In 60 seconds
Denmark's Outdoor Capital nestled in the Lake Highlands (Søhøjlandet), famed for Europe's oldest coal-fired paddle steamer Hjejlen (1861), the 147-metre scenic summit of Himmelbjerget, Silkeborg Museum's Tollund Man and Museum Jorn.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You are looking for saltwater sandy surf beaches rather than peaceful freshwater lakes and forested hills.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Silkeborg & The Lake Highlands fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
The world's oldest operating original coal-fired paddle steamer, cruising the Gudenå lakes between Silkeborg and Himmelbjerget since 1861
Step aboard at Silkeborg harbour for the historic 75-minute cruise across Lake Brassø and Lake Julsø to the foot of Himmelbjerget.
Iconic Danish glacial bluff rising 147 metres above Lake Julsø, crowned by an 1875 red-brick tower honouring King Frederick VII and Danish democracy
Walk the forested lakeside trail from the steamer dock up to the tower for panoramic views across the lakes and beech forests.
Historic 18th-century manor house displaying the 2,400-year-old Tollund Man, the world's best-preserved Iron Age bog body
Gaze at the astonishingly preserved facial features and braided leather rope before exploring prehistoric peat bog archaeology.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Worth planning the evening around.
Historic forest inn on the northern shore of Lake Julsø in Svejbæk, serving organic Nordic cuisine
Book a table for local venison, wild lake trout and seasonal berries beneath the trees.
Intimate French-Danish bistro in central Silkeborg with an acclaimed multi-course tasting menu
Savour delicate seasonal dishes paired with fine European wines.
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Traditional restaurant facing Torvet, famous for classic Danish smørrebrød and fresh fish
Enjoy open-faced roast beef or herring sandwiches in the heart of town.
Lively riverside café on the Papirfabrikken canal serving brunch, open sandwiches and great coffee
Sit along the water watching kayakers paddle past.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Major international art museum housing over 5,000 works by Danish CoBrA avant-garde master Asger Jorn and international modernists
Wander the riverside galleries along the Gudenå river and inspect Jorn's monumental canvas 'Stalingrad'.
Denmark's longest river (158 km) weaving through forest valleys and tranquil lakes from Tørring to Randers Fjord
Rent a canoe at Silkeborg harbour to paddle through peaceful reed channels and forest lakes.
Pristine forest lake nestled in the woods south of Lake Julsø with crystal-clear freshwater and a tranquil circular walking path
Walk the quiet four-kilometre trail through old beech stands away from tourist crowds.
After dark
World-renowned Danish craft brewery outpost set in a historic wooden pavilion on the harbour
Sample 20 rotating taps of sour beers, IPAs and lagers.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
Converted 19th-century paper mill district on the Gudenå river now home to hotels, cinemas and riverside dining
The most vibrant waterfront promenade in Silkeborg.
The forested lake district stretching south-east towards Ry and Skanderborg
Best for paddle steamer rides, hiking, swimming and nature.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Modern design hotel integrated into the historic red-brick paper mill right on the Gudenå river
Central, scenic and walkable to the paddle steamer quays.
Idyllic wooden holiday cottages nestled around Lake Julsø and Lake Brassø
Ideal for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
The Tollund Man is laid to rest in a peat bog in Bjældskovdal, preserved by acidic sphagnum moss until discovered in 1950.
Industrialist Michael Drewsen founds the Silkeborg Paper Mill on the Gudenå rapids, founding the modern town.
The paddle steamer Hjejlen is inaugurated by King Frederick VII, beginning over 160 years of lake tourism.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Denmark's second city, ARoS Art Museum and open-air historic town
Combine tranquil freshwater lakes with dynamic coastal city culture.
Historic granite cathedral city and ancient ting assembly seat to the north
Explore Jutland's medieval ecclesiastical heritage.
