Turbådene Himmelbjerget on Julsø
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.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget are the classic excursion boats that glide across the lakes of Søhøjlandet between Ry and the foot of Himmelbjerget, Denmark’s famed “Sky Mountain”. Boarding near Julsøvej in Ry, you sail through a landscape of calm water, forested slopes and birdlife before disembarking by Hotel Julsø to walk up to the tower and viewpoints. The experience blends gentle nostalgia, local history and easy access to one of Denmark’s most iconic scenic spots.
A brief summary to Turbådene Himmelbjerget
- Julsøvej 16, Ry, 8680, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Arrive a little early at the pier on busy summer days so you can choose between shaded seating inside or a spot on deck with the best lake views.
- Bring an extra layer, even in sunny weather; the breeze over Birksø and Julsø can feel noticeably cooler than on shore while the boat is moving.
- Combine the outbound cruise with a walk up Himmelbjerget and return later in the day, giving yourself time for the tower, playground and forest viewpoints.
- Have some Danish cash or a payment card ready for small on-board purchases or treats at kiosks near the pier and on top of Himmelbjerget.
- Check the seasonal sailing schedule in advance; departures are concentrated in the warmer months and may be reduced in shoulder seasons or on weekdays.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and short walk from Aarhus or Silkeborg
Take a regional train to Ry Station, which is on the line between Aarhus and Silkeborg and typically sees departures every 30–60 minutes in daytime. From the station it is around 20–25 minutes’ walk on pavements and quiet local roads to the pier area by Julsøvej, suitable for most walkers but with a noticeable downhill stretch on the way to the water. A one-way adult train ticket from Aarhus to Ry usually costs about 60–90 DKK depending on time and ticket type.
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Car from Silkeborg or Aarhus
Driving from Silkeborg or Aarhus to Ry typically takes 25–35 minutes along main regional roads. Follow signs into Ry town centre, then towards the lakefront area near Julsøvej, where you will find public parking options within walking distance of the pier. Parking may be time-limited or paid in peak season, with typical rates around 10–20 DKK per hour where charges apply. In school holidays and on sunny weekends spaces can fill quickly, so allow extra time to park and walk down to the lakeshore.
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Cycling from nearby towns
From Silkeborg or Skanderborg, confident cyclists can reach Ry in about 60–90 minutes using regional bike-friendly roads and local cycle paths, with gently rolling terrain but no extreme climbs. Bring lights and reflective gear if you expect to return later in the evening, as rural stretches can be dimly lit. There is no charge to bring a bicycle to the lakeshore, but if you plan to take it on board a boat, check the operator’s current policy and any small surcharge, which is often in the range of 10–30 DKK.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Turbådene Himmelbjerget
Lake steamers into the heart of Søhøjlandet
Step aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget at the lakeside in Ry and you are immediately in the middle of Denmark’s Lake District. The boats slide out across Birksø and on to Julsø, following a route that has linked town and “mountain” since the 19th century. Wooden fittings, simple seating and the unhurried pace create a quietly nostalgic mood, more about savoring time than racing to a destination. Out on the water the landscape opens up: low wooded hills, reed-fringed banks and the occasional red-roofed house tucked between trees. Much of the shoreline is left to nature, so the boat often feels surprisingly remote despite being close to small towns and holiday cottages.From quiet cruising to the climb up Himmelbjerget
The boats’ main purpose is to connect Ry with the foot of Himmelbjerget, the 147‑metre hill long celebrated as one of Denmark’s classic excursion destinations. After roughly fifty minutes of sailing, the pier by Hotel Julsø comes into view, backed by steep slopes and forest. From here, well-marked paths and steps lead up towards the plateau and, higher still, to the red-brick tower crowning the summit. Many visitors combine a relaxed outbound cruise with a more energetic walk uphill, pausing at viewpoints over the lakes they have just crossed. Others simply enjoy a stroll along the shore before re-boarding a later boat, turning the trip into an easy waterside outing rather than a full hike.Nature, birdlife and changing seasons
Because the boats move slowly and hug the shoreline for stretches, they double as floating hides. Grey herons stand statue-still in the shallows, and in quieter moments you may spot kingfishers darting low over the water in flashes of turquoise. In summer the decks fill with soft conversation and the scent of sunscreen, while wooded slopes shimmer in layered greens. On cooler days the atmosphere is different: mist hangs over the surface, tree trunks stand out starkly, and the ride becomes a reflective interlude between busier stops on a trip through Jutland. The route is short enough for families with children, yet tranquil enough to feel like an escape for solo travelers and couples.Echoes of historic excursions
The cruise is also part of a wider story. Since the 1860s, excursion boats have carried passengers across these lakes to constitutional gatherings and summer outings on Himmelbjerget. Today’s vessels continue that tradition, connecting visitors with a landscape that inspired painters, writers and early hikers. The simple ritual of casting off from Ry, skimming past forested peninsulas and arriving at the same historic hilltop area links modern travelers with generations of Danes before them.Planning your time on board and ashore
Sailing times are concentrated in the warmer months, when demand is highest and the lakeside kiosks on Himmelbjerget are open. Many travelers allow half a day to include the round-trip cruise and an unhurried visit to the hill, tower and play area at the top. Seating is mostly on simple benches or chairs, so a light jacket and perhaps a cushion can add comfort if you plan to sit outside for the entire crossing. Whether you treat Turbådene Himmelbjerget as a scenic transfer to a famous viewpoint or as a gentle lake cruise in its own right, it offers one of the most atmospheric ways to enter the landscape of Søhøjlandet.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
0.1 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
0.6 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Lovisehøj
7.6 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Water Tower
10.4 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
10.5 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Randershøj
10.8 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
11.1 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
11.3 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Silkeborg Rovfugleshow
11.5 km
Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action at Silkeborg Rovfugleshow, a captivating nature preserve offering breathtaking aerial displays and educational insights into the avian world.
