Slotsholmen (Castle Islet of Silkeborg Castle)

Tranquil green islet at Silkeborg’s origins, where a vanished riverside castle meets calm water views, quiet lawns and a gentle sense of early local history.

4.7

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Just northeast of central Silkeborg, Slotsholmen is a tranquil islet where Silkeborg Castle once stood at the outlet of Gudenåen and Silkeborg Langsø. Today the fortifications are long gone, replaced by lawns, trees and discreet markers that trace the outline of the vanished stronghold. It is a quiet green escape with views over water, a sense of early Silkeborg history and a relaxed, picnic‑friendly atmosphere within easy reach of town.

A brief summary to Slotsholmen

Silkeborg, 8600, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Bring a picnic blanket and snacks, as the islet’s grassy areas and river views make this an ideal spot for a relaxed open-air meal.
Wear comfortable shoes with decent grip; paths and grass can be damp or slightly uneven, especially after rain or in colder months.
Combine your visit with a stroll along nearby riverside paths to appreciate how Slotsholmen sits between the Gudenå and the town.

Getting There

Car from central Silkeborg

From central Silkeborg, reaching Slotsholmen by car typically takes 5–10 minutes, depending on traffic. Follow local routes toward the northeastern side of town and look for parking in nearby residential or small public parking areas; there is no large dedicated car park directly on the islet. Parking is generally free or low-cost, but time restrictions may apply, so always check local signs. From where you leave the car, expect a short walk on generally flat terrain to reach the island itself.
Bicycle from Silkeborg centre

Cycling from Silkeborg’s centre to Slotsholmen usually takes around 10–15 minutes. The route uses regular town streets and local paths, some of which are shared with cars, so basic cycling confidence is important. The terrain is mostly flat with only gentle inclines. There is no formal bike parking on the islet itself, but you can lock your bicycle to suitable racks or railings in the surrounding area before walking the final short stretch.
Walking from central Silkeborg

On foot, Slotsholmen can often be reached from the central parts of Silkeborg in about 20–30 minutes. The walk leads through town streets and, in some sections, along paths close to the river. Surfaces vary between pavement, compacted gravel and grass, and are mostly easy, though they may be uneven or muddy after rain, which can be challenging for wheelchairs or prams. There is no entrance fee to access the islet, making it a pleasant low‑key extension of a wider stroll around Silkeborg.

Slotsholmen location weather suitability

Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Hot Weather
Cold Weather
Any Weather

Discover more about Slotsholmen

Remnants of Silkeborg’s First Stronghold

Silkeborg’s earliest story is tied to this modest islet, Slotsholmen, once crowned by Silkeborg Castle at the outlet of the Gudenå River. Long before the modern town took shape, the castle controlled traffic along the waterway and guarded access into the surrounding lake landscape. Nothing of the fortress rises above the ground today, yet the sense of an earlier frontier outpost lingers in the lie of the land and its strategic position between river and lake. Discreet information elements and low markings on the grass indicate where walls and structures once stood, helping you imagine towers, gates and wooden buildings packed into the compact islet. It is an unusual kind of castle visit: instead of battlements, you get open sky and birdsong, and instead of restored halls, you read the site in subtle traces and topography.

A Green Island Between River and Lake

Slotsholmen now feels more like a small park than a ruin field. A mix of open lawn, scattered trees and bushes softens the outline of the islet, while reeds fringe the water’s edge. From the higher spots you catch views along the Gudenå and over towards Silkeborg’s present-day centre, contrasting the quiet island with the busier town just beyond. The setting is especially appealing on calm days, when the river surface mirrors clouds and foliage. You may spot kayakers gliding past and hear the distant sound of boats or cyclists on nearby paths, but on the island itself the mood is generally slow and relaxed. It is easy to find a patch of grass to yourself and simply watch light and reflections shift across the water.

