerg: Lower rates (600–900 kr./night) but also lower property costs. Best suited for hosts targeting visiting university staff, hospital workers, or families wanting more space. Annual potential: 35,000–53,000 kr. — still a meaningful supplement to property costs.

Aarhus has a more even demand distribution than Copenhagen, thanks to its year-round business travel base. Still, clear peaks exist: Aarhus Festuge (late August/early September) drives the highest nightly rates — sometimes 2x normal. NorthSide Festival (June), Spot Festival (May), and major AU conferences create secondary peaks.

The university calendar matters: September (new students + parents visiting), January (exam period attracts visiting academics), and graduation weeks (June) all boost demand. Weekday bookings from hospital and corporate visitors provide a steady base throughout the year.

Smart hosts in Aarhus focus their 70 days around: summer (June–August), Festuge, major events, and high-demand weekdays. This concentration can push average nightly rates 20–30% above a year-round average.

The process is straightforward. First, verify your property qualifies (check vedtægter if applicable, confirm with insurer). Then: invest in professional photography (expect 2,000–3,500 kr. in Aarhus), write a listing that highlights proximity to attractions and transport, and set competitive initial pricing.

For your first few bookings, price 10–15% below comparable listings to attract initial reviews. Once you have 5+ positive reviews, your listing's visibility and conversion rate improve dramatically — then you can raise prices to market level.

Consider listing on both Airbnb and Booking.com. Aarhus' international business visitor segment books heavily through Booking.com, so dual-platform presence captures demand you would otherwise miss. Use our income calculator to see what your Aarhus property could earn.

Managing an Airbnb in Aarhus is very doable on your own if you live in the city. Guest communication, key handover (smart locks are a worthwhile investment), and cleaning coordination are the main time commitments — expect 3–5 hours per week during active rental periods.

If you travel frequently, live outside Aarhus, or simply value your time elsewhere, a professional co-host handles operations while you retain pricing control and listing ownership. Commission rates for co-hosts in Aarhus typically run 20–25% — comparable to Copenhagen.

The decision often comes down to: is your time worth more than the commission you would save? For most professionals earning above-average salaries, professional management makes financial sense once annual rental income exceeds 50,000 kr. See why Doorstep for our approach to property management.