Randers is a mid-sized Danish town on the Gudenå river in eastern Jutland, best known for its tropical zoo. Randers Regnskov (Randers Rainforest) is a domed complex built over the river that houses three climate zones — South America, Africa, and Asia — under interconnected glass domes. It is one of Denmark's most-visited family attractions, and the reason most people stop here.
Beyond the rainforest, Randers has a pleasant old town with half-timbered houses and a pedestrianised shopping street. The medieval Sankt Mortens Kirke is worth a visit — this is where the Danish Reformation began in 1526. The Randers Museum of Art holds a solid collection of Danish painting. The Gudenå — Denmark's longest river — flows through town and is good for kayaking downstream toward Randers Fjord. The Kulturhuset hosts concerts and exhibitions.
The wildcard is Memphis Mansion, a full-scale replica of Graceland built on the edge of town by an ardent Elvis fan — an improbable attraction executed with real dedication.
The Gudenå riverfront and the old town's half-timbered lanes reward an afternoon on foot, and the Randers Fjord to the north is one of the best birdwatching areas in Denmark.
Randers makes a reasonable stop on a Jutland road trip, well-connected by train to Aarhus (30 minutes south) and Aalborg (an hour north).