Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
A riverside haven of bold CoBrA art, Jorn’s legacy and hands-on creativity in the heart of Silkeborg’s modernist museum by the Gudenå River.
Set on the leafy banks of the Gudenå River, Museum Jorn in Silkeborg is Denmark’s great temple to experimental modern art and the visionary painter Asger Jorn. Inside its low, light-filled buildings you step into a vivid world of CoBrA canvases, sculptural oddities and bold contemporary works, drawn from a collection of around 30,000 pieces by more than 550 artists. Hands-on workshops, family-friendly activity stations and the riverside Café Cobra make this a rewarding stop for art lovers and curious newcomers alike.
A brief summary to Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
- Gudenåvej 7-9, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4586825388
- Visit website
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 10 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-9 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 10 am-5 pm
Local tips
- Plan for at least two to three hours; the collection is extensive and temporary exhibitions often add several extra rooms to explore.
- Come on a weekday morning for quieter galleries and more space at the interactive activity stations and workshop areas.
- Combine your visit with a stroll along the Gudenå River and the nearby Indelukket area to balance intense art viewing with fresh air.
- If you use a wheelchair or pram, ask at reception; the exhibition levels are accessible and the museum can lend equipment on request.
- Food brought from outside cannot be eaten inside, so either plan to eat at Café Cobra or use the nearby outdoor picnic tables.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Lockers
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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Train and local bus from Aarhus
From Aarhus, take a regional train to Silkeborg Station, a journey of around 45–55 minutes with departures typically at least once an hour and a fare in the range of 80–120 DKK one way in standard class. From the station, local city buses run towards the Gudenå riverside area and stop within walking distance of the museum; allow 10–20 minutes for the bus ride depending on route and waiting time. Buses use the same ticketing system as regional trains, and short city trips usually cost around 20–30 DKK.
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Intercity train from Copenhagen via Skanderborg
From Copenhagen, take an intercity train towards Jutland and change at Skanderborg for the branch line to Silkeborg; typical total travel time is about 3.5–4 hours, with one or two departures per hour on weekdays. Standard adult fares vary widely depending on advance purchase, but a flexible one-way ticket generally falls somewhere between 350 and 550 DKK. From Silkeborg Station you can continue by local bus or taxi; a short taxi ride to the museum usually takes under 10 minutes and costs in the region of 120–180 DKK.
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Car from Aarhus and eastern Jutland
Driving from Aarhus to Silkeborg typically takes 35–45 minutes via the main motorway and connecting roads, with well-signposted access towards central Silkeborg and the Gudenå riverside area. Traffic is generally smooth outside rush hours, and there are no separate road tolls on this stretch. Museum Jorn has its own free parking area directly by the buildings, but spaces can fill during school holidays and special events, so allow extra time to find a place on busy days.
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Bicycle from central Silkeborg
If you are staying in central Silkeborg, reaching Museum Jorn by bicycle is straightforward and typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on your starting point and pace. The route uses regular town streets and riverside paths, mostly flat and suitable for casual cyclists. Several hotels and bike rental shops in town offer simple city bikes at daily rates often between 100 and 200 DKK. Be aware that winter conditions or heavy rain can make parts of the riverside path slippery, so plan accordingly.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
A riverside museum born from Asger Jorn’s vision
Museum Jorn sits in a green bend of the Gudenå River, a short walk from central Silkeborg, its low modern buildings opening towards the water and surrounding parkland. Founded by the influential Danish painter Asger Jorn, one of the driving forces behind the CoBrA movement, the museum was conceived as a living, evolving home for radical art rather than a quiet storehouse of masterpieces. Jorn began donating his own works and acquisitions in the 1950s, building a collection that would keep challenging viewers long after his death in 1973. The museum’s architecture feels purpose-built for contemplation: broad windows frame trees and river, while generous galleries give big, unruly canvases space to breathe. Even before you see a single painting, the setting suggests that art, landscape and everyday life belong together.Inside the colourful universe of CoBrA and beyond
Step into the main exhibition spaces and you enter Jorn’s world of saturated colour, jagged figures and restless brushwork. His canvases hang alongside works by fellow CoBrA artists such as Karel Appel and Constant, underlining the movement’s mix of playfulness and protest. Nearby, pieces by Max Ernst, Fernand Léger, Jean Dubuffet and Francis Picabia show how Jorn collected widely, weaving international modernism into a distinctly Scandinavian story. Later Danish voices are strongly represented, especially the painter and sculptor Per Kirkeby, whose rough, layered surfaces echo geological strata. Across the museum you encounter sculpture, ceramics, prints and drawings that reward slow looking, from intimate sketches to monumental installations. Temporary shows frequently reframe the collection, pairing Jorn with contemporary artists or focusing on particular themes such as mythology, politics or material experimentation.Family-friendly creativity and hands-on exploration
Although the holdings are museum-grade, the atmosphere is refreshingly informal. Activity stations tucked between galleries invite you to try Jorn-inspired techniques, from automatic drawing to collage and clay modelling. Families can easily spend an hour or more in the workshops, where materials are laid out for children to invent their own strange creatures and abstract worlds. Interpretive texts favour clear, accessible language, making it easy for visitors new to modern art to find a way in. Quiet seating nooks encourage you to sit with a single work rather than rushing past. On many days you may hear low voices from guided activities or school groups, adding a gentle background buzz without overwhelming the calm of the galleries.River views, café culture and a sense of place
Beyond the art, part of the appeal lies in how seamlessly Museum Jorn connects indoors and outdoors. Large panes of glass frame the Gudenå and the leafy Indelukket recreational area, inviting you to step outside between rooms to clear your head among trees and river birds. In good weather, light and reflections from the water subtly change the character of the galleries across the day. Café Cobra, with windows over the river, offers a relaxed spot for lunch, coffee or a glass of wine. The menu leans towards simple Nordic café fare, and the setting makes it easy to turn a museum visit into a leisurely half-day outing. A well-stocked shop near the entrance sells art books, prints and design objects, many linked directly to the collection, allowing you to take a small fragment of Jorn’s universe home.Planning your visit and making the most of your time
Museum Jorn is generally open from Tuesday to Sunday during daytime hours, with Monday as the regular closing day and occasional seasonal exceptions. Most visitors spend between two and three hours exploring, though enthusiasts of modern art often stay longer to dive into the extensive holdings. The exhibition areas are fully accessible by lift and ramp, and wheelchairs or prams can be borrowed on site by prior arrangement. Lockers and cloakrooms near the reception keep bags out of the galleries, and accessible restrooms and baby-changing facilities are available on the main floors. Free parking beside the museum simplifies arrival by car, while the riverside paths connect naturally to Silkeborg’s wider network of green spaces. Whether you come for a focused encounter with CoBrA masterpieces or a relaxed cultural pause by the water, Museum Jorn offers an unusually rich blend of art, landscape and creative energy.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Silkeborg Water Tower
0.7 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
1.1 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Lovisehøj
2.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
3.4 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
9.8 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
10.2 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Store Troldhøj
10.4 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Randershøj
10.8 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Bølling Lake
11.4 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
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.
