Høgdal Visitor Farm, Them
A lovingly preserved 18th‑century visitor farm near Silkeborg where traditional Danish rural life, crafts and animals bring Jutland’s cultural heritage vividly to life.
Høgdal is a beautifully preserved 18th‑century visitor farm tucked into the rolling lake district near Silkeborg, where traditional Danish rural life has been carefully frozen in time. Dating back to 1796 and run for five generations by the same family, it now serves as a cultural‑historical centre with original farm buildings, period interiors, animals in the yard and hands‑on workshops that explore crafts, food and everyday life on a small Jutland farm.
A brief summary to Høgdal
- Høgdalvej 4, Them, 8653, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Check current opening days and event listings in advance; workshops, guided walks and indoor access to the farmhouse are often tied to specific dates and seasons.
- Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the courtyard or nearby meadow, as on‑site food options are limited and may not be available on quieter days.
- Wear sturdy, closed shoes: cobbled yards, barn floors and grassy paths can be uneven or muddy, especially after rain.
- Families should plan extra time for the craft activities and to meet goats, cats and chickens, which are often a highlight for children.
- Remember that restroom access is typically only available when the farm is open, so plan accordingly if visiting outside official hours.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Car from Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, driving to Høgdal typically takes 15–20 minutes, covering around 12–15 km on regional roads through the lake district. The route is straightforward on paved roads suitable for all vehicles. Parking is available close to the farm buildings and is usually free, but spaces can become scarce on major event days, so arriving earlier in the day helps secure a spot.
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Regional bus and short walk
You can travel by regional bus from Silkeborg to Them in about 20–30 minutes, depending on the line and stops, with adult tickets generally costing around 25–35 DKK one way. From Them, expect a pleasant country walk of roughly 20–30 minutes along local roads to reach the farm area, or arrange a short local taxi ride if you prefer to avoid walking. Bus frequencies vary by weekday and season, so checking the latest timetable before setting out is important.
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Cycling from Silkeborg area
For confident cyclists, Høgdal makes an enjoyable half‑day rural ride from Silkeborg or nearby lakeside villages. The journey typically takes 35–60 minutes each way, depending on your starting point and pace, and follows mainly quiet country and village roads with some rolling hills. There is no dedicated bike parking structure at the farm, but you can usually secure your bike near fences or buildings; bring a lock and be prepared for changeable weather and occasional wind across open fields.
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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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Høgdal
A historic farmstead where time stands still
Høgdal is an 18th‑century farmstead set in gentle hills and woodland close to Them and Silkeborg, part of the scenic Søhøjlandet lake district of central Jutland. The main farmhouse and outbuildings were first established in 1796 by Jens Jensen Lemming and remained in the same family for five generations, a continuity that helped preserve the farm’s layout, interiors and stories with remarkable integrity. The last generation to live here, brothers Jens and Peder Jensen, farmed the land until the 1970s. Their decision to maintain old tools, furniture and routines turned Høgdal into a kind of accidental time capsule. Today the municipality and local enthusiasts care for the site as a visitor farm and cultural‑historical centre, where you can wander through low‑ceilinged rooms, timbered barns and cobbled yards that feel little changed from the late 19th century.Living museum of Danish rural traditions
Inside the farmhouse, rooms are furnished with wood‑fired stoves, heavy tables, simple bedsteads and shelves of everyday utensils that show how a modest farming family organised work and home life. In the outbuildings you find stalls, haylofts, tool sheds and workshops, revealing the seasonal rhythm of sowing, harvesting, animal care and repair that once defined this landscape. Rather than display cases, Høgdal focuses on living demonstrations and practical activities. On selected days, the yard fills with the smell of baking, the sound of hand tools and the chatter of workshops. The emphasis is on touching, trying and asking questions, making it easy to imagine how much labour went into even the smallest household task in pre‑industrial Denmark.Workshops, events and everyday crafts
Throughout the year, the farm hosts changing cultural‑historical events. Depending on the season, you might join a guided mushroom walk in nearby woods, follow animal tracks with a nature guide or hear fiddle music drifting across the courtyard on traditional music days. Indoors and under cover, staff and volunteers run hands‑on workshops that explore historical crafts in a playful way. Activities can include carding and spinning wool, grinding grain with small coffee mills, making simple toys, or shaping beeswax and needle‑felt figures. Many of these sessions are designed for school classes and family groups, but individual visitors are often welcome to join on open days. The goal is not just to explain old techniques but to let you feel the materials in your hands and understand the patience they required.Animals, courtyard picnics and quiet corners
Even outside opening hours, Høgdal’s setting remains inviting. Paths loop around the buildings, and you can often greet the resident goats, cats and chickens as they roam the paddocks and sheds. The farmyard, with its uneven cobbles, timber facades and flower‑bordered edges, makes a charming spot for a simple packed‑lunch picnic on a fine day. When the visitor centre is officially open, basic facilities such as restrooms are available, and staff can share stories about the brothers who once lived here and the wider landscape around the farm. The surrounding fields and woodland edges offer small vantage points where you can look out over the lake district and imagine how similar farms once dotted these hills.A gentle step into the Danish countryside
Høgdal’s scale is intimate rather than grand, making it easy to explore at a relaxed pace. It works well as a half‑day stop combined with walks, lake views or other cultural sights around Silkeborg. The atmosphere is unhurried and grounded, with an emphasis on tactile experience, storytelling and simple rural tranquillity. Whether you come for a specific workshop, bring children to meet the animals or simply wander between farmhouse and barn, the visit offers a clear window into the everyday realities behind Denmark’s rural past. In a region known for outdoor adventures and lakeside scenery, Høgdal adds a quiet, human‑scale glimpse of how that landscape was once worked and lived in.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
- Relaxing
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
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
- Aesthetic Corners
- Instagrammable
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Myth & Legends
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
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
