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.