H.C. Andersen Bench
A literary sanctuary honoring Hans Christian Andersen's love for Denmark's countryside and his enduring creative spirit.
A literary memorial nestled on Himmelbjerget near Ry, Denmark, the H.C. Andersen Bench honors the world-renowned Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. Surrounded by a semi-circle of benches and marked by an inscribed stone bearing the opening lines of Andersen's patriotic hymn "I Danmark er jeg født" (In Denmark I am Born), this intimate sanctuary reflects the author's deep connection to the Danish landscape. Andersen frequently visited the Silkeborg region during the 1850s, finding inspiration in its natural beauty that would influence his fairy tales, including "Ib and Little Christine." The bench offers a contemplative space where visitors can connect with Andersen's legacy while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
A brief summary to H.C. Andersen bench
- Himmelbjergvej 20, Ry, 8680, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during clear weather to fully appreciate the panoramic views of the Gudenaa river valley and surrounding forests that inspired Andersen's fairy tales.
- Combine your visit with exploration of nearby memorials on Himmelbjerget, including the Blicher Stone and the historic lectern, to understand the region's cultural significance.
- Bring a copy of Andersen's works to read on the bench—the setting provides an immersive context for understanding his connection to the Danish landscape.
- Parking fees apply in the Himmelbjerget area; use the Apcoa Flow app for payment, as cash is no longer accepted at parking machines.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
-
Driving from Ry Town Centre
From central Ry, follow Himmelbjergvej northward toward Himmelbjerget, approximately 3 kilometers. The bench is located at Himmelbjergvej 20. Parking is available in the Himmelbjerget area; parking fees apply at approximately 15 DKK for the first hour, 13 DKK for the second hour, and 10 DKK for each subsequent hour. Payment is managed via the Apcoa Flow mobile app; cash payments are no longer accepted at parking machines. Travel time is approximately 8–10 minutes by car.
-
Cycling from Ry
Ry is well-connected by cycling routes. From the town center, follow local cycle paths toward Himmelbjerget, a distance of approximately 3 kilometers. The route is relatively flat to gently rolling terrain. Travel time is approximately 15–20 minutes depending on fitness level and route choice. Bicycle parking facilities are available near the Himmelbjerget area.
-
Walking from Ry Town Centre
A walking route from central Ry to the H.C. Andersen Bench covers approximately 3 kilometers and takes 35–45 minutes. The terrain is mixed, with some gentle inclines as you approach Himmelbjerget. The walk passes through pleasant countryside and offers views of the surrounding landscape. Wear comfortable walking shoes and allow extra time to enjoy the scenery.
-
Public Transport from Silkeborg
Silkeborg is the nearest larger town with rail connections. From Silkeborg Station, local buses serve the Ry and Himmelbjerget area; journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on the specific service. Check local timetables for current schedules, as service frequency varies seasonally. From the bus stop, the bench is accessible by a short walk or further local transport.
H.C. Andersen bench location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
Discover more about H.C. Andersen bench
A Poet's Pilgrimage to the Danish Highlands
The H.C. Andersen Bench stands as a poignant tribute to Hans Christian Andersen (1805–1875), one of the world's most celebrated storytellers. Located on Himmelbjergvej near Ry in Central Jutland, this memorial transcends the function of a simple resting place—it is a destination that connects visitors to Andersen's life, his literary contributions, and his profound appreciation for the Danish landscape. The bench itself is part of a thoughtfully designed area where a semi-circle of benches surrounds a memorial stone, creating an intimate space for reflection and contemplation.Words Carved in Stone: Andersen's Declaration of Belonging
The stone bears an inscription of the opening lines from Andersen's iconic poem, "I Danmark er jeg født" (In Denmark I am Born), written in 1850. These words encapsulate the author's profound sense of belonging and his enduring connection to his homeland, a theme that resonates throughout his works. The inscription reads: "I Danmark er jeg født, der har jeg hjemme, / der har jeg rod, derfra min verden gaar" (In Denmark, I was born, the land my soul calls home, / There my roots rest, from there my world sets out). For Andersen, Denmark was not merely a place of residence but the spiritual and creative wellspring from which his imagination flowed.Inspiration from the Silkeborg Region
The location of the bench holds particular historical significance. Between 1850 and 1859, Andersen visited the Silkeborg area five times as a guest of the Drewsen family, who owned the renowned Silkeborg Paper Mill. These visits profoundly influenced his writing and worldview. In his diaries, Andersen documented his journeys through the surrounding landscape, including trips to Aasen and Himmelbjerget. On May 30, 1850, he wrote of being asked to name a place in his honor, requesting the height where a bench stood, which became known as "Andersens Høiland" (Andersen's Highland). The natural beauty of the region—with its views of the Gudenaa river, the forested slopes, and the distinctive topography—inspired the fairy tale "Ib and Little Christine" (1855), a story rooted in the local landscape and its people.A Monument Within a Sacred Landscape
Himmelbjerget itself is a landmark of cultural and historical importance in Denmark. The area is rich in memorials and monuments dedicated to prominent figures in Danish history and culture. Beyond the H.C. Andersen Bench, visitors encounter the Blicher Stone, erected in 1882 to commemorate poet St. St. Blicher on his 100th birthday, and a historic lectern raised in 1925 bearing the carved portraits of nine men who shaped the Himmelbjerg rallies—gatherings that became central to Danish cultural and democratic life. These memorials collectively testify to the region's significance as a place where Danish intellectual and artistic achievement has been celebrated and preserved.The Experience of Reflection and Connection
Sitting on the bench, surrounded by the beauty of the Danish countryside, visitors can almost hear the echoes of Andersen's stories whispered through the trees and carried on the gentle breeze. The experience invites contemplation of how landscape shapes imagination and how a writer's connection to place becomes inseparable from his creative legacy. The bench is more than a tourist attraction; it is a place of pilgrimage for those who admire Andersen's work and seek to connect with his spirit. The panoramic views from Himmelbjerget encompass the same vistas that inspired Andersen during his visits—a direct link between the author's experience and that of contemporary visitors.Andersen's Enduring Legacy in Danish Culture
