A lovely town in Denmark’s Lake District, Silkeborg is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and family-friendly outdoor activities. Climb one of the nation’s highest hills, ride on a historic paddle steamer or kayak on peaceful waterways. Silkeborg is also a place of talented craftsmen, whose works are celebrated in the town’s architecture, galleries and museums.
Silkeborg’s town centre sits on the banks of Silkeborg Langsø, a lake fed by the Gudenå River. Its streets host colourful townhouses and half-timbered buildings that double as bars, cafés and shops. Visit 19th-century landmarks, such as Det Gamle Rådhus (Old Town Hall) and Silkeborg Kirke. Admire the Swiss-style Hjejlekisoken, a boathouse on the shores of a river cutting through the town.
Spot ethnographic artifacts at Museum Silkeborg, including Victorian-era furniture and the Tollund Man bog body from 300 B.C. Learn about the town’s papermaking heritage at the Paper Museum.
Just a 20-minute walk from the town centre is Indelukket, a waterfront park with a miniature golf course, open-air theatre and Museum Jorn. Investigate rotating exhibits from the personal collection of famed Danish painter Asager Jorn. Get close to native amphibians, birds, fish and reptiles at AQUA Akvarium og Dyrepark.
Rent a bike or catch a bus to KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad and browse the visual art exhibits displayed in this former 19th-century spa. Go to nearby Silkeborg Bunker Museum to learn about living in German-occupied Denmark during World War II.
Silkeborg’s surrounding forests, lakes and waterways are ideal for biking, hiking, horseback riding and kayaking. Swim in the lake water of Almindsø on a warm summer day or explore parts of the ancient Hærvejen trade route. Climb to the summit of Himmelbjerget a fun way to reach the base is aboard the Hjejlen paddle steamer.
Get to Silkeborg by flying to Aalborg, Billund or Copenhagen. Then rent a car or take the train. Visit during June’s Riverboat Jazz Festival or August’s Åbne Atelierdøre, when local artists invite visitors into their workshops.
