Aarhus/Århus
Nowadays, 'Aarhus' is actually 'Århus', at least within Denmark. But the old-fashioned spelling of the city's name is retained by various tradition-conscious institutions, such as the University, and by people without 'Å' on their keyboards – which is why you will see 'Aarhus' in most non-Danish contexts.
Highly accessible and at the geographical heart of Europe (if one includes Greenland), Denmark's second-biggest city and port (population approx. 300,000) is renowned for its broad streets and light traffic (in which bicycles figure prominently), its youthful and easygoing atmosphere, and its multi-faceted nightlife. The unofficial capital of Jutland, Århus dates back to the Vikings, and its rich history is reflected in fine old buildings which have been complemented in recent times by a great deal of internationally-celebrated modern architecture, not least that of the University of Aarhus (founded in 1928), which often claims to have the most beautiful campus in Scandinavia.
The city has a wealth of excellent restaurants, a fascinating café environment, and a rich musical culture, with the Concert Hall, the Aarhus Symphony Orchestra, and the Danish National Opera (note the performances of "The Flying Dutchman" immediately before and after the conference!) among its many features. Århus also has a large and splendid art museum, hosting both a representative Danish collection and major international exhibitions, and a range of excellent historical and archaeological museums, such as the Old Town (consisting of buildings transplanted from all over the country) and the Moesgård Museum, best known as home of the Grauballe Man (just one of a range of remarkable Heaney-esque bog bodies that you are liable to meet in Jutland). The city is surrounded by pleasant woods and beaches, which have every chance of being enjoyable in late August.
The academic programme for the conference will be supplemented by a range of excursions, so that participants can make the most of these cultural and natural attractions. Conference participants who wish to prolong their stay in town will be able to enjoy the major international Århus Festival, which takes place every year at the end of August.
Further information about Århus may be found at the following website: http://www.visitaarhus.com