Maskenkol Lakeside Path & Viewpoint

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.

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Maskenkol

Maskenkol is a tranquil lakeside stretch on the northern shore of Knudsø, just outside the small town of Ry in eastern Jutland. Framed by woodland, heath-covered hills and clear water, it’s a gentle slice of Danish nature threaded by a public path established as part of a protected shoreline corridor. Locals wander here year‑round to walk, sit by the water and soak up expansive views across the lake without straying far from town life.

A brief summary to Maskenkol

Lyngvej 20A, Ry, 8680, DK
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes; the lakeside path is mostly easy but can be uneven or muddy after rain, especially close to the water’s edge.
Bring water and snacks, as there are no dedicated kiosks right on the path; the nearest food options are back in central Ry.
Visit around early evening on clear days for particularly soft light over Knudsø, ideal for photography along the shoreline.
In cooler months, dress in windproof layers; the open sections by the lake can feel significantly colder than in the town.

Getting There

Train and walk from Ry station

From Aarhus, take a regional train to Ry station, typically 35–45 minutes with departures at least hourly during the day. From the station, allow around 30–40 minutes on foot along local roads and residential areas to reach the lakeside at Maskenkol. There is no additional transport fare beyond the train ticket, which usually falls in the 60–90 DKK range each way in standard class. The walk is generally easy but may feel long for very young children or those with limited mobility.
Local bus to Ry and onward walk

Regional buses connect nearby towns such as Skanderborg and Silkeborg with Ry in roughly 25–40 minutes depending on route and traffic. A single adult ticket is usually in the 30–50 DKK range. From the bus stops in central Ry, expect a 25–35 minute walk through town and out towards Lyngvej to access the Maskenkol stretch of lakeshore. Surfaces are mostly paved, with only the final approach transitioning to more natural paths near the water.
Car from surrounding Jutland towns

Arriving by car from Aarhus, Silkeborg or Skanderborg typically takes 25–40 minutes on main roads under normal traffic. There is informal parking available on or near local roads close to the lakeshore, though spaces are limited at busy times and may not be formally marked. There is no parking fee in most residential stretches, but always observe local signs. From where you leave the car, plan for a short additional walk on minor roads or paths to reach the water’s edge.

Maskenkol location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Maskenkol

A quiet bend on the shores of Knudsø

Maskenkol is a low-key but cherished corner of the landscape where forest, lake and softly rounded hills meet on the outskirts of Ry. Here, the northern shore of Knudsø opens into a broad, sheltered bay, with shallow water near the edge and long views towards woods and farmland beyond. The name Maskenkol refers to this particular stretch of shoreline and the land immediately behind it, once mainly private lakeside plots and now threaded by a public right-of-way. Despite its modest scale, Maskenkol has become one of several focal points along Knudsø, together with Ry Harbour and Birkhede, forming a loose necklace of places where people gravitate to the water. It feels distinctly local: no grand monuments, just benches, tree lines, reeds and the occasional jetty or slipway.

A protected path through everyday nature

The current experience of Maskenkol is shaped by decisions to secure public access along the lake. A marked path leads from Lyngvej down towards the shore and then along Knudsø, crossing Maskenkol as part of a longer lakeside route. The corridor was formalised through conservation initiatives that balanced private landownership with the aim of opening more of the lakeside to walkers. As you follow the route, the terrain shifts from open views across the water to short, enclosed sections between trees and hedges. Grassy banks invite you to pause, while small side tracks slip closer to the water’s edge. It is not wilderness, but a carefully preserved piece of everyday nature, where mown strips, fences and fields sit comfortably alongside reeds, old willows and scattered birch.

Heath slopes, forest edge and lake life

Just above the shoreline, the ground rises towards the Lyngåsen slopes, an area known for its heather and light, sandy soil. From certain points you can look back down over Maskenkol and Knudsø, the lake appearing as a blue ribbon framed by pine and deciduous woodland. Birdlife is a constant presence: coots, ducks and mute swans patrol the surface, while grebes dive in the deeper sections. In summer, the air carries the smell of warm pine and damp leaves, with dragonflies skimming the reeds. In cooler months, mist hangs low over the water and the soundscape shifts to wind in the trees and the distant clink of rigging from Ry’s boating community further along the shore. Anglers sometimes settle quietly on the banks, and paddlecraft slip past at an unhurried pace.

A local escape close to town

Part of Maskenkol’s appeal lies in how close it sits to the everyday life of Ry. Within a short distance of cafés, shops and residential streets, the lakeside feels remarkably calm. People come for short dog walks, evening strolls or a quick breath of fresh air between errands. There is space to sit, watch the play of light on the water and feel the town recede behind the screen of trees. The path surface and gentle gradients make this a relaxed outing rather than a demanding hike. Families with children can potter along sections of the route, pausing to explore the shore, while more energetic visitors can combine Maskenkol with longer circuits around the lake or up onto the heather-clad hills above.