Andersen's influence extends far beyond this single memorial. His fairy tales—including "The Little Mermaid," "The Ugly Duckling," "The Steadfast Tin Soldier," and "The Little Match Girl"—have enchanted generations of readers worldwide. His travels throughout Denmark, Europe, and beyond shaped his imagination and provided material for his prolific output. The H.C. Andersen Bench represents one node in a broader network of sites across Denmark connected to his life and work, from his birthplace in Odense to the palaces and castles where he stayed and wrote. This memorial on Himmelbjerget anchors his legacy in the natural landscape that moved him most deeply.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
0.2 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
0.7 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Lovisehøj
8.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Water Tower
11.1 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
11.2 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Randershøj
11.4 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
11.6 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
11.6 km
Relive Central Jutland’s wartime past at Silkeborg Bunkermuseum, an immersive WWII command bunker with original artifacts and deep stories from Denmark’s occupation.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
11.9 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Store Troldhøj
12.6 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Landal Søhøjlandet
13.0 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.
Yding Skovhøj
13.4 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.
Funder Ruin
13.8 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
14.1 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.
The Uncovered Bridge
14.5 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bestig Himmelbjerget
0.2 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.
Himmelbjerget
0.3 km
Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.
Himmelbjergtårnet
0.4 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
0.8 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.
Dynæs voldsted
1.9 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
2.4 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.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
3.1 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
3.2 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Maskenkol
3.5 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.
Ry havn
4.1 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
4.4 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.
Høgdal
4.6 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.
Kongestolen
5.2 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.
Knudhule strand
5.9 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.
Øm Klostermuseum
6.8 km
Atmospheric monastery ruins and a specialist museum in skeletal archaeology, set between Jutland’s lakes with herb gardens, graves and traces of medieval monastic life.
Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
0.1 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
0.9 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
3.2 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.
Restaurant Aalekroen
4.1 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
4.1 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
4.2 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.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.4 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
4.4 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
4.4 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
4.5 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
4.5 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
5.9 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
5.9 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ugleboden
0.1 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
0.1 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.
Ørneboden
0.2 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Bjerghytten
0.2 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
2.2 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
3.0 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
Made by Ella
3.1 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
3.2 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
ByStenholt
3.5 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.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
4.1 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
4.3 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Kandis
4.4 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Toft suits men & women
4.4 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Hanghøj
4.4 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.5 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
9.4 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bakkens bodega
10.7 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
11.0 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
11.0 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
11.2 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
11.2 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
11.3 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
11.3 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
11.3 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
11.3 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
11.4 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
11.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
11.2 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
16.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Scandic Opus Horsens
26.9 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
28.4 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.
Oskar hossman
28.8 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
PDD
28.8 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
29.0 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.
Luksusmassage Århus
31.0 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
KLUB22
31.3 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
31.4 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Bastian Bar & Nightclub, Odder - Nightclub
31.9 km
Odder's central nightlife destination for weekend entertainment and social gathering
V58
32.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
equalclub
32.3 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Flintstone Pub
32.5 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
32.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Unique
- Mindfulness
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Spiritual / Energy Spot
- Myth & Legends
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
