HumanAid, Silkeborg
Cozy Silkeborg ceramics, wine and coffee shop where every gift supports concrete social projects from South African youth homes to small farmers abroad.
HumanAid in central Silkeborg is a small, characterful social enterprise shop where handcrafted stoneware ceramics share shelves with ethically sourced South African wines, Nicaraguan coffee, sweets and gift baskets. Run by a local couple with a global outlook, the store combines cozy Scandinavian atmosphere with a strong focus on fair partnerships and better living conditions for vulnerable communities abroad. Visitors can browse original pottery, pick up meaningful gifts, join tastings or small events, and support concrete projects for young people in Cape Town.
A brief summary to HumanAid
- Sjællandsgade 22, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4560750348
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Mid ranged
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 9 am-9 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-9 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-9 pm
- Thursday 9 am-9 pm
- Friday 9 am-9 pm
- Saturday 9 am-9 pm
- Sunday 9 am-9 pm
Local tips
- Set aside a little extra time to chat with the owners; they are often happy to explain which specific projects your purchases will support.
- If you are interested in pottery courses or wine tastings, check upcoming dates in advance and consider timing your visit to coincide with an event.
- Look for ready-made gift baskets that combine ceramics, wine and coffee; they are a convenient way to take home thoughtful presents with a story.
- Bring a small tote bag if you plan to buy ceramics, as you may want extra padding or space to carry fragile pieces safely.
- Visit earlier in the day if you prefer a quieter browsing experience and more time to explore the shelves at your own pace.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
HumanAid 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 HumanAid
A cozy Silkeborg shop with a global conscience
HumanAid sits on a quiet street in central Silkeborg, but its horizons stretch far beyond Jutland. Behind the windows you will find a warm, homey shop lined with shelves of stoneware, bottles and delicacies, all curated around one clear idea: commerce can directly support vulnerable people in other parts of the world. The business is run by a local couple who deliberately built their company on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, using partnerships rather than charity as their working method. Step inside and the atmosphere feels more like a living room than a conventional store. Handmade ceramics are stacked next to coffee beans and wine, there are stories attached to almost every label, and staff are happy to explain which project a particular purchase will support. It is a compact space, but thoughtfully arranged so you can wander slowly, pick things up, and sense the care that has gone into both the products and the relationships behind them.From South African vineyards to Danish shelves
One of HumanAid’s core pillars is its collaboration with socially responsible wine producers in South Africa. The shop imports wines and sparkling bottles from producers who combine certified sustainable farming with strong social engagement. Part of the income from each bottle is channeled straight to a youth home in Cape Town, helping fund mentoring, education and barista training for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. Labels on the bottles often come with short background notes, so you can connect the glass in your hand to a real place, a winemaker and a project. Occasional wine tastings turn this into a fuller experience, where you can hear more stories about life in the Cape winelands, learn about sustainable viticulture and understand how each purchase travels further than your own table.Ceramic studio character and hands-on creativity
The "Ceramics" part of HumanAid is visible as soon as you see the sturdy stoneware cups, bowls and vases that give the shop much of its tactile personality. Pieces are handmade in a small studio context, with subtle glazes and simple, functional forms that fit into everyday Scandinavian life. No two cups are quite the same, and small irregularities are part of the charm rather than defects. Several times a year, the shop hosts intimate pottery courses and workshops. These sessions introduce beginners to working with clay, basic throwing or hand-building techniques, and glazing. The tone is friendly and relaxed, more about the joy of making than perfection. For many locals, this has become a creative outlet as well as a way of supporting the enterprise’s wider mission.Coffee, sweets and gifts that give back
Beyond ceramics and wine, HumanAid also stocks carefully selected coffee beans and sweet treats such as honey candies. The coffee is sourced from small producers in Central America through direct-trade style relationships that support local farmers and community funds. Packaging often highlights where the beans are grown and which local initiatives benefit from the sale. Shelves of ready-made gift baskets bring all of these strands together. You might find a combination of a handmade mug, a bag of ethically traded coffee and a bottle of social-impact wine, wrapped in simple, recyclable materials. These make convenient presents for hosts, colleagues or family while visibly reflecting values of fairness and sustainability. Custom baskets can often be arranged, which is useful for companies or special occasions.Events, talks and a sense of connection
