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Town in Central Denmark
Photo: Nico, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Silkeborg is a lakeside railway town in Jutland founded in 1844 around a big paper mill (Silkeborg Papirfabrik) at the Gudenå River, the longest and biggest river of Denmark. The name and history of the settlement goes back to at least the 15th century, though, when a castle by the name of Silkeborg (meaning 'silk-castle') was mentioned in written documents. The castle of Silkeborg was located on an islet in the lake of Silkeborg Langsø, but only a few ruins remains.
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Hovedgården
Main history and archaelogy museum for Silkeborg, situated in the buildings of the historic Silkeborg Manor from 1767, the oldest building in town. The museum focuses primarily on the Iron Age, and pre-history of the region, but includes historic times until the present as well. The most famous items on display are the mummies of Tollund Man and Elling Woman; bog bodies found during peat digging in the nearby swampy area. Although dated to c. 300 BC, the head of the Tollund Man is remarkably well preserved, including his peaceful facial expression and wrinkles. Check the website for special events, activities, and guided tours; it is not all about the Iron Age. The museum shop is furnished as an old grocery shop and here you can find old-fashioned toys, jewellery, pottery, postcards, and relevant books in various languages. The museum has an on-site café with a nice patio and garden.
AQUA Akvarium & Dyrepark
Freshwater aquarium and park with animals tied specifically to the lake-highland region, which includes various species of fish, birds, snakes, frogs, otters, beavers, racoons, badgers, boars, deers, and many other. The big tanks can be viewed both from above (outside the building) and from the side (inside the building). At the touch tanks you can pet the fish. Stay overnight to experience the nocturnal wildlife. Special one-week summer camps for children in various age groups.
Houses the Asger Jorn collections. Also changing collections of other artists, check the web site. On-site café serving coffee, drinks, cake and lunch.
Parts of the old paper factory is now a paper museum. There's an onsite museum shop with all kinds of paper and paper art. Stryget is a café and restaurant in the same building.
Silkeborg Bad
Main art center and museum for Silkeborg at a location of magnificent natural beauty by the Ørnsø lake, embraced by lush forests. The galleries are situated in an old former spa facility that has undergone meticulous renovation. Apart from the various art installations and exhibitions, the park and area is worth a visit in itself in spring and summer. Two on-site cafés serving coffee, drinks, cake, and lunch.
Land of labyrinths
A land of labyrinths. Also indoor puzzles as well, for rainy days.
Conquer this towering hill of a staggering 147 metres, and feel like a king! The name "Himmelbjerget" translates as "The Sky Mountain", and it is among the highest summits in all of Denmark, located in the lake high-lands region with several hilltops of similar scale. Himmelbjerget is not the highest natural point (which is assigned to the nearby spot of Møllehøjen at 170 m), but it is the most popular by far, and the sharp drop towards the lake immediately north of the brick tower on the top is indeed impressive (no kidding). The hill, and surrounding area is of great historical importance in Denmark, as the birthplace of early modern democracy in the 1800s, and it offers a beautiful nature hike. There are kiosks, restaurants, toilets next to the top.
Silkeborg Ørnereservat, Rovfugleshow og Bisonfarm
A show with hawks, owls, and lots of other birds. Has a pen with bison as well.
There are several good routes in the forests surrounding Silkeborg. There are also very good bike lanes for regular bike rides. Ask in the rental shops for the best route nearby.
About 40 minutes of riding in beautiful surroundings.
Indoor go kart track. All equipment is included in the rental price.
Go on a boat ride on the oldest operative paddle steamer in the world.
Silkeborg Canoe rental
Rent a canoe, kayak or motorboat. From 125 kr for an hour, to 400 kr for all day rental. You can arrange to leave the kayaks at another stop, so it does not have to be a return trip
Silkeborg has some of the cleanest lakes of the country, and there are several good places to go for a swim, or beach activities. The most popular lake is Almind sø, where you can find bathing piers, volleyball courts, changing rooms and toilets
Five-day festival every summer in June. The 2026 festival happens from June 24th to June 28th.
Regattaen
Traditional Regatta festival for Silkeborg since 1899. The 2026 festival takes place for three days in August (13th-15th) and includes, in addition to a festive fleet of boats, firework shows, music events, street food, theatre, and the whole town is open for festivities through the night. Attend the official opening ceremony at the town's main square Torvet.
The restaurant and brasserie at the Radisson hotel at papirfabrikken.
Good beers and tapas, pastas, steaks, and burgers.
Fine food and wine. Three tables in front for streetside eating at lunch. Reasonably priced two-course lunches (105 kr) and sandwiches. Dinners feature à la carte or fixed-price choices.
French-inspired gourmet cuisine, but with many local and seasonal delicacies to let you know you are dining in Denmark. One of the best restaurants in the inner city, with about 20 years of experience. Closed in July.
Restaurant Karoline Amalie
An international gourmet cuisine, but with many local and New Nordic inspirations. The broad selection of various cheeses from near and far is notable. Karoline Amalie has a focus on indulging the senses of its guests and a dinner here is not something to be rushed; only book a table if you are prepared to spend the evening on a dining experience out of the ordinary. The locales are furnished with roccoco style chairs and a general romantic decor; perhaps remeniscent of Parisian restaurants. As a peculiarity, Karoline Amalie only serves Austrian wines; wines the owner and head chef imports herself.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
An international gourmet cuisine; simple yet elegant and cooked with great skill. Often local and/or organic ingredients. The romantic surroundings greatly enhance and broadens the experience and Ludvigslyst is by some considered among the best places to eat in the region of Søhøjlandet. Lunch and various from 12:00-15:00. Evening dinners from 18:00. Special evening menus Wednesdays. No evening dinners Sundays.
Historic Kro since 1663 near the village of Ans, where the Gudenå river meets the lake of Tange Sø, less than 20 km north of Silkeborg center. Dine here for breakfast, brunch, lunch or evening dinner. Stay here for all-inclusive minivacations if you like.
Another historic Kro, since 1834, about 10 km north-east of Silkeborg center. Svostrup Kro is on the bank of Gudenå, Denmark's largest river, immediately west of the beautiful landscape of Gjern Bakker. Combine your dining here with a stay if you like.
BK
This microbrewery opened in 2007, offers a wide variety. All their brews are unfiltered and unpasteurised. You can buy from the brewery on Fridays 16:00-18:00 or at restaurants and eateries in the Silkeborg area and across Denmark.
Good hotel on the Gudenå river in the former paper mill. Free internet, wireless at ground level, wired in rooms(get access code, RJ45 cable at the reception).
Nice hotel not far from the Silkeborg Langsø, 2 km or so out of town.
Central location.
The youth hostel with a view of the river and in the centre of town, well kept and with good standards (very often outbooked).
The main town square in Silkeborg, packed with shops, cafés and restaurants. Sometimes markets and event.
By train from Copenhagen, change at Skanderborg. Trains from Aarhus via Skanderborg run every 30 min to Silkeborg. The ride takes 30 minutes, and continue on to Herning further west (another 30 min).
Read in the guideCycling
Bring your own bikes along, or rent some in Silkeborg.
Bus
Town busses are yellow and regional busses are blue. The bus-terminal is located at the central station.
Boats
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Karup · Regional · KRP
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