Store Troldhøj
11.9 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Landal Søhøjlandet
12.3 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.
Funder Ruin
13.3 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.5 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.
Yding Skovhøj
14.1 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.
The Uncovered Bridge
15.2 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Himmelbjerget
0.5 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
0.5 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
H.C. Andersen bench
0.8 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
0.8 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.
Dynæs voldsted
1.4 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
1.8 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.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
2.5 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
3.0 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Maskenkol
3.9 km
A quiet stretch of Knudsø’s northern shore, Maskenkol offers gentle lakeside walking, open views and everyday Danish nature just beyond the town of Ry.
Høgdal
4.3 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.
Kongestolen
4.6 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.
Ry havn
4.6 km
Quiet lakeside marina in Ry, offering relaxed waterfront life, boat trips into the Silkeborg Lakes and easy access to the gentle hills of Denmark’s lake district.
Kallehave bålhytte
5.1 km
A modest grill shelter tucked into the Kallehave woods near Gl. Rye, perfect for unhurried campfire cooking and a quiet break on forest hikes.
Knudhule strand
6.3 km
Blue Flag lakeside escape near Ry, offering child‑friendly swimming, gentle views over Knudsø and a relaxed, low‑key setting in the hills of Søhøjlandet.
Shelterplads
6.6 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
0.8 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
1.5 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Restaurant Aalekroen
3.4 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
3.5 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.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
4.0 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.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
4.6 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
4.9 km
Intimate hotel brasserie in lakeside Ry, pairing French‑inspired comfort food, seasonal Danish ingredients and candlelit evening ambience in the heart of Søhøjlandet.
Ry Gastropub
4.9 km
Relaxed gastropub heart of Ry, serving comforting pub favourites, modern Danish flavours and easygoing drinks in a warm, social setting from lunch to late evening.
Hotel Ry
4.9 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
4.9 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
5.0 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
KobKun
5.0 km
Tiny Thai kitchen in the heart of Ry, serving fragrant curries and stir-fries in an intimate 13-seat space with a strong local takeaway following.
Umisushi
5.0 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
6.3 km
Seasonal Danish–French cooking, a serious wine cellar and wide lake views come together at this refined yet relaxed restaurant inside Knudhule Badehotel.
Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut
6.3 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ørneboden
0.7 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Ugleboden
0.7 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.
Bjerghytten
0.8 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Bjerg-kiosken
0.8 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.
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
2.3 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.
Laven Antikvariat
2.7 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
ByStenholt
3.3 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
3.8 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
3.9 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
4.6 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
4.8 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Kandis
4.9 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Hanghøj
4.9 km
A cosy Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Ry, offering curated women’s clothing, accessories and gifts with a relaxed, personal touch.
Toft suits men & women
4.9 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.9 km
Community-powered Danish thrift store in Ry, where low-cost second-hand finds help fund Red Cross humanitarian work and support more sustainable shopping.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Høkeren
4.9 km
Possibly Denmark’s smallest pub, Høkeren in Ry distills classic Danish tavern culture into 18 sociable square meters of wood, warmth and well‑poured drinks.
La Vinya
4.9 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Ambolten Ry
5.0 km
Cosy neighborhood bar and social hub in the heart of Ry, mixing cold beers, live music and small-town charm in a laid-back, living-room atmosphere.
Dartklubben Potten
9.3 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bakkens bodega
10.0 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
10.3 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
10.3 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
10.5 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
10.5 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
10.6 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.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
10.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Roxy Malt
10.6 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.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
10.7 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
10.7 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
10.7 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Waterfront
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
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
- Nature Escape
- 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
- Solo Female Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