Abbey Mill
15.9 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
17.0 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Mossø
19.5 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.
Jutland
20.1 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
The Uncovered Bridge
22.5 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg
0.4 km
A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.
Dronningestolen
0.4 km
A modest forest hill with a royal name, Dronningestolen offers a framed Silkeborg panorama, woodland quiet and a sense of history above the lakeside town.
Indelukkets Friluftsscene
0.5 km
Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
0.9 km
Freshwater worlds, playful otters and splash-filled playgrounds come together in Silkeborg’s lake-district aquarium and Danish wildlife park.
Tollundmanden
0.9 km
Meet the Tollund Man, a 2,400‑year‑old bog body whose hauntingly preserved face and story of ritual, death and discovery define Museum Silkeborg’s Iron Age heart.
Badeanstalten
0.9 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Silkeborg Archive
0.9 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
0.9 km
Step into Silkeborg’s oldest manor house to meet Tollund Man, explore bog mysteries and trace the town’s journey from Iron Age wetlands to modern Jutland hub.
Vægmaleri
0.9 km
Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.
The Hjejle Agency
0.9 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
0.9 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
1.0 km
A living paper workshop in Silkeborg’s old factory, where you watch pulp become sheets, learn about banknote paper and try your hand at this quietly magical craft.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
1.1 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
1.1 km
Swinging jazz, riverboats and long Nordic evenings fuse in Silkeborg’s lake district for a five-day celebration where the entire town becomes a waterside stage.
Kedelhuset
1.1 km
Intimate live music and performance venue in Silkeborg’s former paper mill boiler house, blending industrial charm with a modern black box concert hall.
Essential places to dine
Resturant indelukket
0.3 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.
Gl. Skovridergaard
0.5 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.
Orangeriet
0.5 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
0.7 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
0.7 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.
Tin's
0.8 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.
Restaurant Spyd
0.8 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Regatta Sandwich
0.8 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Asian Restaurant & Café
0.8 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
La Casita
0.9 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Daruma Ramen
0.9 km
Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.
Madkassen V/allan Petersen
0.9 km
Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.
BABBA
0.9 km
Mediterranean-inspired social dining, wine and cocktails in a cosy Silkeborg townhouse with a lively bar and atmospheric courtyard terrace.
Marco Polo - Silkeborg
0.9 km
Authentic Italian and Brazilian cuisine in cozy Silkeborg surroundings.
Hot Inn
0.9 km
Casual Middle Eastern–inspired comfort food, fresh from the charcoal grill, served in a simple, welcoming space on bustling Nygade in central Silkeborg.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pindhus.dk
1.0 km
Hand-curated Scandinavian design, gifts, and lifestyle treasures in the heart of Silkeborg.
t.i.n.g.
1.0 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
1.0 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
1.0 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
1.0 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Femilet
1.0 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Bivs.dk
1.0 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
TOFT SHOP
1.0 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S
1.0 km
Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
Normal
1.0 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
b.young Silkeborg
1.0 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
Companys Silkeborg
1.0 km
Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
1.0 km
Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.
Bustedwoman.com
1.0 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Elkjær Lingerie
1.0 km
Intimate lingerie boutique on Silkeborg’s main square, offering personal fittings, classic Scandinavian styles and a calm pause from the town centre’s everyday bustle.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cafe' Paradis
0.6 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
0.6 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
The Admiral Pub
0.8 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
0.8 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
0.9 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
0.9 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.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
0.9 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Bakkens bodega
1.0 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.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
1.0 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
1.0 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
1.0 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
1.0 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
1.1 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
1.2 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The Smoke Pub
1.7 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
0.9 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
26.9 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Vesterbro Pub
33.6 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
35.2 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Piano Herning
36.0 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
Murphy's Pub
36.0 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Bart
36.0 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Scandic Opus Horsens
36.2 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.
Mindegade5
36.2 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.5 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Sölibat Natklub
37.6 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.
Hemingway's Horsens
37.6 km
Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.
Morzybitten
37.7 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
Jagtbar Horsens
37.8 km
Horsens' premier nightclub where relaxed cocktails transform into energetic dance nights.
Kokomo Horsens
37.8 km
Three floors of colorful cocktails, big beats and tropical nightclub energy at the heart of Horsens’ weekend nightlife.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Relaxing
- Fun-filled
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Modern Designs
- Bohemian Styles
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Art & Design
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
