Restaurant Aalekroen, Silkeborg
Traditional Danish inn-restaurant on the shore of Lake Julsø, pairing hearty comfort food and regional specialties with broad waterside views near Silkeborg.
Set on the shore of Lake Julsø by the Gudenå river just north of Silkeborg, Restaurant Aalekroen is a classic Danish inn-restaurant known for hearty traditional dishes and a scenic waterside setting. Housed in an inn-like building at Julsøvænget 5, it pairs rustic dining rooms and outdoor terraces with views over water, boats and forested hills. Expect a menu focused on Danish comfort food, including fried eel, pork and generous potato dishes, in a relaxed, countryside atmosphere that feels far from the city yet is easy to reach for lunch or dinner.
A brief summary to Restaurant Aalekroen
- Julsøvænget 5, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4586846033
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Book ahead for summer weekends and holidays, when the lakefront setting and group celebrations can fill both indoor rooms and the terrace quickly.
- If you want to try the classic fried eel, check availability in advance and be prepared for a richer, more traditional dish than typical modern seafood.
- Aim for a daylight sitting to fully enjoy the lake and river views; in winter, earlier reservations help you catch the scenery before dusk.
- Allow time to stroll along the nearby shoreline before or after your meal; even a short walk gives a real sense of the Silkeborg Lakes landscape.
- Mention any mobility needs when reserving so staff can seat you in the most accessible area, as some spaces and terraces may involve small level changes.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Restaurant Aalekroen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Aalekroen
Waterside inn on the edge of Lake Julsø
Aalekroen sits at Julsøvænget 5 in the northern outskirts of Silkeborg, where the Gudenå river widens into shimmering Lake Julsø. The setting feels like a classic Danish country inn: low buildings, red roofs and terraces angled to catch every glimpse of water and passing boats. From the restaurant you look out across reeds, jetties and wooded slopes, with the soft sounds of waves and birdlife rolling in from outside. Despite the rural feel, this is very much a working restaurant rather than a remote farmhouse. Inside, the layout is designed to handle both intimate tables and large gatherings, with separate rooms and banquet areas that are often used for celebrations. On bright days, many diners gravitate to the outdoor seating, where the views over the lake become part of the meal.Traditional Danish cooking with a focus on eels
The kitchen leans into deeply traditional Danish fare. Aalekroen is especially associated with fried eel, a regional delicacy cooked crisp and served with rich accompaniments, but the menu also leans heavily on pork, potatoes and classic gravies. Expect dishes such as stegt flæsk with parsley sauce, hearty beef plates and open-faced lunch staples alongside more modern café-style offerings. Portions tend to be generous and aimed at satisfying appetites fuelled by fresh air rather than fine-dining minimalism. Desserts often follow the same comfort-food theme, with creamy puddings, cakes and ice creams that round off a long lunch or early dinner. Local beers and snaps make frequent appearances, underlining the inn-like character of the place.From cozy dining rooms to lake-view terraces
Inside Aalekroen you step into a series of cozy rooms that echo the feel of a traditional Danish kro. Expect wooden furniture, simple décor and large windows framing the water and tree line outside. In cooler months, the focus naturally shifts to these interiors, where you can watch weather sweep across the lake from the warmth of the dining rooms. When the weather cooperates, the terrace and outdoor tables become the prime spots. Here the experience is as much about being by the water as it is about eating. You might see canoeists drifting past, small tour boats crossing Julsø or the light changing over the hills that edge the Silkeborg Lakes. Even on grey days, the proximity to the water gives the restaurant an atmospheric, slightly timeless feel.A social hub for gatherings and celebrations
Beyond everyday meals, Aalekroen functions as a natural gathering point for the area. Its banquet rooms make it a popular choice for birthdays, family lunches and group outings, helped by its location within easy reach of Silkeborg yet surrounded by nature. The inn-like setup allows larger groups to occupy their own section without losing the broader lake-house atmosphere. Because of this, the mood can shift notably over the course of a day. A quiet weekday lunch might feel almost contemplative, while summer evenings and weekends can be distinctly lively as groups settle in for long meals and drinks. The mix of locals and visitors passing through the Silkeborg Lakes area adds to the sense that this is a regional institution as much as a standalone restaurant.Part of the wider Silkeborg Lakes experience
Aalekroen is woven into the broader landscape of the Silkeborg Lakes. Many visitors pair a meal here with walks along the nearby shores, boat trips on the Gudenå or excursions to view points in the surrounding hills. The location allows you to step straight from dining room or terrace into the waterside environment, making it a natural pause point on a day spent exploring east Jutland’s lake district. Whether you come specifically for fried eels, for a long Danish lunch or simply for coffee with a view, the defining feature is the interplay between traditional food and the calm of the water outside the windows. That combination is what gives Aalekroen its enduring appeal in this corner of Denmark.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
3.5 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
3.9 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Lovisehøj
