Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut, Knudhule Badehotel
Seasonal Danish–French cooking, a serious wine cellar and wide lake views come together at this refined yet relaxed restaurant inside Knudhule Badehotel.
Set on the shores of Knudsø at Knudhule Badehotel near Ry, Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut pairs a seasonal Danish–French kitchen with wide lake views. Inside, white-clothed tables, candlelight and picture windows frame Himmelbjerget in the distance, while the menu focuses on clear flavours, local produce and unfussy presentation. A serious, award-recognised wine list with hundreds of mainly European bottles underpins leisurely lunches, multi-course dinners and special gastronomic evenings.
A brief summary to Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
- Randersvej 88, Ry, 8680, DK
- +4586891407
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3.5 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Reserve well ahead for weekend dinners and special event nights, as the dining room is relatively small and often books out early.
- Consider choosing a fixed menu with wine pairing to experience the kitchen’s seasonal ideas and the breadth of the cellar in one sitting.
- Arrive a little early to enjoy a drink with views over Knudsø, especially around sunset when the light over the lake is at its best.
- Bring a light extra layer outside summer; lakefront evenings in Jutland can feel cool even after warm days.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Rain / Wet Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
Lakefront dining in the heart of Søhøjlandet
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut sits inside Knudhule Badehotel on the edge of Knudsø, surrounded by woods, rolling hills and classic Jutland lake scenery. Large windows pull the landscape indoors, so you can follow the play of light across the water and glimpse Himmelbjerget and its tower on the horizon. In summer the terrace opens out towards the lake, while in the darker months the interior becomes a warm refuge of candlelight and soft conversation. The dining room balances hotel charm with a contemporary Nordic feel: light colours, simple table settings and just enough polish to feel special without being stiff. You are always aware that you are close to nature – from the glimpses of the bathing jetty and lawns outside to the changing weather sliding over the lake during your meal.A seasonal Danish–French kitchen
The kitchen is led by chef Dean Jespersen, who works by two simple rules: food should taste clearly of its ingredients, and those ingredients should be in season. That means menus that change through the year, with winter bringing richer sauces and slow-cooked meats, and spring and summer leaning into vegetables, fish and lighter preparations. The style is rooted in Danish and French traditions without unnecessary complication. You might encounter classics like lobster soup, vitello tonnato, or beef tenderloin with carefully composed garnishes, alongside local fish or modern takes on smørrebrød at lunch. Plates are precise rather than flashy, with an emphasis on balance, texture and sauces that quietly tie everything together.One of Jutland’s notable wine lists
A particular point of pride is the extensive wine list, housed partly in the hotel’s old wine cellar. The selection spans roughly four hundred labels, with a focus on Europe – Burgundy and the Rhône, Champagne, Germany, Italy and Spain – complemented by well-chosen bottles from further afield. Over the years, the list has been recognised by international wine publications for both depth and quality. Guests can choose fixed wine pairings that track set menus course by course, or explore the cellar by the bottle with guidance from the team. There is also a thoughtful range of non-alcoholic options, including quality juices, soft drinks and local or craft beers, so the experience can be tailored whether you are celebrating or simply enjoying a relaxed lakeside lunch.Gastronomic stays and culinary events
Because the restaurant is integrated with Knudhule Badehotel, it often forms the centrepiece of overnight gastronomic stays. Multi-course dinners are paired with accommodation in the surrounding rooms and cottages, encouraging unhurried evenings that can stretch from aperitif to coffee without concern for the drive home. Across the year the calendar features themed evenings and seasonal menus: winter game nights, special Wednesdays and Fridays focused on tasting menus, festive Christmas and Easter offerings, and occasional events celebrating particular regions or producers. These give returning guests a reason to experience the kitchen in different moods, from classic holiday comfort to more experimental tastings.A relaxed yet polished atmosphere
Despite the ambitious cooking and serious wine program, the overall tone remains informal and welcoming. Couples settle in for long dinners, friends gather around larger tables and hotel guests drift in from lakeside walks or swims. Service aims for attentive but unhurried, allowing the setting by the water to dictate the pace. Many visitors combine a meal with time outdoors: a stroll along Knudsø’s shore, a dip from the nearby jetty in warmer months, or a short excursion into the surrounding forests and viewpoints in the Lake District. Whether you come for a single lunch or build it into a longer stay, Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut offers a distinctly Jutland mix of nature, craftsmanship and unpretentious hospitality built around the table.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
6.1 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
6.2 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Randershøj
12.2 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Det gamle vandtårn
13.3 km
Skanderborg's 41.5-meter castle-style water tower from 1908—a striking symbol of industrial heritage and urban progress.
