Høgdal Cultural-Historical Visitor Farm, Them
An 18th‑century visitor farm near Them where historic buildings, farm animals and simple countryside routines reveal the quiet charm of old Danish rural life.
Tucked into the rolling hills near Them, Høgdal is a beautifully preserved 18th‑century farm that functions as a cultural-historical visitor centre. Here, traditional Danish rural life is brought to life through timbered farm buildings, simple interiors, resident goats, cats and chickens, and hands‑on workshops ranging from wool carding to flour grinding. Surrounded by the forests and lakes of Søhøjlandet, it is an atmospheric, slow‑paced escape where time feels as if it has quietly stood still.
A brief summary to Høgdal
- Høgdalvej 4, Them, 8653, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check current opening days and event listings in advance, as access to interiors, workshops and toilets is typically limited to specific days and seasons.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes; paths, yards and barn interiors can be uneven, muddy or slippery in wet weather.
- Bring a packed lunch and drinks to enjoy in the courtyard or nearby meadows, as on-site food options are limited or seasonal.
- Families should plan extra time for the resident goats, cats and chickens, which are often a highlight for children.
- If you are sensitive to dust, hay or animal hair, consider bringing any necessary allergy medication for comfort during your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, driving to Høgdal near Them typically takes around 20–25 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows main regional roads through gently hilly countryside and is straightforward for drivers used to rural conditions. Parking is usually available close to the farm buildings, though spaces can feel limited during school visits or special events. There is no entrance toll road, and fuel is the main cost for this option.
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Regional bus and short walk
You can travel by regional bus from Silkeborg to Them in about 25–40 minutes, depending on the specific line and intermediate stops. A one-way ticket generally costs in the range of 25–35 DKK within the local public transport system. From the bus stop in Them, expect an additional walk of roughly 20–30 minutes along country roads to reach Høgdal, which may include gentle inclines and limited roadside pavements. Services run more frequently on weekdays than at weekends, so it is important to check timetables in advance.
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Cycling from Them or Silkeborg
The rural setting makes Høgdal a pleasant destination by bicycle in suitable weather. From Them the ride usually takes about 10–20 minutes, while from Silkeborg you should allow around 35–50 minutes, depending on your pace and chosen route. Expect rolling terrain with some gentle hills and a mix of smaller roads and possible cycle paths. There is no dedicated cycle parking infrastructure at the farm, but bikes can normally be left near the entrance; bring a lock and appropriate lights if returning later in the day.
Høgdal location weather suitability
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Mild Temperatures
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Clear Skies
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Høgdal
A farm where time stands almost still
Høgdal sits in the countryside near Them, framed by soft fields and the forested landscapes of Søhøjlandet. At first glance it looks like a modest cluster of whitewashed, thatched farm buildings, but step through the gate and you enter a farmstead whose roots reach back to 1796. The layout of courtyard, barns and stables still follows traditional rural patterns, forming a sheltered world that feels intimate and self-contained. The atmosphere is strikingly calm. Gravel crunches underfoot, swallows trace low arcs above the roofs, and the faint smell of woodsmoke and animals lingers in the air. This is not a polished country estate but a working farm frozen in an earlier era, where worn thresholds, uneven cobbles and patched beams quietly tell their own stories.From family homestead to living visitor centre
Høgdal was founded by Jens Jensen Lemming at the end of the 18th century, and the property remained in the same family for five generations. Over time it grew into a self-sufficient holding, adapting slowly to new tools and methods but never losing its traditional structure. The last farmers, brothers Jens and Peder Jensen, lived here until the 1970s and are central to the story the visitor centre now shares. Rather than being modernised beyond recognition, the farm was preserved, allowing its interiors, workshops and outbuildings to reflect everyday routines from a not‑so‑distant past. Today Høgdal is run as a cultural-historical farm where volunteers and staff keep those stories alive through activities, maintenance of the buildings and care for the animals that still roam the yard.Everyday life in an old Danish farmhouse
Inside the low farmhouse you find small rooms with painted wooden doors, simple furniture and practical objects set out as if the household has just stepped outside. Cast-iron stoves, coffee mills, spinning wheels and enamel jugs speak of a rhythm of life shaped by seasons and manual work. The scale is human and homely rather than grand, making it easy to imagine the sound of boots in the hallway or quiet evening conversations by lamplight. Workshops and group visits dive deeper into traditional crafts. Activities might include carding and spinning wool, making small figures from beeswax or felt, grinding grain in hand‑cranked mills, or playing old-fashioned farmyard games. These are not staged spectacles so much as practical demonstrations that reveal how much effort once went into the simplest daily tasks.Courtyard animals and open-air discoveries
Even when the buildings are closed, the grounds around Høgdal invite gentle exploration. Goats may peer over fences, cats sun themselves on stone steps, and chickens wander across the yard, adding a playful, living layer to the historic setting. The surrounding meadows and tree lines create sheltered corners where birdsong replaces traffic noise. Paths lead around the edges of the property, offering changing views of the farm against the wider Søhøjlandet landscape. Many visitors bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the outdoor tables or simply sit on a bench in the courtyard, watching light move across timber and brick while the farm animals provide low-key entertainment.Seasonal events in the Lake District countryside
Throughout the year Høgdal hosts small cultural-historical events that make use of both farm and surrounding nature. Mushroom walks, animal-tracking excursions, fiddle music gatherings and thematic days connected with old rural traditions all feature on a changing programme. These activities highlight the close relationship between the farm and the forests, fields and weather that sustained it. Groups and schools can arrange tailored visits that combine storytelling, craft sessions and time with the animals. Whether you join a scheduled event or simply wander through on a quiet day, Høgdal offers a rare chance to slow down, notice details and experience rural Danish heritage in its original setting rather than behind glass.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
4.4 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
4.4 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Lovisehøj
5.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
7.3 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Water Tower
7.6 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
8.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Øm Klostermuseum
10.3 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Randershøj
12.5 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Mossø
12.9 km
Discover the serene beauty of Mossø, Denmark's third-largest lake, offering hiking, watersports, and historical sites in the heart of the Danish Lake District.