HumanAid is more than a place to buy things; it functions as a small platform for conversations about global inequality, solidarity and everyday choices. The owners regularly offer talks about their partner projects, travel lectures from South Africa, and hosted tastings either in the shop or off-site for workplaces and clubs. These gatherings tend to be informal and story-led, combining anecdotes from visits to partner organisations with practical insight into how social enterprises work. Whether you join an evening event or simply drop in during the day, the underlying message is the same: ordinary purchases can be aligned with concrete, long-term support for people who need new opportunities.Planning your visit in Silkeborg
The shop keeps long daily opening hours, making it easy to stop by while exploring Silkeborg’s lakes, museums and galleries. It works well as a short, purposeful detour: twenty to forty minutes are usually enough to browse, chat and put together a small bundle of treats and gifts. If you are drawn to ceramics or wine, you might linger longer, especially if a tasting, workshop or seasonal event is on the calendar. Located in a central, walkable part of town, HumanAid fits naturally into a day of urban wandering. Think of it as a place to connect your Danish holiday with stories from the wider world, stepping out again with something beautiful in your bag and the quiet satisfaction of having contributed to a broader cause.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
silkeborg
0.8 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
1.3 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
3.7 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
4.5 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
10.6 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Bølling Lake
10.8 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
11.3 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
11.8 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
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
17.7 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
18.6 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Jutland
21.1 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
Mossø
21.2 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.
The Uncovered Bridge
24.3 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Springvand
0.6 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.
Slotsholmen
0.6 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
0.8 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
0.8 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, Papirmuseet
0.8 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
0.9 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
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.
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.
Tollundmanden
1.0 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.
Vægmaleri
1.1 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
1.2 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
1.3 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Badeanstalten
1.3 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
MOSES
1.5 km
Discover leading Danish and international contemporary art in the heart of Silkeborg, with exhibitions, events, and a welcoming, creative atmosphere at Galerie Moderne.
Dronningestolen
1.7 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.
Essential places to dine
Atami Sushi Restaurant - Silkeborg
0.2 km
Fresh sushi served to your table in an all-you-can-eat experience that celebrates quality, variety, and authentic Japanese flavors.
DIVA Ristorante & Pizzeria
0.3 km
Casual Italian‑style pizzas, pastas and grills in central Silkeborg, blending sit‑down dining with a busy takeaway counter and long, convenient opening hours.
Restaurant King Buffet (Borgergade)
0.3 km
Big, bustling Asian buffet in central Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese classics, Mongolian grill and soft‑ice desserts at fixed prices ideal for families and groups.
The Chicken Specialist
0.4 km
A small, central Silkeborg grillbar devoted to crispy rotisserie chicken, golden fries and budget-friendly takeaway dinners for busy locals and hungry travellers.
Restaurant King Buffet (Ansvej)
0.4 km
Spacious Asian buffet in Silkeborg, serving sushi, Chinese dishes and Mongolian grill in a modern, family‑friendly setting with all‑you‑can‑eat comfort.
Evald - Brasserie & cafe
0.7 km
Classic French-inspired brasserie meets Danish hygge on the riverfront at Papirfabrikken, serving from morning coffee to late-night drinks with serene waterside views.
Bone's Silkeborg
0.7 km
Smoky ribs, flame-grilled steaks and family-friendly comfort food in Silkeborg’s regenerated Papirfabrikken riverside district.
Café Kik
0.7 km
Waterfront café on the Gudenå river with quality Danish fare and scenic riverside views.
Restaurant Michael D.
0.7 km
Seasonal Nordic dining in Silkeborg’s converted paper mill, where industrial heritage, hotel comfort and riverside views meet beside the town’s cultural quarter.
Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg
0.7 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Sunset Boulevard
0.7 km
Casual Danish fast food with burgers, bites and kids’ meals in a bright, modern setting on Silkeborg’s Chr. d. 8.s Vej.
Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”
0.8 km
Relaxed, modern café-brasserie in the heart of Silkeborg, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates, coffee and desserts from morning through evening.
Underhuset
0.8 km
Family‑run brasserie on Silkeborg’s central square, blending Danish classics and French‑inspired dishes with a cosy dining room and lively terrace on Torvet.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.8 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Silkeborg’s main square, serving familiar grills, burgers and family-friendly favourites in relaxed, central surroundings.
Panorama Mad & Vin
0.9 km
Classic Danish lunch and French brasserie cooking in Silkeborg’s old town hall, with white tablecloths, city views and a warm, urban-hygge atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
HumanAid
0.0 km
Small Silkeborg gift shop and ceramics studio turning wine, coffee and handmade gifts into tangible support for social projects far beyond Denmark.
Papirvarer
0.4 km
Functional, businesslike office supply store in Silkeborg, ideal for restocking everyday stationery, paper and packaging when you need reliable essentials fast.
MadebyMichelle
0.6 km
Intimate Silkeborg atelier where a local designer turns Scandinavian simplicity into small-batch fashion accessories on a quiet residential street.
Leather by Corium
0.7 km
Boutique Nordic leather shop in Silkeborg’s Papirfabrikken district, offering timeless bags and accessories that blend Scandinavian design with everyday practicality.
Kop & Kande Silkeborg
0.7 km
Central Silkeborg homeware and gift store offering Scandinavian-style kitchenware, tableware and classic presents in a bright, practical high-street setting.
Søstrene Grene
0.7 km
Cosy Scandinavian lifestyle store on Østergade in Silkeborg, blending hygge-inspired home décor, creative supplies and playful design in a calm, maze-like setting.
Skovs Antik - Silkeborg
0.7 km
A long‑time Silkeborg specialist in silver cutlery, vintage jewelry and classic tableware, preserving Danish craft traditions beyond the life of its physical shop.
HAUS · FRAU
0.7 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Silkeborg, blending timeless elegance, curated designer brands and attentive, personal service on lively Østergade.
Imerco
0.8 km
Central Silkeborg homeware hub for Danish design, practical kitchen gear and cosy hygge accents, ideal for gifts, souvenirs and everyday essentials.
Læsehesten Silkeborg
0.8 km
A cosy Silkeborg cave of used books, comics, games and films where collectors, readers and gamers lose track of time among shelves of nostalgic finds.
Helm
0.8 km
Two centuries of Danish leather heritage meets contemporary design in Silkeborg's premier bag and luggage destination.
H&M
0.8 km
Central Silkeborg fashion stop combining global H&M style with small-town convenience on the lively Torvet square.
DressLab
0.8 km
Scandinavian fashion curated for contemporary women in the heart of Silkeborg.
Elkjær Lingerie
0.8 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.
Special-butikken Rask A/S
0.8 km
Silkeborg's trusted source for professional tools, equipment, and expert guidance since 1978.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Smoke Pub
0.4 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.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
0.7 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Kings Pub
0.8 km
Straightforward local bar on Borgergade in Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and a relaxed, sociable pub atmosphere from daytime into late evening.
Kaffebaren
1.0 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Woodys Aps
1.1 km
Experience the warm ambiance and diverse drinks at Woodys Aps, a central bar in Silkeborg.
Café Kling Klang
1.1 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Roxy Malt
1.1 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 Admiral Pub
1.1 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
1.1 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Butchers Silkeborg
1.1 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Bifrost Sports Pub
1.1 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Rabalder Bar
1.2 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
1.2 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Sportspubben Målet
1.2 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.
Bakkens bodega
1.2 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Quirky
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Minimalist Designs
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
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
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly