Silkeborg

Jutland

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 which made use of the waterpower from the Gudenå river. In 1883 the first spa was established here, and in 1900 Silkeborg was elevated to the status of a town. Today various industries are well established and tourism plays an important role in the local economy.

Related Attractions

Historical-Cultural Museum

Silkeborg extends along both north and south banks of the Langsø, the center being in the south. Hovedgården, a town residence dating from 1770 (extended), houses the Historico-Cultural Museum. The most notable exhibit is the head of "Tollundmann", a corpse some 2,200 years old, found in a nearby bog. It is generally held to be the best-preserved body of a prehistoric man so far discovered. Also exhibited are documents relating to the town's history and some Danish glass dating from the Renaissance to 1900.

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Museum of Art

The Museum of Art features works by modern artists and is housed in a building designed by the architect Niels Frithiof.

AQUA Fresh Water Aquarium & Museum

Europe's biggest fresh water aquarium containing more than one million liters of water. The AQUA building is constructed on the floor of a lake.

As well as innumerable fish, the tanks contain otters and ducks. In the park are storks, cormorants and other birds and an aqua-playground for children.

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Gi Den Gas Family Edutainment Center

Gi Den Gas is the first family edutainment centre in Denmark. There are activities that will suit the whole family.

Activities are geared toward challenging the intellectual, creative and coordination abilities of children and stimulating learning.

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SCC Country Music Festival

This annual festival takes place in August and includes both Danish and international country musicians and singers. Bands and solo singers from all over the globe are present at this festival.

Bunkermuseum

The Bunkermuseum is located in an old German personnel bunker. It houses an exhibition on the German military headquarters in Denmark during WWII.

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Folk Dance Festival

This annual day-long festival takes place in late May and brings together dancers and dance troupes from throughout Central Jutland.

Harbour Festival

This annual four-day festival takes place in late May.

Riverboat Jazz Festival

This annual three-day festival takes place in mid-June.

Surroundings

Himmelbjerg

Jutland

Situation and scenery

The Himmelbjerg (Heaven Mountain), which has long been considered the highest hill in Denmark, overlooks Lake Julso in Central Jutland.

From the 25m/82ft high observation tower, erected in 1874 in honor of Frederik VII, there is a splendid view of the surrounding forests and lakes which stretch as far as Skanderborg in the east. Various other viewpoints are linked with one another by paths through the forest. Many political and religious meetings took place here during the 19th C. and these are commemorated by a number of monuments. One such monument is in memory of the poet Steen Steensen Blicher.

During the summer months the paddle-steamer "Hjejlen" sails on Lake Julsø as far as Silkeborg, passing two smaller lakes, Borresø and Brassø, on the way.

Gammel Rye

An enjoyable excursion can be made from Himmelberg to Gammel Rye, a distance of 15 km/9.5mi along the southern slopes of the Himmelbjerg. During the Middle Ages there was a miracle-working spring here to which pilgrims flocked and also a church dedicated to St George. In the summer of 1534 secular and ecclesiastical dignitaries assembled in Gammel Rye to elect Christian III as king. Near the town is the Gudenå Museum, housing a private collection which will give the visitor an idea of life in the region bordering the Gudenå river.

Steamer Trip

In summer visitors can take a trip on the world's oldest paddle-steamer "Hjejlen"- which is moored in Silkeborg's museum park - through one of the most beautiful parts of Denmark to the Himmelberg (147m/482ft). From the top of the hill there is a splendid view over the surrounding forests and lakes.

The Hjejlen is the oldest operational paddle steamer in the world.

Gronbaek

A 13th C. Romanesque church in Grønbæk, 13 km/8 mi north of Silkeborg, has some interesting wall-paintings in the choir which date from the time when the church was built. The frescoes portray Christ Enthroned, with Mary and Peter on one side and John and Paul on the other. The south door is beautifully decorated with granite reliefs.

4 km/2.5 mi away is a very popular typical Jutland inn, the "Kongensbro Kro".

Jutland Car Museum

15 km/9.5 mi northwest of Silkeborg, beyond Voel, is the Jutland Car Museum, which will prove very attractive to all who are interested in old cars. On display are about 100 vintage vehicles from the period 1900 to 1942.

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