Store Troldhøj
13.1 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Landal Søhøjlandet
14.2 km
Escape to Landal Søhøjlandet in Denmark's Lake District: Family fun, water park thrills, outdoor adventures, and tranquil nature await in this scenic holiday paradise near Silkeborg.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
15.4 km
Discover Denmark's automotive history at Jutland's Automobile Museum in Gjern, showcasing vintage cars and motorcycles from the early 1900s to iconic post-war models, offering a unique glimpse into the nation's motoring heritage.
Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten
15.5 km
A hidden memorial stone honoring a master mason's legacy in Silkeborg's quiet forest.
The Uncovered Bridge
15.6 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Yding Skovhøj
16.5 km
Discover Yding Skovhøj, one of Denmark's highest points, offering scenic hiking trails, ancient burial mounds, and panoramic views in the heart of Jutland's beautiful lake district.
Unmissable attractions to see
Kongestolen
1.6 km
A compact forest summit above Slåensø, Kongestolen pairs a short, steep climb with far‑reaching lake and woodland views in the heart of the Silkeborg hills.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
1.6 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
2.3 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Labyrinthia
2.5 km
A countryside maze and puzzle park near Them, where 3D labyrinths, water mazes, dog-friendly challenges, and an indoor Puzzle Center turn getting lost into pure family fun.
Shelterplads
3.6 km
Back-to-basics shelter living on the edge of Silkeborg’s forests, offering free, simple overnight stays in fresh air within easy reach of trails and lakes.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
4.3 km
Classic excursion boats carrying you from lakeside Ry through serene Søhøjlandet to the foot of Denmark’s famed Himmelbjerget for views, walks and fresh air.
Himmelbjerget
4.3 km
Historic Sletterhage Lighthouse offers panoramic sea views, maritime history exhibits, and wild coastal scenery at the southern tip of Mols Bjerge National Park.
Himmelbjergtårnet
4.3 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
Duedal Bjerg
4.4 km
Experience historic steam boat journeys on Julsø and Silkeborg lakes, arriving at Denmark’s Himmelbjerget, surrounded by scenery and nostalgia.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
4.4 km
Follow a classic forest trail from lakeshore to the summit of Denmark’s fabled Sky Mountain, combining gentle ascent, big views and layers of national history.
De Små Fisk
4.5 km
Lakeside lawns, calm bathing water and simple shelters make this Silkeborg green space a relaxed gateway to the forests and waterways of the Silkeborg Lakes.
H.C. Andersen bench
4.6 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Dynæs voldsted
5.3 km
Quiet medieval castle mounds and deep ditches on a wooded peninsula in the Silkeborg Lakes, where earthworks, water and forest hint at a vanished stronghold.
Gammelkol
5.4 km
A modest historic site folded into Silkeborg’s forests, where quiet paths, subtle landforms and shifting light reveal the long story of Denmark’s lake country.
Ulvehoved
5.6 km
A gentle hilltop in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, Ulvehoved offers forest trails, soft climbs and tranquil views across Denmark’s hilly lake highlands.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Aalekroen
2.6 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
3.0 km
Organic lakeside dining in a light-filled country villa above Lake Julsø, where local ingredients, house-baked bread and garden herbs define every seasonal plate.