4.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Water Tower
7.0 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
7.2 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
7.9 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Randershøj
9.9 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Store Troldhøj
10.6 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Øm Klostermuseum
10.8 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Landal Søhøjlandet
11.6 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
12.8 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.
Mossø
13.3 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.
Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten
16.0 km
A hidden memorial stone honoring a master mason's legacy in Silkeborg's quiet forest.
Bølling Lake
17.2 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Yding Skovhøj
17.3 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
1.7 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.
Høgdal
2.6 km
An 18th-century hilltop farm near Silkeborg, preserved as a living window into Danish rural life amid the soft landscapes of the Søhøjlandet lake district.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
2.9 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Shelterplads
3.2 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
3.4 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.
Gammelkol
3.5 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.
Himmelbjerget
3.7 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
3.7 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
De Små Fisk
3.8 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.
Dynæs voldsted
3.8 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.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
4.0 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.
H.C. Andersen bench
4.1 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Labyrinthia
4.5 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.
Ulvehoved
4.6 km
A gentle hilltop in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, Ulvehoved offers forest trails, soft climbs and tranquil views across Denmark’s hilly lake highlands.
Aboretet Silkeborg
5.2 km
A quiet world of global trees in a 200‑year‑old Silkeborg forest, where wetlands, wildlife and easy woodland paths create a free, low‑key escape close to town.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Aalekroen
0.0 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
0.5 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.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
4.0 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Café Himmelsk
4.3 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt
5.1 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.
Resturant indelukket
6.0 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.
Orangeriet
6.1 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Gl. Skovridergaard
6.1 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.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
6.8 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
6.9 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.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
7.0 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.
Tin's
7.1 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.
Restaurant Spyd
7.1 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Regatta Sandwich
7.1 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Asian Restaurant & Café
7.1 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
3.7 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.
Ørneboden
3.9 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Bjerghytten
4.0 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Ugleboden
4.0 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.
Bjerg-kiosken
4.0 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.
Laven Antikvariat
4.9 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
The Silkeborg Ski Shop
5.6 km
Specialist ski outfitter in Silkeborg where Scandinavian style, expert advice and quality gear come together before you head for the winter mountains.
ByStenholt
5.7 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.
Made by Ella
6.8 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
6.8 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Leather by Corium
7.1 km
Boutique Nordic leather shop in Silkeborg’s Papirfabrikken district, offering timeless bags and accessories that blend Scandinavian design with everyday practicality.
Buksecompagniet
7.2 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Femilet
7.2 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Bivs.dk
7.2 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
Elkjær Lingerie
7.2 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bakkens bodega
6.6 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.
Bodega Hjørnet
6.9 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
6.9 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.
The Admiral Pub
7.1 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
7.1 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
7.2 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.
Roxy Malt
7.2 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.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
7.2 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
7.3 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
7.3 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
7.3 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
7.3 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
7.3 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
7.4 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
The Smoke Pub
7.6 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
- Romantic
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Business Friendly