Lovisehøj
13.3 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Store Troldhøj
13.8 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Ejer Bavnehøj
14.3 km
A modest Danish hill with a mighty horizon, Ejer Bavnehøj blends reunification history, beacon legends and big-sky views into an easy, rewarding countryside stop.
Genforeningssten på Ejer Bavnehøj
14.4 km
Denmark's third-highest point crowned with a monumental 1920 reunification memorial and iconic tower.
Ejerbavnehøj MØDESTED
15.0 km
Denmark's third-highest peak crowned by a 1924 monument to national reunification, offering panoramic views and historic significance.
silkeborg
16.1 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
16.1 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Slotsholmen
16.2 km
Denmark's island of power: nine centuries of royal rule, government, and cultural heritage in Copenhagen's heart.
Knagerne Silkeborg
16.3 km
Explore Knagerne Silkeborg, an untouched ancient forest where time stands still, offering a unique and immersive nature experience in the heart of Denmark's Lake District.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
16.4 km
Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.
Springvand
16.5 km
Northern Europe's grandest fountain transforms Silkeborg's lakeside with water jets soaring 33 meters high and mesmerizing evening light shows.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ry havn
2.3 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.
Maskenkol
2.4 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.
Dynæs voldsted
5.7 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.
H.C. Andersen bench
5.9 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Gammelkol
6.0 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.
Øm Klostermuseum
6.1 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.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
6.1 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
6.2 km
Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.
Himmelbjergtårnet
6.2 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
6.3 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.
Kallehave bålhytte
7.0 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.
Mossø
7.4 km
Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
8.7 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
9.1 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Abbey Mill
9.1 km
Historic monastery mill turned lakeside retreat, where Denmark’s longest wooden building, canoe-filled waterways and big-sky views meet in the Mossø hills.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
0.0 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
0.1 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Umisushi
2.0 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Restaurant Da Angelo
2.1 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
2.1 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
2.1 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
2.1 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
2.1 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
2.1 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.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
2.2 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Svejstrup Præstegård
4.9 km
Historic rectory garden transformed into a seasonal summer restaurant and cultural venue.
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
6.0 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
6.2 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.
Café Himmelsk
6.5 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
9.4 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
densortepiste.dk
1.9 km
Denmark's dedicated ski shop for rentals, sales, and expert winter sports guidance.
Red Cross Op Shop
1.9 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.
Pierrot La Lune
2.0 km
A small, stylish children’s clothing boutique on Ry’s central square, blending Scandinavian design, quality fabrics and a cosy, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Taste
2.1 km
Intimate Ry boutique for thoughtfully chosen lingerie and womenswear, offering calm, personal service and understated Nordic style on Skanderborgvej.
Hanghøj
2.1 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.
Kandis
2.1 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
2.1 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
by Diana
2.1 km
An intimate Ry lingerie boutique offering personal fittings, Scandinavian style and a carefully curated selection of everyday essentials and special-occasion pieces.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
2.2 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
2.4 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
ByStenholt
4.2 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.
Laven Antikvariat
4.9 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
Ugleboden
6.0 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
6.1 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
6.1 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Ambolten Ry
2.0 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.
La Vinya
2.1 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Høkeren
2.2 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.
Dartklubben Potten
5.5 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bar 8660
11.7 km
Cosy local pub and brewery bar on Adelgade, pouring Skanderborg Bryghus beers, classic drinks and simple bar bites for relaxed evenings in central Skanderborg.
Bar Bund
11.7 km
Cozy neighborhood bar on Adelgade in central Skanderborg, pouring classic drinks in an intimate, low-lit setting that comes alive on weekend evenings.
Værtshus
12.2 km
A compact, unpretentious local bar on Adelgade where Skanderborg’s everyday life gathers over simple beers, easy conversation and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Marius Øltapper
12.2 km
Unpretentious Skanderborg bar on Adelgade pouring well-kept beers and offering a relaxed slice of Danish pub life from midday pints to late weekend nights.
Gerd Bär Gmbh
13.5 km
Casual neighborhood bar with friendly service and solid drink selection in Skanderborg.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
15.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Sprutskuret I/S
15.4 km
A cosy, no-fuss neighborhood bar on Østbirk’s main street, where simple drinks, local life and unhurried conversations create a classic small-town Danish atmosphere.
Bakkens bodega
15.6 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.
Miller's Pub
15.9 km
Easygoing neighborhood pub in Hørning serving cold beer, televised sports and small‑town Danish atmosphere from midday until late on weekends.
Cafe' Paradis
16.0 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.
Bodega Hjørnet
16.1 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Rustic Designs
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- 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
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- Business Friendly