Café Himmelsk
4.2 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
4.5 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt
5.0 km
Destination dining in the woods near Silkeborg, where seasonal Danish menus, thoughtful wine pairings and a calm, intimate room turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
6.3 km
Intimate family-run hotel and seasonal restaurant in Ry, where garden-driven Danish cuisine, good wine and quiet countryside surroundings create a cosy Jutland escape.
Orangeriet
6.6 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Gl. Skovridergaard
6.6 km
Historic forester’s lodge turned serene hotel, restaurant and conference haven, wrapped in parkland with forests, lakes and Silkeborg’s cultural life close at hand.
Resturant indelukket
6.7 km
Modern Danish comfort food on the edge of Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where classic flavors, fresh ingredients and riverside greenery create an easygoing dining escape.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
7.6 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort in central Silkeborg, with stone-oven pizzas, generous pasta plates and a cosy, family-friendly dining room ideal for relaxed evenings.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
7.6 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Restaurant Spyd
7.7 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Tin's
7.8 km
Casual, cozy Vietnamese cooking in central Silkeborg, serving steaming pho, crisp banh xeo and fresh herbs in a relaxed, modern setting ideal for lunch or dinner.
La Casita
7.8 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Regatta Sandwich
7.8 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
2.9 km
A cosy, family-run Nordic wool shop on a Jutland farm near Ry, where Icelandic and Norwegian yarn fill the shelves and horses graze just outside.
Bjerghytten
4.4 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Ørneboden
4.4 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Bjerg-kiosken
4.5 km
Compact hilltop kiosk on Himmelbjerget serving ice cream, snacks and drinks to walkers and day-trippers at one of Denmark’s most iconic viewpoint areas near Ry.
Ugleboden
4.5 km
Casual ice cream and souvenir stall on Himmelbjerget, adding a sweet, no-frills pause to hikes and family outings in the wooded hills above Ry.
Made by Ella
6.3 km
Intimate goldsmith’s studio in Ry, where local jewelry artist Julie Ella Jappe handcrafts custom designs and contemporary pieces in a calm, small-town setting.
Dagli'Brugsen Gl. Rye
6.3 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Laven Antikvariat
6.6 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
ByStenholt
7.4 km
A calm, contemporary womenswear boutique in Ry, blending Nordic style with small-town ease and serving as the local face of a modern Danish fashion webshop.
The Silkeborg Ski Shop
7.7 km
Specialist ski outfitter in Silkeborg where Scandinavian style, expert advice and quality gear come together before you head for the winter mountains.
Pindhus.dk
7.9 km
Hand-curated Scandinavian design, gifts, and lifestyle treasures in the heart of Silkeborg.
t.i.n.g.
7.9 km
Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.
Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg
7.9 km
Welcoming women’s fashion boutique in central Silkeborg, specialising in quality jeans, flattering fits and personal styling in a calm, uncluttered setting.
Fair Retro
7.9 km
Curated mid-century and retro furniture in a cosy Silkeborg shop, where vintage Danish design, characterful lighting and sustainable home inspiration fill every corner.
Buksecompagniet
8.0 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Hjørnet
7.4 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Cafe' Paradis
7.5 km
A compact, old‑school bodega in central Silkeborg, serving cold beers, local atmosphere and late‑night conversation in an unpretentious, lived‑in bar setting.
Bakkens bodega
7.6 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Århusvej where locals, cold drafts and simple pub fare create a slice of everyday Silkeborg life from late morning to late evening.
The Admiral Pub
7.8 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Café Kling Klang
7.8 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
7.8 km
A cozy, no-frills sports pub in central Silkeborg, where big screens, cold beer and local chatter turn every match day into a shared living room.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
7.9 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Roxy Malt
7.9 km
Irish-inspired Silkeborg pub with live music, quizzes, speciality beers and a cosy courtyard, blending retro charm with late-night energy in the town centre.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
7.9 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Rabalder Bar
7.9 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Bifrost Sports Pub
7.9 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
8.0 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Kaffebaren
8.0 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
8.1 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The Smoke Pub
8.6 km
A classic Silkeborg bodega on Borgergade, where smoke, cold beer and easy conversation create an unpretentious local living room from late morning to late night.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
7.8 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Team Paderborner
20.8 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Scandic Opus Horsens
29.2 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Sölibat Natklub
30.7 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
PDD
31.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
31.0 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
31.1 km
Discover live music, local art, and Danish hygge at Klodshans Horsens—a cozy harbor-side bar at the heart of the city's nightlife and cultural scene.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
33.0 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Luksusmassage Århus
35.5 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
KLUB22
35.8 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
36.3 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
V58
36.7 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
equalclub
36.7 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Flintstone Pub
36.9 km
Flintstone Pub in Aarhus blends retro décor, affordable drinks, and live music, offering a lively gathering place for locals and visitors in the city’s central quarter.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
37.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Instagrammable
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
