Høgdal
An 18th-century Danish farm where five generations of family stewardship preserved rural heritage for all to experience.
Høgdal is a cultural-historical visitor farm near Silkeborg in central Denmark, preserving rural life as it existed in the late 18th century. Established in 1796 and maintained by five generations of the same family, this living museum offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Danish farming through well-preserved buildings, interactive workshops, and seasonal events. Guests can explore the grounds, interact with farm animals, and participate in hands-on activities such as wool spinning, flour grinding, and traditional crafts.
A brief summary to Høgdal
- Høgdalvej 4, Them, 8653, DK
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Check the event calendar before visiting to plan around guided tours, craft workshops, and seasonal activities such as mushroom foraging and fiddler days that enhance the experience significantly.
- Wear comfortable, sturdy footwear suitable for walking on uneven farm terrain and interacting with animals; the grounds are not paved and weather conditions can affect accessibility.
- Bring a packed lunch to enjoy in the courtyard, allowing yourself to settle into the unhurried pace of farm life and extend your visit without needing to travel elsewhere for meals.
- Visit on weekdays during off-peak seasons for a quieter, more intimate experience with fewer crowds, allowing deeper engagement with the buildings, animals, and volunteer staff.
- Engage directly with volunteer staff members; their personal knowledge of the farm's history and family stories enriches understanding far beyond what signage alone can provide.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Driving from Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, head south toward the town of Them, following main routes through the countryside. Upon reaching Them, follow signs for Høgdalvej; the farm is located at Høgdalvej 4, 8653 Them. The drive takes approximately 15–20 minutes depending on starting point. Parking is available near the farm, though spaces may be limited during peak season events. The route is well-signposted and suitable for standard vehicles.
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Public transport from Silkeborg Station
From Silkeborg Station, take a regional bus service heading toward Them. Journey time is approximately 20–30 minutes depending on service frequency and stops. Bus fare is approximately 25 DKK. Upon arrival in Them, the farm is a short walk or brief taxi ride from the town center. Check current bus schedules in advance, as service frequency varies by season and day of week.
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Walking from Them town center
If arriving in Them by bus or car, Høgdal can be reached on foot from the town center, though the walk is approximately 1.5–2 kilometers along rural roads with limited sidewalks. The terrain is generally flat but uneven in places. Allow 20–30 minutes for the walk. This option is most practical in dry weather and during daylight hours.
Høgdal location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Høgdal
A Farm Frozen in Time
Høgdal stands as a remarkable testament to Danish rural heritage, its roots reaching back to 1796 when Jens Jensen Lemming and his family first built the farm on land blessed with a never-failing well. What makes this property extraordinary is not merely its age, but the unbroken chain of family stewardship—five generations of fathers passing the farm to sons—until the municipality assumed its care in 1976. Today, operated by dedicated volunteers, Høgdal functions as a living museum where the rhythms and routines of 18th-century farm life continue to unfold within its original buildings and across its working grounds. The focal point of Høgdal's historical narrative centers on Jens and Peder Jensen, the fifth-generation brothers whose story and legacy became the catalyst for transforming this private family holding into a public cultural institution. Their connection to the land and its traditions inspired the decision to preserve Høgdal not as a static display, but as an active, breathing space where visitors encounter authentic farm life rather than merely observe it from behind barriers.Immersive Experiences and Seasonal Activities
Throughout the year, Høgdal hosts a rotating calendar of cultural-historical events designed to deepen visitors' understanding of rural Danish traditions. Guided mushroom foraging tours lead participants through the surrounding forests, while animal tracking walks reveal the wildlife that shares the landscape. Fiddler days celebrate traditional music and dance, connecting visitors to the social fabric of historical farm communities. Schools and organized groups can arrange extended stays featuring hands-on workshops: guests learn traditional wool carding and spinning, grind flour using small coffee mills, craft needle-felted figures and beeswax ornaments, and engage in period games such as throwing pea bags and horseshoes. Beyond scheduled events, the farm welcomes spontaneous exploration. Visitors are always free to wander the grounds, examine the buildings from the exterior, and encounter the resident goats, cats, and chickens that inhabit the property. The courtyard provides a welcoming space for picnicking, allowing travelers to bring packed lunches and settle into the unhurried pace of farm life. Access to indoor facilities, including restrooms, is available when the farm operates as an open attraction.The Landscape and Setting
Høgdal occupies a distinctive position within Denmark's Lake District, situated in the rolling terrain of Søhøjlandet near the town of Them. The farm's location in central Jutland places it within a region celebrated for its natural beauty—forests, lakes, and gently undulating hills that have shaped both the landscape and the character of its inhabitants for centuries. The surrounding countryside remains largely rural and agricultural, preserving the context in which Høgdal's buildings and traditions developed. A primitive campsite with two forest shelters and a fire pit sits tucked away on the property's eastern edge, accessible only on foot, offering visitors who seek deeper immersion an opportunity to experience the land as earlier generations knew it.Architecture and Material Heritage
The farm's buildings represent authentic examples of late 18th-century Danish rural construction, their preservation allowing visitors to understand not only how people lived but how they built, organized space, and adapted structures to the demands of agricultural work and family life. Period furnishings and working implements within the buildings provide tangible connections to daily routines—the tools, vessels, and domestic arrangements that defined existence on a working farm. These material remains, combined with the farm's continued operation as a functional space rather than a sealed museum, create an environment where history feels present and accessible rather than distant and academic.Volunteer-Driven Stewardship
The farm's operation by volunteer staff distinguishes Høgdal from many heritage sites. These dedicated individuals bring personal knowledge, family stories, and genuine passion for the property's history, enriching visitor interactions with insights that extend far beyond what guidebooks or plaques could convey. Engaging with volunteers often becomes one of the most memorable aspects of a visit, as their enthusiasm and deep familiarity with Høgdal's past transform a simple tour into a genuine cultural exchange. This human dimension—the presence of people who care deeply about preserving and sharing the farm's legacy—gives Høgdal its distinctive character and warmth.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
- Cultural Heritage
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Heritage Neighborhoods
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Scenic
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
- Nature Escape
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Myth & Legends
- Day Trip
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
