Silkeborg Municipality: Nature, Trails and Culture

Silkeborg Municipality encompasses extensive forests, open heaths, marshes, grasslands, lakes and winding waterways. The Silkeborg Forests are part of the region’s internationally protected Natura 2000 sites. Nature experiences in Silkeborg include cycling and hiking routes, fire pits, playgrounds and shelters. From peaceful walking paths and longer tours to cultural attractions, you can discover different sides of the municipality.

Forests, Lakes and Trails

The Ørnsøstien is a 3-kilometre walking trail around Ørnsø. Along the way, you may spot bird species such as kingfishers and grey herons. Water levels can affect trail conditions, so check the situation before setting out. Træturen runs for about 3.5 kilometres through a forest where more than 40 tree species grow, including beeches that are over 250 years old. When planning, bear in mind that this route is not marked.

The 30-hectare Arboretet is home to around 5,000 trees and shrubs from various countries. A 1.5-kilometre trail in the Arboretet loops around a lake and crosses a wooden bridge. Stenholt Skov, meanwhile, covers about 100 hectares of multi-stemmed oak forest and is designated as a protected example of coppice woodland management.

Almind Sø has three large bathing jetties and a sandy shore suitable for sunbathing. A certified family trail also runs around Almindsø and has been recognised as a quality trail by the Danish Hiking Association.

Circular Routes and Longer Tours

The marked Silkeruten is a 12-kilometre nature, culture and experience trail around central Silkeborg. Another marked circular route of about 12 kilometres runs around Bølling Sø, with boardwalks crossing the wettest sections. It is suitable for hikers and cyclists. Rowing boats, canoes and kayaks are permitted on the western half of the lake, but not on the eastern half.

For a walk at Slåensø, a 3.5-kilometre trail runs mostly along the shore. A yellow hiking trail follows the Nordskoven ridge from Dronningestolen to Lovisehøj. The 64-kilometre hiking route from Silkeborg to Aarhus passes through Ry and Skanderborg and by Slåensø and Himmelbjerget. This offers a choice of short walks or a much longer route connecting several places. The Himmelbjergruten has an elevation difference of 125 metres between the lake’s surface and the summit of Himmelbjerget.

A former railway line is also part of the trails through the Søhøjland: the route between Horsens and Silkeborg is used by hikers, cyclists and horse riders to experience the landscape of Central Jutland. For directions to Himmelbjerget, bus 311 connects Ry and Silkeborg with the mountain and stops near car park P2 at Himmelbjerggården. Bus routes and stops may change, so check the service for your travel date.

Out on the Water

Hjejlen is the world’s oldest coal-fired paddle steamer still operating with its original engine. The trip passes between hills and forests, and you can get off along the way to reach Himmelbjerget. Services are seasonal, so check the available departures for your travel dates.

Silkeborg Kanocenter rents out canoes, kayaks, dinghies and motorboats by the hour from Silkeborg Harbour. Rentals are available from 1 April to 30 September; the season and availability may change. Check in advance that the type of boat you want is available on your chosen date.

Museums and Historic Sites

The Tollund Man’s body is the main attraction at Museum Silkeborg. Brothers Emil and Viggo Højgård discovered him in 1950 in the Bjældskovdal bog, about 10 kilometres west of Silkeborg. The museum’s main department is located in Silkeborg Hovedgård, Silkeborg’s oldest building, dating from 1767.

Museum Jorn is located in Silkeborg, right by the Gudenå River. It was founded by Danish artist Asger Jorn (1914–1973), a leading figure in the CoBrA movement. Papirmuseet is a living museum and a production site for handmade paper in the former production rooms of the old Silkeborg Paper Mill. At KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad, a former spa, exhibitions by Danish and international artists change over time; the programme may change.

AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark is a family-friendly visitor centre focused on Danish nature, with indoor and outdoor areas. There you can get close to Danish mammals and birds. Animal stories and feeding experiences take place daily; details of the day’s programme may change. An interactive Gudenå universe also explores the river’s natural and cultural significance.

Høgdal dates back to 1796 and was subsequently passed down from father to son for five generations. Historic workshops and events held throughout the year offer insights into life in the past; event dates may change. Even when Høgdal is not open, you may view the buildings from the outside and walk in the surrounding area. Opening arrangements may change, so check before your visit.

Veteranbanen Bryrup-Vrads offers a nostalgic ride on historic trains and a glimpse of Danish railway history; operating days are seasonal. Labyrinthia offers different types of mazes for children and adults of all ages.

Discover more destinations: Svejbæk, Ans, Skygge, Bording, Virklund, Vrads, Store Bredlund, Silkeborg, Ry, Kjellerup, Guldforhoved, Bryrup, Lemming, Funder, Svostrup, Kongensbro, Linå, Them Municipality, Gjern Municipality, Fårvang.

For the wider travel overview: Central Jutland.