Museum Silkeborg – Papirmuseet (Paper Museum)

A former paper factory turned living museum, where Silkeborg’s industrial past, banknote secrets and hands-on papermaking come vividly to life.

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Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Set in the former Silkeborg Paper Factory, Museum Silkeborg’s Papirmuseet is a compact, hands-on museum devoted to the story of paper and the mill that helped create modern Silkeborg. Exhibitions trace Danish papermaking from water-powered vats to industrial machines, with a special focus on the banknote paper once produced here. Live demonstrations and workshops let you try pulling your own sheet of handmade paper, making this a tactile, family-friendly stop in the regenerated Papirfabrikken district by the river.

A brief summary to Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Papirfabrikken 78, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4586854564
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Check current opening hours in advance; the Paper Museum operates with seasonal schedules and may only open daily in peak months.
Aim to join a papermaking demonstration or workshop so you can pull and keep your own handmade sheet as a souvenir.
Combine your visit with a walk around the Papirfabrikken district to see how the former factory complex has been transformed.
Families should bring a small bag or folder to safely carry home any damp or delicate paper creations from the workshop.
If you are interested in views, enquire about guided access to the nearby Paper Tower for a 70-metre-high panorama over Silkeborg.

Getting There

Train and short walk from Silkeborg Station

From elsewhere in Jutland, regional trains connect to Silkeborg Station from cities such as Aarhus and Herning in roughly 35–60 minutes, with standard adult fares typically around 80–120 DKK one way depending on distance and ticket type. From the station, expect a level urban walk of about 15–20 minutes through the town centre to the Papirfabrikken area. Pavements are generally smooth and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though weather can make conditions wet or icy in winter.
City bus within Silkeborg

Local city buses serve stops near the Papirfabrikken district from different neighbourhoods of Silkeborg, usually taking 10–20 minutes of travel time. Single tickets bought on board or via transport apps are typically in the range of 20–30 DKK for adults, with discounts for children. Service is less frequent in evenings and on weekends, so check timetables in advance. Buses are low-floor on most routes, allowing step-free boarding for wheelchairs and prams.
Car or rental vehicle

Arriving by car from nearby towns such as Aarhus or Viborg usually takes about 35–50 minutes on main roads under normal traffic. Fuel costs vary, but you can roughly expect 40–80 DKK in fuel for a return trip from regional cities, depending on distance and vehicle efficiency. The Papirfabrikken district offers parking areas, though spaces can be busier on weekends and school holidays. Surfaces are paved, and access from parking to the museum is short and level, but always observe local parking rules and time limits.
Cycling within Silkeborg

For visitors already in Silkeborg, cycling to Papirmuseet is a practical option, usually taking 5–15 minutes from most central accommodation. The town has a network of bike lanes and relatively gentle terrain, though you may encounter occasional short inclines and mixed-traffic sections. Using your own bike is free; rental bikes, where available, generally cost around 100–150 DKK per day. Keep in mind that strong winds, rain or winter conditions can make the ride less comfortable.

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Discover more about Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

From industrial mill to living paper museum

Papirmuseet occupies part of the old Silkeborg Paper Factory, the industrial complex that effectively gave birth to the town in the 19th century. Inside the brick buildings, you step into the story of how a quiet lakeside area became a humming mill town, powered by water, steam and the growing demand for paper. The museum preserves elements of the factory’s interior, so pipes, beams and industrial details still hint at its working past. The permanent displays explain how paper went from rare, hand-crafted sheets to an everyday material at the heart of administration, newspapers and packaging. Illustrated panels and artefacts show how the mill expanded, modernised and eventually closed around 2000, leaving behind buildings that have since been transformed into a cultural quarter.

Banknotes, security paper and national stories

One of the most distinctive chapters told here is the production of paper for Danish banknotes and securities. For decades, the Silkeborg mill supplied the highly controlled paper used for money, stamps and other documents that demanded both durability and security. The museum presents this story through samples, tools and explanations of techniques such as watermarks and fibres that are invisible at first glance. As you move through the exhibits, you gain a sense of how closely the town’s fortunes were tied to this specialised production. Photographs and historic documents show workers on the factory floor, rolls of paper being shipped out, and the gradual shift from national importance to redundancy as technology and global markets changed.

Hands-on craft: making your own sheet

What sets Papirmuseet apart is the chance to experience papermaking as a craft rather than just an industrial process. In the wet workshop area, staff demonstrate how rags or pulp are stirred into a watery suspension, then caught on a framed screen. With a steady pair of hands, you can try dipping the mould yourself, lifting it to see a milky layer settle into the outline of a future sheet. The sheet is then couched onto felt, pressed and dried, revealing a tangible reminder of a process that is usually hidden behind factory walls. For children, the transformation from liquid pulp to a crisp sheet they can take home is a small piece of everyday magic. For adults, it is a reminder of how much human skill once went into something as ordinary as a blank page.