Seasonal moods and simple pleasures

Maskenkol rewards repeat visits through the year. Spring brings fresh green on the trees and greater bird activity on the lake. In summer, long evenings make this a pleasant spot to linger, with soft light reflecting off the water well into the night. Autumn colours the surrounding woods in russet and gold, their reflections rippling on grey-blue waves. Even in winter, when frost edges the reeds and the path crunches underfoot, there is a stark beauty to the open water and pale sky. There are no grand facilities or elaborate installations here, and that is part of the charm. Maskenkol offers a simple recipe: a clear lake, a walkable shoreline and a feeling of space. For travellers basing themselves in Ry or nearby, it is an easy, authentic way to experience the gentle, water-rich landscape that defines this part of Jutland.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

3.7 km

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

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

3.8 km

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

Lovisehøj

11.1 km

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

Randershøj

11.4 km

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

Store Troldhøj

12.8 km

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

Silkeborg Water Tower

13.9 km

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

silkeborg

13.9 km

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

Statue of Michael Drewsen

14.2 km

Bronze tribute to Silkeborg’s founding industrialist, anchoring the historic town square and local traditions at the heart of Denmark’s lake district.

Springvand

14.3 km

Northern Europe's grandest fountain transforms Silkeborg's lakeside with water jets soaring 33 meters high and mesmerizing evening light shows.

Art Center

14.7 km

A vibrant historic square in Roskilde, encircled by lively cafés, markets, and the iconic cathedral—an essential hub for local culture and urban atmosphere.

Silkeborg Bunkermuseum

14.8 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.

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

14.9 km

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

Silkeborg Rovfugleshow

15.0 km

Experience the thrill of birds of prey in action at Silkeborg Rovfugleshow, a captivating nature preserve offering breathtaking aerial displays and educational insights into the avian world.

Møllehøj, DK's highest hill

15.0 km

Discover Denmark's highest natural point: Møllehøj, a serene landscape offering gentle walks, historical insights, and panoramic views of the rolling Jutland countryside.

Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo

15.1 km

A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.

Unmissable attractions to see

Ry havn

1.4 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.

Knudhule strand

2.4 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.

Dynæs voldsted

3.4 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.

H.C. Andersen bench

3.5 km

Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.

Bestig Himmelbjerget

3.7 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

3.8 km

Iconic Danish “mountain” above the Silkeborg lakes, blending sweeping forest-and-lake views with constitutional history, forest trails and classic excursion life.

Himmelbjergtårnet

3.8 km

A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.

Gammelkol

3.8 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.

Turbådene Himmelbjerget

3.9 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.

Kallehave bålhytte

5.5 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.

Øm Klostermuseum

5.9 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.

FDF Outdoor Center Sletten

6.3 km

Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.

Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn

6.7 km

Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.

Mossø

7.9 km

Jutland’s largest lake, where wide horizons, protected birdlife and easygoing outdoor adventures meet in the rolling Danish Lake Highlands.

Abbey Mill

8.0 km

Historic monastery mill turned lakeside retreat, where Denmark’s longest wooden building, canoe-filled waterways and big-sky views meet in the Mossø hills.

Essential places to dine

Lakeside Ry - Restaurant

1.4 km

Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.

Brasseri Ry'tteriet

1.5 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

1.5 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

1.5 km

Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.

Restaurant Da Angelo

1.6 km

Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.

Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry

1.7 km

Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.

Umisushi

1.7 km

Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.

KobKun

1.7 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.

Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut

2.4 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

2.4 km

Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.

Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut

Cafeteria Himmelbjerget

3.6 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

4.1 km

Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.

Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant

4.5 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.

Svejstrup Præstegård

6.8 km

Historic rectory garden transformed into a seasonal summer restaurant and cultural venue.

Restaurant Aalekroen

7.1 km

Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.

Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

Høkeren

1.6 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

1.6 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

1.7 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

6.6 km

A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.

Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede

13.3 km

Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.

Bakkens bodega

13.4 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.

Bar 8660

13.7 km

Cosy local pub and brewery bar on Adelgade, pouring Skanderborg Bryghus beers, classic drinks and simple bar bites for relaxed evenings in central Skanderborg.

Bar Bund

13.7 km

Cozy neighborhood bar on Adelgade in central Skanderborg, pouring classic drinks in an intimate, low-lit setting that comes alive on weekend evenings.

Cafe' Paradis

13.8 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

13.8 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

14.0 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

14.0 km

Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.

NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg

14.1 km

Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.

Sportspubben Målet

14.1 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

14.1 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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Maskenkol Lakeside Path & Viewpoint

A brief summary to Maskenkol

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and walk from Ry station

Local bus to Ry and onward walk

Car from surrounding Jutland towns

Maskenkol location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Maskenkol

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Maskenkol

A quiet bend on the shores of Knudsø

A protected path through everyday nature

Heath slopes, forest edge and lake life

A local escape close to town

Seasonal moods and simple pleasures

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Lovisehøj

Randershøj

Store Troldhøj

Silkeborg Water Tower

silkeborg

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Springvand

Art Center

Silkeborg Bunkermuseum

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Silkeborg Rovfugleshow

Møllehøj, DK's highest hill

Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo

Unmissable attractions to see

Ry havn

Knudhule strand

Dynæs voldsted

H.C. Andersen bench

Bestig Himmelbjerget

Himmelbjerget

Himmelbjergtårnet

Gammelkol

Turbådene Himmelbjerget

Kallehave bålhytte

Øm Klostermuseum

FDF Outdoor Center Sletten

Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn

Mossø

Abbey Mill

Essential places to dine

Lakeside Ry - Restaurant

Brasseri Ry'tteriet

Ry Gastropub

Hotel Ry

Restaurant Da Angelo

Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry

Umisushi

KobKun

Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut

Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut

Cafeteria Himmelbjerget

Café Himmelsk

Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant

Svejstrup Præstegård

Restaurant Aalekroen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Red Cross Op Shop

Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik

Pierrot La Lune

Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry

Kandis

Hanghøj

Toft suits men & women

Taste

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