Springvandet i Silkeborg Langsø
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.
Anchored just off Søvej in central Silkeborg, the great fountain of Silkeborg Langsø is one of Northern Europe’s largest water features. From spring to early autumn, five powerful jets shoot lake water up to around 33 meters, sometimes choreographed with colored lights after dark. Visible from the lakeside promenade and town hall area, it has become a modern waterside landmark and a symbol of Silkeborg’s close relationship with its lake landscape.
A brief summary to Springvand
- 8600, Søvej, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4589701351
- Visit website
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Monday 12 pm-1 am
- Tuesday 12 pm-1 am
- Wednesday 12 pm-1 am
- Thursday 12 pm-1 am
- Friday 12 pm-1 am
- Saturday 9:01 am-1 am
- Sunday 12 pm-1 am
Local tips
- Aim for dusk on a calm evening in late spring or summer to see both the full height of the jets and the colored light show once it gets dark.
- Stroll a little along the lakeside path; the view and reflections change noticeably with each few minutes of walking.
- On windy days the fountain may reduce output or switch off automatically, so plan some flexibility if it is a key stop on your walk.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
Getting There
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Train and on-foot connection from central Silkeborg
From Silkeborg Station, plan around 10–15 minutes on foot to reach the lakeside by Søvej, following broad pavements and mostly level terrain suitable for most visitors. The walk is free and passes through the compact town center, with frequent buses also linking the station area to stops within a short stroll of the lakefront.
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Local city bus within Silkeborg
Use a local Midttrafik city bus from residential districts to the central stop areas near the town hall, allowing around 10–20 minutes of travel depending on your starting point and time of day. A single adult ticket typically costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can be bought via ticket machines or mobile apps. Services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends, so check the timetable in advance.
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Car or taxi from surrounding Silkeborg area
Arriving by car from neighborhoods around Silkeborg or the nearby ring roads usually takes 5–15 minutes, depending on traffic. Public parking is available within walking distance of the lakefront, but spaces can be busy on sunny afternoons and summer evenings. Taxis within town cover similar distances in roughly the same time, with meter fares for short city rides commonly starting around 60–80 DKK and increasing with distance and waiting time.
Springvand location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Hot Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Springvand
A lake landmark rising from Silkeborg’s waters
Springvandet in Silkeborg Langsø bursts out of the lake just off Søvej, directly opposite the town hall, creating a dramatic vertical accent in the otherwise calm waterscape. Conceived as a gift to the town in 1970, the fountain was designed to be seen from many angles along the shore, turning an urban lakefront into a stage for moving water and light. Its five main jets form a broad, shimmering column that can reach roughly 33 meters into the air, making it one of the largest fountains of its kind in Northern Europe. Because the fountain uses water drawn directly from the lake, it feels deeply rooted in the local landscape rather than added as a purely decorative element. On still days the reflections mingle with boats, trees and clouds, while in windier weather the spray subtly shifts direction and shape, so the scene rarely looks the same twice.Engineering power beneath the surface
Behind the spectacle is a substantial piece of engineering hidden below the waterline. A heavy anchor on the lakebed holds the entire structure in place, the only original component that remains after a comprehensive renovation in 2022. Below the surface, powerful pumps force hundreds of thousands of litres of lake water through the nozzles every hour, driving the main jets and a supporting pattern of smaller sprays that soften the edges of the water column. To prevent nuisance and unnecessary water drift, the fountain is now linked to a compact weather station that constantly measures wind speed and direction. If the wind exceeds a set threshold or blows toward the lakeside road and path, the system automatically shuts down or reduces power, balancing spectacle with everyday city life.Light, color and a seasonal rhythm
The fountain generally operates during the warmer months, typically from early May until around late September, when conditions are most suitable for outdoor life along the lakeshore. Within this period, the length and intensity of the daily run can vary with the season, the day of the week and prevailing weather. During the daytime, the jets form a bright white plume against the green backdrop of trees and the town’s rooftops. After dark on selected evenings, integrated projectors transform the water into a shifting column of color. Carefully placed lights paint the spray in changing hues, creating an informal light show that can be enjoyed from benches along the promenade or from the windows of nearby buildings. The effect is at once simple and theatrical: just water, light and movement, but on a scale that fills the central part of the lake.From shifting positions to a settled home
Over the decades, the fountain has not always stood where you see it today. It originally lay further out in the lake toward the woodland peninsula known as Odden. That placement gave a broad, open-water setting but turned out to disturb birdlife that used the trees and shallower zones for nesting and resting. To reduce this impact, the installation was moved closer toward the town side of the lake. In its second position, however, strong winds could drive spray directly onto the lakeside road, showering cyclists and adding an unwelcome layer of water to passing cars. This practical challenge prompted further adjustments and, eventually, the installation of the automated weather-based control system. Today’s position and operation represent a compromise between visibility, nature protection and everyday comfort for people using the lakeshore.Experiencing the fountain from shore and water
One of the pleasures of Springvandet is how different it looks depending on where you stand. From the promenade along Søvej you get a frontal, symmetrical view with the town hall, pavements and traffic as a contrasting backdrop. From other parts of the lakeside, trees frame the column of water so that it seems to rise out of a more natural setting. Those who arrive by pleasure boat or kayak on Silkeborg Langsø experience the fountain from water level, where the base of the jets becomes a swirling, textured surface and the noise of the pumps blends with the slap of waves against the hull. Even from a distance, across the wide surface of the lake, the vertical plume acts as a visual beacon, helping to orient you within the town’s lake system.A modern emblem of a lakeside city