Exhibitions in a reborn riverside district

Beyond the workshop, exhibition rooms explore Danish papermaking more broadly, from early mills to present-day studios. Displays highlight tools, moulds, rollers and machine components, alongside examples of decorative and specialty papers. Temporary exhibitions occasionally showcase contemporary paper art, design or graphic work that riffs on the material’s textures and translucency. Outside the museum doors, the Papirfabrikken area has been redeveloped into a mixed-use quarter of cafés, offices, housing and cultural venues along the river. The preserved industrial silhouettes give the area a distinctive character, and the museum helps interpret what these chimneys, halls and warehouses once meant for the town.

Views from the Paper Tower and time well spent

A notable feature connected with the museum is the Paper Tower nearby, a slender structure reaching about 70 metres above ground. Accessed on a guided visit arranged in advance, it offers a striking bird’s-eye view over Silkeborg, the lakes and surrounding forested hills. Seen from above, the old factory buildings nestle among modern architecture, underlining how the paper story remains woven into the cityscape. Most visitors spend around one to two hours exploring the exhibitions and taking part in any available activities. Combined with a stroll through the riverside district or a wider day exploring Museum Silkeborg’s other departments in town, Papirmuseet slots neatly into a cultural itinerary while offering something distinctively tactile and local.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

silkeborg

0.1 km

Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.

Silkeborg Water Tower

0.7 km

A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.

Lovisehøj

2.9 km

A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

4.0 km

A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.

Store Troldhøj

10.0 km

A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.

Randershøj

10.5 km

A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

10.6 km

Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

11.0 km

Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.

Bølling Lake

11.1 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

13.2 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

16.9 km

Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.

Øm Klostermuseum

17.9 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

20.4 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

20.8 km

Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.

The Uncovered Bridge

23.5 km

A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.

Unmissable attractions to see

The Hjejle Agency

0.1 km

Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.

Riverboat Jazz Festival

0.1 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

0.1 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.

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

0.2 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.

Tollundmanden

0.3 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.

Slotsholmen

0.4 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Statue of Michael Drewsen

0.4 km

Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.

Springvand

0.4 km

Silkeborg Langsø’s towering fountain turns the town’s central lake into a stage of water and light, blending engineering spectacle with everyday lakeside life.

Silkeborg Søerne

0.5 km

Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.

Vægmaleri

0.6 km

Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

0.8 km

One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.

Silkeborg Archive

0.8 km

Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.

Badeanstalten

0.8 km

Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.

Dronningestolen

0.9 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.

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

1.0 km

Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.

Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.

Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.

Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.

Bodega Hjørnet

1.0 km

A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.

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.

Jazzens Venner

37.1 km

Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.

Scandic Opus Horsens

37.2 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.

Der Kuhstall Mønsted

38.1 km

Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.

Sölibat Natklub

38.6 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

38.6 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

38.7 km

Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.

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Museum Silkeborg – Papirmuseet (Paper Museum)

A brief summary to Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Train and short walk from Silkeborg Station

City bus within Silkeborg

Car or rental vehicle

Cycling within Silkeborg

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

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Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

From industrial mill to living paper museum

Banknotes, security paper and national stories

Hands-on craft: making your own sheet

Exhibitions in a reborn riverside district

Views from the Paper Tower and time well spent

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

silkeborg

Silkeborg Water Tower

Lovisehøj

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Store Troldhøj

Randershøj

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Bølling Lake

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Abbey Mill

Øm Klostermuseum

Mossø

Jutland

The Uncovered Bridge

Unmissable attractions to see

The Hjejle Agency

Riverboat Jazz Festival

Kedelhuset

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

Tollundmanden

Slotsholmen

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Springvand

Silkeborg Søerne

Vægmaleri

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Silkeborg Archive

Badeanstalten

Dronningestolen

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Essential places to dine

Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”

Restaurant Michael D.

Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg

Sunset Boulevard

Café Kik

Evald - Brasserie & cafe

Bone's Silkeborg

Torvets Kebab & Pizza

Skovbakken Silkeborg

Underhuset

Jensens Bøfhus

Panorama Mad & Vin

Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg

Daruma Ramen

Asian Restaurant & Café

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Skovs Antik - Silkeborg

Kop & Kande Silkeborg

Søstrene Grene

Elkjær Lingerie

HAUS · FRAU

Leather by Corium

Imerco

DressLab

Helm

Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S

H&M