Risskov

Risskov Church

Risskov is one of the most affluent areas in Denmark, and a district to the city of Aarhus. The name literally means The Forest of Riis, as described on the memorial stone marking the entrance to the area.

Origin of name and history of Riis Skov

Risskov derives its name from Riis Skov, a forest the southern part of which was granted to the city of Aarhus by Margaret I of Denmark as the first, Danish public forest. In 1542, Christian III of Denmark granted the northern part of the forest to Aarhus as well . From early on the forest was used for leisurely activities, and during the 1800s restaurants, entertainment parks and musical pavilions sprung up in different parts of the forest. Today the forest is famous for its sharp smell of ramson during the spring and many anemones and is a popular destination for families and couples. Supposedly the ramson was brought to Denmark by Spanish soldiers who brought it to the forrest in Risskov in 1808 during the Napoleonic Wars . In October 1951 a meteorite exploded in the atmosphere over Denmark and part of it, about the size of a clenched fist, was found in Riis Skov, where a memorial stone now commemorates the event.

Sights in and around Risskov

Today Risskov is a popular and affluent suburban area with many villas and attractive beaches in close vicinity to the forest.

Notable sights in Risskov include:

• Riis Skov, the first public forest in Denmark.
• Bellevue beach
• Åkrogen beach
• Den permanente, a public outdoor bath

The beaches of Risskov provides a beautiful view of the bay of Aarhus. On clear days, Samsø and Helgenæs and Mols are visible in the horizon.

Risskov in literature

Risskov has been immortalized in Danish literature in the works of Svend Aage Madsen who himself lives there, and, more recently, in Jens Blendstrup's "Laterna Vagina" and his lyrics for the musical and poetic album Piksvingeri & negerlege.