Holiday apartment in Silkeborg Municipality between forests, lakes and hiking trails

Silkeborg Municipality combines extensive forests, open heathlands, bogs, grasslands, lakes and winding waterways. Particularly notable is the Silkeruten, a marked, approximately 12-kilometre-long nature, culture and adventure trail that leads around central Silkeborg.

Nature

The Silkeborg Forests are among the region’s internationally protected Natura 2000 areas. Nature experiences in Silkeborg include cycling and hiking routes, fire pits, playgrounds and shelters. The Ørnsøstien is an approximately 3-kilometre-long walking trail around Lake Ørnsø, where bird species such as kingfishers and grey herons can be found. Træturen is an approximately 3.5-kilometre-long circular trail through the forest with more than 40 tree species and beech trees over 250 years old.

Stenholt Skov comprises approximately 100 hectares of multi-stemmed oak woodland and is designated as a protected example of coppice forestry. The Arboretum is a 30-hectare wet-soil arboretum with approximately 5,000 trees and shrubs from various countries.

Trails and water

Almind Sø has three large bathing jetties as well as a sandy shore suitable for sunbathing. A yellow hiking trail follows the ridge of Nordskoven from Dronningestolen to Lovisehøj. An approximately 3.5-kilometre-long hiking trail runs around Slåensø, mostly along the shore.

A marked, approximately 12-kilometre-long circular route runs around Bølling Sø, with boardwalks across the wettest sections; it is suitable for hikers and cyclists. On the western half of Bølling Sø, travelling by rowing boat, canoe or kayak is permitted; on the eastern half, it is not. The 64-kilometre-long hiking route from Silkeborg to Aarhus passes through Ry and Skanderborg and passes Slåensø and Himmelbjerget. Bus 311 connects Ry and Silkeborg with Himmelbjerget and stops near car park P2 at Himmelbjerggården.

Hjejlen is the world’s oldest coal-fired paddle steamer still in operation with its original engine. Silkeborg Trailcenter is a natural meeting place for people seeking experiences and activities in nature. The former railway line between Horsens and Silkeborg is used by hikers, cyclists and horse riders to experience the central Jutland Søhøjland.

Culture

The main attraction of Museum Silkeborg is the body of the Tollund Man. The Tollund Man was discovered in 1950 in the Bjældskovdal bog approximately 10 kilometres west of Silkeborg by the brothers Emil and Viggo Højgård. The main department of Museum Silkeborg is located in Silkeborg Hovedgård, Silkeborg’s oldest building, dating from 1767. Museum Jorn is located in Silkeborg directly beside the Gudenå.

AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark is a family-friendly experience centre about Danish nature, with indoor and outdoor areas. Visitors can experience Danish mammals and birds up close; animal stories and feeding experiences take place daily. AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark also includes an interactive Gudenå Universe that conveys the natural and cultural significance of the Gudenå.

History

Høgdal dates back to 1796; the estate was subsequently inherited from father to son for five generations. Even when Høgdal is not open, visitors may view the buildings from the outside and walk in the surrounding area. At Høgdal, visitors can learn about life in times gone by through historic workshops and various events throughout the year.

In the southeast of Bølling Sø, there is an interpretive landscape experience about the lake’s history, with stories about the Tollund Man and prehistoric activities.

Other places

Other places to discover include Bryrup, Guldforhoved, Kjellerup, Ry, Silkeborg, Store Bredlund, Virklund, Vrads, Bording, Ans, Skygge, Svejbæk, Funder, Svostrup, Kongensbro, Linå, Them Municipality, Gjern Municipality, Fårvang and Lemming.

For the overarching travel overview: Central Jutland.