Silkeborg

Jutland

District: Århus amt

Population: 49,000

Silkeborg lies on the Langsø ("Long Lake"), in an area of Central Jutland characterized by forests and lakes; these are the "Danish Lake Uplands", through which flows the Gudenå. During the summer months visitors can enjoy colorful illuminated fountain-displays on the banks of the Langsø.

History

In the Middle Ages there was a castle by the Langsø, close to the site of the present Viborg Bridge, but little now remains. In 1840 King Christian VIII conceived the plan of founding a town in the vicinity of present-day Silkeborg, in order to open up the interior of Jutland. In 1845 Michael Drewsen set up a paper factory and other industries soon followed, many of