Silkeborg is closely identified with its lakes, and this fountain has become one of the most recognisable signs of that connection. It is at once a piece of civic design, an engineering project and a simple source of everyday enjoyment for people passing along the shore. Whether you encounter it as a sudden burst of spray on a quiet walk, a distant silhouette in the evening light, or a vibrant column of shifting colors after dark, the fountain underlines how water shapes the character of Silkeborg’s center. Over time, its seasonal rhythm has become part of the city’s yearly cycle. The first jet of the season signals that warmer days are returning, while the last nights of illuminated spray mark the transition back toward autumn. In this way, Springvandet does more than decorate the lake; it quietly marks the passage of time in a lakeside community.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
silkeborg
0.4 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
0.8 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
3.3 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
10.3 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Bølling Lake
10.7 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Randershøj
10.8 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
11.0 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
11.4 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.4 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
17.2 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
18.2 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
20.7 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
Mossø
20.8 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
23.8 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Statue of Michael Drewsen
0.3 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
0.4 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.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
0.4 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
0.5 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.
Silkeborg Søerne
0.5 km
Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
0.5 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
0.5 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.
The Hjejle Agency
0.5 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Slotsholmen
0.5 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Vægmaleri
0.5 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
0.7 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
0.7 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Badeanstalten
0.7 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
MOSES
1.2 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
1.3 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
Underhuset
0.3 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.
Sunset Boulevard
0.3 km
Casual Danish fast food with burgers, bites and kids’ meals in a bright, modern setting on Silkeborg’s Chr. d. 8.s Vej.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.3 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Silkeborg’s main square, serving familiar grills, burgers and family-friendly favourites in relaxed, central surroundings.
Panorama Mad & Vin
0.3 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.
Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg
0.3 km
Stylish Nordic sharing plates, brunch and speciality coffee served in Silkeborg’s historic town hall, overlooking the lively main square on Torvet.
Torvets Kebab & Pizza
0.3 km
Central Silkeborg’s no‑nonsense stop for generous kebab, salad‑topped pizzas and quick, budget‑friendly meals just a short stroll from the main town square.
Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”
0.4 km
Relaxed, modern café-brasserie in the heart of Silkeborg, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates, coffee and desserts from morning through evening.
Restaurant Michael D.
0.4 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
0.4 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Cafe K Silkeborg
0.4 km
Silkeborg's vibrant casual dining hub where quality brunch, cocktails, and community converge.
Café Kik
0.5 km
Waterfront café on the Gudenå river with quality Danish fare and scenic riverside views.
Evald - Brasserie & cafe
0.5 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
0.5 km
Smoky ribs, flame-grilled steaks and family-friendly comfort food in Silkeborg’s regenerated Papirfabrikken riverside district.
Four Hands Restaurant
0.5 km
Intimate, chef-led dining in central Silkeborg where a daily changing set menu, seasonal Danish produce and warm hygge hospitality turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Gusto Silkeborg
0.5 km
Savor delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and salads at Gusto Silkeborg – your culinary stop in the heart of Denmark.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Imerco
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg homeware hub for Danish design, practical kitchen gear and cosy hygge accents, ideal for gifts, souvenirs and everyday essentials.
Helm
0.2 km
Two centuries of Danish leather heritage meets contemporary design in Silkeborg's premier bag and luggage destination.
HAUS · FRAU
0.2 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Silkeborg, blending timeless elegance, curated designer brands and attentive, personal service on lively Østergade.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 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.
H&M
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg fashion stop combining global H&M style with small-town convenience on the lively Torvet square.
Kop & Kande Silkeborg
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg homeware and gift store offering Scandinavian-style kitchenware, tableware and classic presents in a bright, practical high-street setting.
DressLab
0.2 km
Scandinavian fashion curated for contemporary women in the heart of Silkeborg.
Skovs Antik - Silkeborg
0.3 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.
Elkjær Lingerie
0.3 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.
Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S
0.3 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
0.3 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
b.young Silkeborg
0.3 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
TOFT SHOP
0.3 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
0.4 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
0.4 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
0.3 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Kaffebaren
0.4 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Café Kling Klang
0.5 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Roxy Malt
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.6 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Butchers Silkeborg
0.6 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
0.6 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
0.6 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
0.6 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Sportspubben Målet
0.6 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.
The Smoke Pub
0.7 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.
Cafe' Paradis
0.8 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.
Bakkens bodega
0.9 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
1.1 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
- Cultural Heritage
- 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
- LGBT Friendly