Experiencing the Island at a Gentle Pace

A visit here is all about slowing down. There are no queues or ticket offices, just a short stroll onto the islet and space to wander. Many visitors bring a picnic blanket, a book or a thermos of coffee and settle in for an hour or two, using the low ruins markers as conversation starters rather than formal exhibits. Children often enjoy the freedom to run, inventing their own castle stories in the open space, while adults tend to circle the island, pausing at the edges to look out over the landscape. The compact scale makes Slotsholmen easy to explore in under an hour, yet its peaceful ambience invites you to linger longer than planned.

Seasonal Moods on the Castle Islet

Each season gives the islet a different character. In spring, fresh leaves and birdsong bring a sense of renewal to the former fortress site, with soft ground underfoot and cool air off the water. Summer is the most popular time for picnics and sun-warmed lazing in the grass, with long, light evenings that make the river views especially appealing. Autumn cloaks the trees in warm colours that reflect richly on the water, turning a simple walk into a quietly dramatic scene. Even in winter, the island can be atmospheric: bare branches frame views and, on frosty days, the air feels particularly clear, rewarding a short, bracing visit with crisp outlines of town and shoreline.

A Quiet Counterpoint to Modern Silkeborg

Although Slotsholmen lies close to the present centre of Silkeborg, it feels slightly apart, almost like a green pause button beside the urban area. The contrast highlights how the town has grown from a fortified riverside point into a lively lakeside community, yet still keeps its oldest site accessible and understated rather than heavily reconstructed. Time on the islet pairs well with broader explorations of Silkeborg’s cultural and natural attractions, but it also stands on its own as a short, reflective stop. Whether you are tracing the faint footprint of the vanished castle or simply enjoying the riverside calm, Slotsholmen offers a compact blend of history, landscape and quiet everyday Danish nature.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

silkeborg

0.3 km

Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.

Silkeborg Water Tower

1.1 km

A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.

Lovisehøj

3.2 km

A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

4.4 km

A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.

Store Troldhøj

9.7 km

A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.

Randershøj

10.3 km

A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

10.7 km

Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.

Bølling Lake

11.2 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

11.2 km

Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

12.9 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.

Abbey Mill

17.2 km

Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.

Øm Klostermuseum

18.1 km

Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.

Mossø

20.6 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.

Jutland

21.1 km

Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.

The Uncovered Bridge

23.8 km

A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.

Unmissable attractions to see

Silkeborg Søerne

0.1 km

Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.

Kedelhuset

0.3 km

Intimate live music and performance venue in Silkeborg’s former paper mill boiler house, blending industrial charm with a modern black box concert hall.

Riverboat Jazz Festival

0.3 km

Swinging jazz, riverboats and long Nordic evenings fuse in Silkeborg’s lake district for a five-day celebration where the entire town becomes a waterside stage.

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

0.4 km

A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.

The Hjejle Agency

0.5 km

Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.

Springvand

0.5 km

Silkeborg Langsø’s towering fountain turns the town’s central lake into a stage of water and light, blending engineering spectacle with everyday lakeside life.

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

0.6 km

Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.

Tollundmanden

0.6 km

Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.

Statue of Michael Drewsen

0.7 km

Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.

Vægmaleri

0.9 km

Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

1.1 km

One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.

Silkeborg Archive

1.1 km

Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.

Badeanstalten

1.1 km

Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.

Dronningestolen

1.2 km

A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

1.4 km

Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.

Essential places to dine

Bone's Silkeborg

0.2 km

Smoky ribs, flame-grilled steaks and family-friendly comfort food in Silkeborg’s regenerated Papirfabrikken riverside district.

Evald - Brasserie & cafe

0.2 km

Classic French-inspired brasserie meets Danish hygge on the riverfront at Papirfabrikken, serving from morning coffee to late-night drinks with serene waterside views.

Café Kik

0.2 km

Waterfront café on the Gudenå river with quality Danish fare and scenic riverside views.

Restaurant King Buffet (Ansvej)

0.2 km

Spacious Asian buffet in Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese dishes and Mongolian grill in a modern, family‑friendly setting with all‑you‑can‑eat comfort.

Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg

0.3 km

Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.

Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg

Restaurant Michael D.

0.3 km

Seasonal Nordic dining in Silkeborg’s converted paper mill, where industrial heritage, hotel comfort and riverside views meet beside the town’s cultural quarter.

The Chicken Specialist

0.3 km

A small, central Silkeborg grillbar devoted to crispy rotisserie chicken, golden fries and budget-friendly takeaway dinners for busy locals and hungry travellers.

Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”

0.4 km

Relaxed, modern café-brasserie in the heart of Silkeborg, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates, coffee and desserts from morning through evening.

Sunset Boulevard

0.4 km

Casual Danish fast food with burgers, bites and kids’ meals in a bright, modern setting on Silkeborg’s Chr. d. 8.s Vej.

DIVA Ristorante & Pizzeria

0.4 km

Casual Italian‑style pizzas, pastas and grills in central Silkeborg, blending sit‑down dining with a busy takeaway counter and long, convenient opening hours.

Atami Sushi Restaurant - Silkeborg

0.6 km

Fresh sushi served to your table in an all-you-can-eat experience that celebrates quality, variety, and authentic Japanese flavors.

Underhuset

0.6 km

Family‑run brasserie on Silkeborg’s central square, blending Danish classics and French‑inspired dishes with a cosy dining room and lively terrace on Torvet.

Torvets Kebab & Pizza

0.6 km

Central Silkeborg’s no‑nonsense stop for generous kebab, salad‑topped pizzas and quick, budget‑friendly meals just a short stroll from the main town square.

Jensens Bøfhus

0.7 km

Casual Danish steakhouse on Silkeborg’s main square, serving familiar grills, burgers and family-friendly favourites in relaxed, central surroundings.

Panorama Mad & Vin

0.7 km

Classic Danish lunch and French brasserie cooking in Silkeborg’s old town hall, with white tablecloths, city views and a warm, urban-hygge atmosphere.

Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.

Straightforward local bar on Borgergade in Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, sociable pub atmosphere from daytime into late evening.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

1.0 km

Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

Team Paderborner

27.8 km

Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.

Vesterbro Pub

32.2 km

Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.

ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S

33.8 km

Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.

Piano Herning

36.0 km

Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.

Murphy's Pub

36.1 km

Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.

Bart

36.1 km

Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.

Mindegade5

36.3 km

Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.

Fermaten

36.5 km

Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.

Jazzens Venner

36.7 km

Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.

Scandic Opus Horsens

37.5 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.

Der Kuhstall Mønsted

37.8 km

Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.

Sölibat Natklub

38.9 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.

Hemingway's Horsens

38.9 km

Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.

KLUB22

39.0 km

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Slotsholmen (Castle Islet of Silkeborg Castle)

A brief summary to Slotsholmen

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Car from central Silkeborg

Bicycle from Silkeborg centre

Walking from central Silkeborg

Slotsholmen location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Slotsholmen

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Slotsholmen

Remnants of Silkeborg’s First Stronghold

A Green Island Between River and Lake

Experiencing the Island at a Gentle Pace

Seasonal Moods on the Castle Islet

A Quiet Counterpoint to Modern Silkeborg

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

silkeborg

Silkeborg Water Tower

Lovisehøj

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Store Troldhøj

Randershøj

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Bølling Lake

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Abbey Mill

Øm Klostermuseum

Mossø

Jutland

The Uncovered Bridge

Unmissable attractions to see

Silkeborg Søerne

Kedelhuset

Riverboat Jazz Festival

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

The Hjejle Agency

Springvand

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

Tollundmanden

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Vægmaleri

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Silkeborg Archive

Badeanstalten

Dronningestolen

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Essential places to dine

Bone's Silkeborg

Evald - Brasserie & cafe

Café Kik

Restaurant King Buffet (Ansvej)

Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg

Restaurant Michael D.

The Chicken Specialist

Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”

Sunset Boulevard

DIVA Ristorante & Pizzeria

Atami Sushi Restaurant - Silkeborg

Underhuset

Torvets Kebab & Pizza

Jensens Bøfhus

Panorama Mad & Vin

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Leather by Corium

MadebyMichelle

Skovs Antik - Silkeborg

Kop & Kande Silkeborg

Søstrene Grene

HAUS · FRAU

Imerco

Elkjær Lingerie

HumanAid

DressLab

Helm

H&M