In the 19th century, with the beginning of the industrial revolution, Aarhus started seeking and gaining independence from the two main powers surrounding it, Copenhagen and Hamburg. The size of the city expanded greatly during this period marking itself as the largest city in Jutland and the second largest city in Denmark. This sudden grow was relatively due to the development of the port, which enabled bigger ships and steam ships to berth at the harbor during the 1840’s. However, the development plan of the harbor was complete by 1861, a year after that (1862) a railway line connecting Aarhus and the town of Randers (in addition, the surrounding towns) was established consisting of seven tracks, this was the first section of the new railway development.
H i s tor y : 17 th , 18 th c en t u ry 13
The main supply of wood for fencing, building and fuel, was brought from Riis, which belonged to the town at the current time. It was till the 17th century when the city of Aarhus suffered the most, as the war which overwhelmed Scandinavia and northern Europe took place. The invasion of the German imperial army between 1627 and 1629, followed by the Swedish troops in 1644, who started taxing the city comprehensively, resulted in heavily fortification that can still be seen in the southern part of the city. Despite all misfortunes the city went through, Aarhus managed to keep its significant and trade importance throughout the 18th century.