H.C. Andersen Bench at Himmelbjerget
A modest hillside memorial where H.C. Andersen’s words meet the sweeping horizons, forests and lakes of Himmelbjerget above the Gudenaa valley.
Set just off Himmelbjergvej near Ry, the H.C. Andersen Bench is a modest yet evocative literary memorial on Himmelbjerget, one of Denmark’s most storied hills. A low semi-circle of benches focuses on a commemorative stone inscribed with the opening lines of H.C. Andersen’s patriotic hymn “I Danmark er jeg født,” tying his words directly to the rolling forests, heaths and lakes he once explored here. It is a quiet stop for reflection amid the lake district landscape and a gentle companion to nearby viewpoints.
A brief summary to H.C. Andersen bench
- Himmelbjergvej 20, Ry, 8680, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Bring a light layer: exposed sections of Himmelbjerget can feel cool and breezy even on sunny days, especially when you pause at the bench.
- Read a translation of “I Danmark er jeg født” beforehand so the inscription on the memorial stone carries more meaning when you see it.
- Combine the bench with a loop past Himmelbjerget’s tower and other memorial stones to appreciate the hill’s broader cultural landscape.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from central Ry
From central Ry, driving to Himmelbjergvej 20 typically takes about 10–15 minutes. The route follows local roads toward Himmelbjerget, with gentle hills and occasional narrow sections. Public parking areas serve the hill; expect to pay in the region of 15–20 DKK for the first hour and slightly less for subsequent hours, usually via an app-based system. Spaces can fill quickly on sunny weekends and holidays, so allow extra time to find a spot and walk to the bench.
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Regional bus and short walk
In season, regional buses connect Ry with stops near the Himmelbjerget area in roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on the timetable and intermediate stops. A one-way adult ticket commonly falls in the 25–40 DKK range within the local zone system. Services are less frequent outside peak hours, and there may be limited departures on evenings or Sundays. From the nearest bus stop, expect an undulating walk on forest and gravel paths, which may be uneven and less suitable for wheelchairs or prams.
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Cycling from Ry
Cycling from Ry to the H.C. Andersen Bench usually takes 25–40 minutes each way, depending on your pace. The ride uses local roads and lanes with some climbs as you approach Himmelbjerget. Surfaces are mostly paved but can include rougher stretches, so lights and reflective gear are recommended in low light. There is no specific fee to bring a bicycle, but check any regional rules if combining cycling with train or bus travel, as bicycle tickets may be required on public transport.
H.C. Andersen bench location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Cold Weather
Discover more about H.C. Andersen bench
A quiet literary corner on Himmelbjerget
On a wooded shoulder of Himmelbjerget, above the lakes near Ry, the H.C. Andersen Bench forms a small, human-scale pause in a big landscape. Rather than a grand monument, you find a simple arrangement of stone and wood surrounded by heather, pines and the soft rise and fall of Jutland’s hills. The air is often laced with birdsong and the distant murmur of visitors heading toward the main tower, but here the atmosphere is more contemplative. The focal point is a memorial stone bearing the first lines of H.C. Andersen’s hymn “I Danmark er jeg født” – a declaration of belonging that feels perfectly at home on this lookout above the Gudenaa valley. Around it, a semi-circle of benches invites you to sit, let your breathing slow and take in the interplay between words carved in stone and the living countryside they celebrate.Andersen, Himmelbjerget and the Danish Lake District
Hans Christian Andersen travelled widely through Denmark, and the Silkeborg lake district was one of the landscapes that spoke most strongly to him. In the 1850s he often stayed with the Drewsen family at the Silkeborg paper mill, using their home as a base for excursions to Aasen, Sejs and the slopes of Himmelbjerget. In his diary he described choosing a favourite spot on a height with a view over the Gudenaa, a place that would later be nicknamed Andersen’s highland. These visits fed directly into his writing. The tale “Ib and Little Christine” draws on the moors, riverbanks and working lives he observed around Aasen and Sejs. Standing by the bench today, you share almost the same horizons – low forested ridges, water glinting between trees, and a sky that feels unusually wide for Denmark. It is easy to imagine the author sketching story ideas here, using the landscape as both backdrop and metaphor.The design of the memorial space
The H.C. Andersen Bench is intentionally modest. A gently curving row of simple benches frames the memorial stone, creating a small outdoor room without walls or roof. The curve focuses your gaze on the inscription while still opening outward toward the surrounding vegetation and glimpses of the lake country below. There is no elaborate sculpture or figurative portrait, only the words and the place. Weathered surfaces and subdued materials help the bench blend into its setting. Lichen might freckle the stone, pine needles collect at the base, and the tones of wood and rock echo the earthy colours of the hill. This understated design makes the site feel personal, almost like a favourite reading spot discovered on a walk rather than a formal monument.Experiencing the bench on a visit to Himmelbjerget
Most people encounter the H.C. Andersen Bench as part of a wider wander around Himmelbjerget’s paths and viewpoints. It works well as a short detour to rest your legs, sip water and trace the Danish words on the stone, even if you do not speak the language fluently. Those who know Andersen’s tales often find themselves quietly recalling stories like “The Little Match Girl” or “The Ugly Duckling” while looking out over the landscape. The spot is especially atmospheric in the softer light of morning or late afternoon, when the hill is calmer and shadows stretch across the forest. On breezy days, the sound of wind in the treetops becomes a kind of natural soundtrack to the words etched in granite. With no admission gate or fixed route, you can linger for a few minutes or settle in with a book or journal.A small stop with a large sense of place
Although Himmelbjerget is known for its tower and sweeping panoramas, this small bench area adds a different dimension to the hill – one rooted in literature and the idea of home. The hymn excerpt underscores Andersen’s emotional connection to Denmark, while the setting reminds you that his inspiration came as much from simple walks and borrowed viewpoints as from grand journeys abroad. For travellers, the H.C. Andersen Bench is a gentle reminder to slow down in the middle of a busy day of sightseeing. It offers a chance to tune into the textures of the Danish Lake District, to think about how landscapes shape stories, and to feel, if only briefly, that you too are part of the scene that once stirred one of the country’s most enduring voices.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
0.2 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
0.7 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Lovisehøj
8.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Water Tower
11.1 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
11.2 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Randershøj
11.4 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
11.6 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
11.6 km
Relive Central Jutland’s wartime past at Silkeborg Bunkermuseum, an immersive WWII command bunker with original artifacts and deep stories from Denmark’s occupation.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
11.9 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Store Troldhøj
12.6 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Landal Søhøjlandet
13.0 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.
Yding Skovhøj
13.4 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.
Funder Ruin
13.8 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
14.1 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.
The Uncovered Bridge
14.5 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Bestig Himmelbjerget
0.2 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
0.3 km
Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.
Himmelbjergtårnet
0.4 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
0.8 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.
Dynæs voldsted
1.9 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
2.4 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.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
3.1 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
3.2 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Maskenkol
3.5 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.
Ry havn
4.1 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.
Kallehave bålhytte
4.4 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.
Høgdal
4.6 km
An 18th-century hilltop farm near Silkeborg, preserved as a living window into Danish rural life amid the soft landscapes of the Søhøjlandet lake district.
Kongestolen
5.2 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.
Knudhule strand
5.9 km
Blue Flag lakeside escape near Ry, offering child‑friendly swimming, gentle views over Knudsø and a relaxed, low‑key setting in the hills of Søhøjlandet.
Øm Klostermuseum
6.8 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
0.1 km
Casual hilltop cafeteria at Himmelbjerget, serving classic Danish comfort food and ice cream with wide views over the Silkeborg lakes and surrounding forests.
Café Himmelsk
0.9 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
3.2 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.
Restaurant Aalekroen
4.1 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
4.1 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
4.2 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.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
4.4 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
4.4 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
4.4 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
4.4 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
4.4 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
4.5 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.
Umisushi
4.5 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
5.9 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
5.9 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ugleboden
0.1 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
0.1 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
0.2 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Bjerghytten
0.2 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
2.2 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.
Laven Antikvariat
3.0 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
Made by Ella
3.1 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
3.2 km
Community-owned supermarket where every purchase strengthens local bonds and supports sustainable living.
ByStenholt
3.5 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.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
4.1 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
4.3 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Kandis
4.4 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
4.4 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Hanghøj
4.4 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.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.4 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.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Høkeren
4.4 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.
La Vinya
4.4 km
Chic wine bar and tapas lounge in Ry, offering curated wines, local bites, and cozy ambiance—perfect for unwinding after your Himmelbjerget adventure.
Ambolten Ry
4.5 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.
Dartklubben Potten
9.4 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bakkens bodega
10.7 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.
Bodega Hjørnet
11.0 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Cafe' Paradis
11.0 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.
The Admiral Pub
11.2 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
11.2 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Sportspubben Målet
11.3 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
11.3 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
11.3 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
11.3 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
11.4 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
11.4 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- 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
