The Fountain in Silkeborg Langsø
One of Northern Europe’s largest lake fountains, rising from Silkeborg Langsø with towering jets and a colourful evening light show beside the city hall.
Set just off the shore of Silkeborg Langsø in front of Silkeborg City Hall, this dramatic lake fountain is one of Northern Europe’s largest water features. Five powerful jets send columns of water up to around 30 metres into the air, accompanied after dark by a choreographed light show that paints the spray in shifting colours. It is a free, easy-to-reach stop on a lakeside stroll, especially atmospheric on calm evenings.
A brief summary to Springvand
- 8600, Søvej, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4589701351
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-1 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-1 am
- Thursday 12 pm-1 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 9:01 am-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Aim to arrive around dusk so you can watch the fountain first in natural light and then stay on for the full colour-changing illumination after dark.
- Use the wooden viewing platform in front of the city hall for the clearest perspective and reflections across Silkeborg Langsø.
- On windy days, stand a little back from the railings to avoid the fine mist that sometimes drifts in from the tallest jets.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Aarhus
From Aarhus, take a regional train to Silkeborg Station, a journey of about 45–55 minutes with frequent departures throughout the day. A standard adult single ticket typically costs around 80–120 DKK depending on time and discount options. From Silkeborg Station it is roughly a 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat pavements through the town centre to the lakeside by the city hall, suitable for most visitors including those with strollers. Trains run year-round, but check timetables for late-evening returns if you plan to stay for the light show.
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Bus within Silkeborg area
Local buses serving Silkeborg’s central area stop within a short walk of the city hall on Søvej, with typical travel times of 10–25 minutes from residential districts. A single adult ticket on city buses usually costs in the range of 20–30 DKK when bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Services are generally frequent during the day and early evening on weekdays, with reduced schedules later at night and on weekends. Most buses are low-floor and suitable for wheelchairs, but it is worth checking the specific line if step-free access is important.
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Car from nearby Jutland towns
Arriving by car from nearby towns such as Herning, Viborg or Aarhus typically takes 35–60 minutes via main regional roads. There are various parking areas in and around Silkeborg’s centre within walking distance of the lakeside and city hall, including a mix of free, time-limited and paid options. Expect to pay roughly 10–20 DKK per hour in central paid zones, with charges and time limits usually stricter on weekdays and relaxed in evenings and on Sundays. During summer evenings, arrive a little earlier to secure a convenient space before the fountain’s light show draws more people to the waterfront.
Springvand location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about Springvand
A lake fountain that defines Silkeborg’s waterfront
The Fountain in Silkeborg Langsø rises from the water just off Søvej, framing the modern city hall and giving the lakeside an unmistakable silhouette. What looks at first like a single jet is actually a composition of five separate fountains, arranged in a loose cluster that reads clearly from the wooden viewing deck on the shore. On quiet days the tall central plume becomes a kind of vertical landmark, visible from paths along the lake in both directions. The setting does much of the work. Silkeborg Langsø’s broad surface mirrors the sky, so the fountain appears to shoot straight out of the reflections. Passing kayaks, swans and low tour boats slide across the scene, constantly changing the foreground. Whether you pause on a bench, lean on the railings or watch from the green spaces by the city hall, the effect is of a city that has turned its face towards the water.Engineering spectacle in the heart of the lake
Up close, the scale becomes clearer. The highest jet regularly reaches around 30 to 33 metres, flanked by two intermediate jets and two low arcs of around three metres that soften the outline. Powerful pumps hidden beneath the surface drive as much as hundreds of thousands of litres of water per hour through the nozzles, cycling lake water up into tall, wind-blown columns before it crashes back in wide plumes. Because the jets can vary in strength, the fountain never feels completely static. It pulses through different sequences, building to moments where all five jets hit full pressure, then settling back into gentler shapes. On breezier days you may feel a fine mist drift across the viewing area, a reminder of just how much water is being thrown into the air at once.From jubilee gift to lakeside icon
The fountain was inaugurated in 1970 as a jubilee gift to Silkeborg from a local architectural firm celebrating its 25th anniversary. It was originally placed further out in the lake, but over time it was moved closer to the city hall to make it easier to see and enjoy from the shore. This shift subtly changed the way people experience the waterfront, encouraging more lingering on the promenade and tying the town’s civic centre to the water. Over the decades it has become part of Silkeborg’s everyday backdrop: a feature locals use as a meeting point, a reference in photos, and a signal of summer when the pumps start up for the season. Its mix of technical ambition and straightforward pleasure fits well with Silkeborg’s identity as a lakeside town where nature and urban life overlap.Light, colour and the magic of evening
After dark, the fountain transforms. Underwater projectors wash the jets in deep blues, greens, purples and warm tones that change according to a pre-programmed sequence. Across roughly half an hour, the light show runs through soft fades, sharp colour changes and moments where the entire fountain glows in a single hue before breaking into bands of contrasting colours. The surrounding city lights remain relatively low, so the coloured spray reads clearly against the night sky. On still evenings, reflections stretch across the lake, doubling the display. Even in cooler weather, it is worth staying long enough to watch a full cycle: over time you begin to notice recurring patterns and favourite colour combinations.A simple, free stop on a lakeside wander
Visiting the fountain is straightforward and informal. It sits beside paths that are flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with benches and a wooden platform providing comfortable vantage points. There is no entrance fee or barrier; you simply decide how long you want to stay. Some visitors time their stop for dusk to catch both the last natural light and the start of the illumination, while others weave it into a longer walk around sections of Silkeborg Langsø. Nearby green areas invite short breaks with a coffee or snack from the city centre, and the open views make it easy to keep an eye on children while they watch the water. In summer, when the fountain typically operates, the combination of moving water, fresh air and soft evening light gives this corner of Silkeborg a relaxed, almost theatrical atmosphere without feeling over-orchestrated.Seasons, weather and when it is at its best
The fountain usually runs seasonally, from spring into autumn, and is most dramatic in low winds, when the jets rise straight and tall and the coloured beams hit cleanly. Overcast days can still be appealing, as the neutral light emphasises the height and density of the water. On bright afternoons, the spray sometimes catches small rainbows for those standing at the right angle. Hard rain, fog or strong wind can reduce visibility or push the spray away from its usual vertical pattern, but even then the fountain adds a sense of movement to the lake. For many, the sweet spot is a mild, calm evening around sunset or just after, when the town is slowing down and the show of water and light becomes a gentle focal point rather than a main event.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
silkeborg
0.4 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
0.8 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
3.3 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
4.0 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Store Troldhøj
10.3 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Bølling Lake
10.7 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Randershøj
10.8 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
11.0 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
11.4 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.4 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.
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
18.2 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Jutland
20.7 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
Mossø
20.8 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.
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
Statue of Michael Drewsen
0.3 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
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.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Silkeborg Søerne
0.5 km
Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
0.5 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.
Kedelhuset
0.5 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.
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.
Slotsholmen
0.5 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Vægmaleri
0.5 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
0.7 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
0.7 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Badeanstalten
0.7 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
MOSES
1.2 km
Discover leading Danish and international contemporary art in the heart of Silkeborg, with exhibitions, events, and a welcoming, creative atmosphere at Galerie Moderne.
Dronningestolen
1.3 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.
Essential places to dine
Underhuset
0.3 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.
Sunset Boulevard
0.3 km
Casual Danish fast food with burgers, bites and kids’ meals in a bright, modern setting on Silkeborg’s Chr. d. 8.s Vej.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.3 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Silkeborg’s main square, serving familiar grills, burgers and family-friendly favourites in relaxed, central surroundings.
Panorama Mad & Vin
0.3 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.
Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg
0.3 km
Stylish Nordic sharing plates, brunch and speciality coffee served in Silkeborg’s historic town hall, overlooking the lively main square on Torvet.
Torvets Kebab & Pizza
0.3 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.
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.
Restaurant Michael D.
0.4 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.
Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg
0.4 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Cafe K Silkeborg
0.4 km
Silkeborg's vibrant casual dining hub where quality brunch, cocktails, and community converge.
Café Kik
0.5 km
Waterfront café on the Gudenå river with quality Danish fare and scenic riverside views.
Evald - Brasserie & cafe
0.5 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.
Bone's Silkeborg
0.5 km
Smoky ribs, flame-grilled steaks and family-friendly comfort food in Silkeborg’s regenerated Papirfabrikken riverside district.
Four Hands Restaurant
0.5 km
Intimate, chef-led dining in central Silkeborg where a daily changing set menu, seasonal Danish produce and warm hygge hospitality turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Gusto Silkeborg
0.5 km
Savor delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and salads at Gusto Silkeborg – your culinary stop in the heart of Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Imerco
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg homeware hub for Danish design, practical kitchen gear and cosy hygge accents, ideal for gifts, souvenirs and everyday essentials.
Helm
0.2 km
Two centuries of Danish leather heritage meets contemporary design in Silkeborg's premier bag and luggage destination.
HAUS · FRAU
0.2 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Silkeborg, blending timeless elegance, curated designer brands and attentive, personal service on lively Østergade.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 km
Cosy Scandinavian lifestyle store on Østergade in Silkeborg, blending hygge-inspired home décor, creative supplies and playful design in a calm, maze-like setting.
H&M
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg fashion stop combining global H&M style with small-town convenience on the lively Torvet square.
Kop & Kande Silkeborg
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg homeware and gift store offering Scandinavian-style kitchenware, tableware and classic presents in a bright, practical high-street setting.
DressLab
0.2 km
Scandinavian fashion curated for contemporary women in the heart of Silkeborg.
Skovs Antik - Silkeborg
0.3 km
A long‑time Silkeborg specialist in silver cutlery, vintage jewelry and classic tableware, preserving Danish craft traditions beyond the life of its physical shop.
Elkjær Lingerie
0.3 km
Intimate lingerie boutique on Silkeborg’s main square, offering personal fittings, classic Scandinavian styles and a calm pause from the town centre’s everyday bustle.
Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S
0.3 km
Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
0.3 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
b.young Silkeborg
0.3 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
TOFT SHOP
0.3 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
0.4 km
Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.
Bustedwoman.com
0.4 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
0.3 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Kaffebaren
0.4 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Café Kling Klang
0.5 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Roxy Malt
0.5 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 Admiral Pub
0.5 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
0.6 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Butchers Silkeborg
0.6 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Bifrost Sports Pub
0.6 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
0.6 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
0.6 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Sportspubben Målet
0.6 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.
The Smoke Pub
0.7 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.
Cafe' Paradis
0.8 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
0.9 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.
Bodega Hjørnet
1.1 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
0.6 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
28.0 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Vesterbro Pub
32.3 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
35.5 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
35.6 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
35.6 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
35.8 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.1 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
37.1 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
37.7 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
39.0 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.
Morzybitten
39.0 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- LGBT Friendly
