Discover Svejbæk: Julsø, hiking trails and culture

Julsø stretches from Laven to Svejbæk. Ludvigslyst lies immediately east of Svejbæk, in the northwestern corner of Julsø. This location provides a clear setting for a stay: a walking route, protected meadows, a bathing area and excursion boats are all connected with Ludvigslyst, while other nature and cultural attractions are nearby. If you are looking for a hotel in Svejbæk, you can choose to focus on water, landscape or cultural experiences.

Hiking trails and landscape

The Ludvigslyst walking route runs around or through the protected meadows near Ludvigslyst. A section of the route marked in yellow is a small part of the Himmelbjergruten. Livestock belonging to the Sejs-Svejbæk Kogræsserlaug graze in the meadows.

Nearby, Sejs Hede preserves the last remnant of the heath-covered hills that characterized the Sejs-Svejbæk area before the hills were afforested and urban development took place on the flat meltwater terraces. The heath-covered hills provide a tangible connection to the area’s landscape history.

Ferry, excursion boats and swimming

Near Svejbæk, you can cross the Himmelbjergruten by taking the solar-powered ferry “Søhøjlandet”. The ferry operates seasonally on a regular route between Skyttehuset and Ålekroen in Svejbæk. It has been powered by solar energy since 2015. If you are planning to take the ferry, check the timetable for the relevant season.

Ludvigslyst is mainly a boarding and disembarking point for the excursion boats on the Himmelbjerg lakes, and is designated as landing stage I by Hjejleselskabet. This distinguishes the two water transport options: Søhøjlandet operates between Skyttehuset and Ålekroen, while Ludvigslyst is primarily a boarding and disembarking point for the excursion boats.

The public bathing area near Ludvigslyst in Svejbæk is recommended for swimming in Julsø. In the Svejbæk area, the De Små Fisk outdoor recreation area by Brassø, with its bathing jetty, is a popular spot for outdoor activities on and along the Gudenå for locals and tourists. The bathing spots are in different locations: the bathing area near Ludvigslyst is associated with Julsø, while the bathing jetty is at De Små Fisk by Brassø. Bathing conditions and facilities may change; check the latest information before your visit.

Culture, events and local history

The nearby Sejs-Svejbæk Church is distinguished by modern church architecture and art by Mogens Andersen. Several concerts take place there throughout the year. Nearby, the 25-metre-high tower at Himmelbjerget also offers good views of the surrounding area, especially the hills north of Julsø.

The Svejbæk Grundejerforening holds a Sankt Hans evening at Ludvigslyst every year. This creates a clear distinction when choosing dates: the ferry operates seasonally, while concerts take place throughout the year and the Sankt Hans evening is held annually. Check the ferry timetable and event dates for your travel period.

The Skanderborg–Silkeborg railway line opened on 2 May 1871, and a railway station was established in Svejbæk at the same time. This marked the beginning of Svejbæk’s development into a railway town. The cuisine at Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst is also part of the local character: it is based on organic and locally sourced ingredients.

Discover more destinations: Skygge, Ry, Silkeborg, Virklund, Them Municipality, Vrads, Svostrup, Guldforhoved.

For the overview of the wider area: Silkeborg Municipality.