Silkeborg, Denmark Travel Guide

Discover the serene beauty and cultural richness of Silkeborg, Denmark's lakeside gem, perfect for nature lovers, history buffs, and art enthusiasts alike.

Nestled in the heart of Denmark, Silkeborg is a picturesque town renowned for its stunning lakes, lush forests, and rich cultural heritage. The city is part of the largest lake district in Denmark, making it a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're exploring the serene waters by boat, hiking through verdant trails, or simply soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, Silkeborg offers a unique blend of natural beauty and Danish charm. Silkeborg is also home to several cultural attractions that provide a deeper insight into the region's history and traditions. The Silkeborg Museum, housed in a former paper mill, showcases local artifacts and art, including the famous Tollund Man, a well-preserved bog body from the Iron Age. For art lovers, the Museum Jorn displays an impressive collection of works by the renowned Danish artist Asger Jorn and other contemporary artists. Beyond its natural and cultural allure, Silkeborg boasts a vibrant town center filled with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and delightful restaurants. The city's welcoming atmosphere and friendly locals make it an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway. Whether you're paddling on the Gudenå River, cycling through the scenic landscapes, or enjoying a leisurely meal by the lake, Silkeborg promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Silkeborg.

Visit the Himmelbjerget, one of Denmark's highest points, for stunning views and great hiking opportunities.
Take a boat trip on the Silkeborg Lakes to fully appreciate the area's natural beauty.
Explore the city's art scene at Museum Jorn, which features works by Asger Jorn and other contemporary artists.
Don't miss the annual Riverboat Jazz Festival in June, which brings lively music and festivities to the city.
Try the local specialty, 'Silkeborg trout,' at one of the town's many charming restaurants.

Explore Silkeborg: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Silkeborg

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ARoS Aarhus Art Museum

Ten floors of Danish and international art crowned by a rainbow‑coloured skywalk, ARoS turns Aarhus’s skyline into part of a bold, immersive museum experience.

4.5

The Old Town

Step through cobbled streets and timbered houses into four centuries of Danish town life at Den Gamle By, Aarhus’ atmospheric open‑air museum.

4.6

Dokk1

A bold harborfront culture house where Aarhus’ main library, playgrounds, civic services and striking contemporary architecture come together in one open, waterfront space.

4.6

Latin Quarter

Aarhus’ oldest neighborhood, where cobbled medieval lanes, merchants’ houses and leafy courtyards meet cafés, boutiques and bicycle life behind the cathedral.

4.4

Best landmarks in Silkeborg

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Aarhus Cathedral

Denmark's longest and tallest church, a Gothic masterpiece with medieval frescoes and a gilded altarpiece by Bernt Notke.

4.5

Store Torv

Medieval marketplace transformed into Aarhus's iconic civic square, where eight centuries of history meet contemporary urban life.

Møllestien

A charming cobblestone lane where colorful 19th-century houses and vibrant gardens tell the story of artistic rebirth.

4.7

Slotsholmen

Denmark's island of power: nine centuries of royal rule, government, and cultural heritage in Copenhagen's heart.

4.5

Best restaurants in Silkeborg

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Gusto Silkeborg

Savor delicious sandwiches, pizzas, and salads at Gusto Silkeborg – your culinary stop in the heart of Denmark.

4.5

Aarhus Street Food

A world of street food under one industrial roof—affordable, authentic, and endlessly diverse.

4.5

BABBA

Mediterranean-inspired social dining, wine and cocktails in a cosy Silkeborg townhouse with a lively bar and atmospheric courtyard terrace.

4.5

Evald - Brasserie & cafe

Classic French-inspired brasserie meets Danish hygge on the riverfront at Papirfabrikken, serving from morning coffee to late-night drinks with serene waterside views.

4.3

Best bars in Silkeborg

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Sherlock Holmes Pub

Lively pro‑British pub in central Aarhus, mixing classic pints, sports bar buzz, live music and colonial‑inspired cocktails under a cosy Sherlock Holmes theme.

4.3

Roxy Malt

Cozy Irish-inspired pub in central Silkeborg, pouring beers and whiskies late into the night with music, sports and a welcoming courtyard atmosphere.

4.2

Bodega Hjørnet

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

4.5

Sportspubben Målet

Lively Silkeborg sports pub with cold draft beer, big matches on screen and an easygoing local atmosphere just off busy Bindslevs Plads.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Silkeborg

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B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.

4.5

Best shops in Silkeborg

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t.i.n.g.

Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.

4.6

Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S

Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.

4.2

Leather by Corium

Boutique Nordic leather shop in Silkeborg’s Papirfabrikken district, offering timeless bags and accessories that blend Scandinavian design with everyday practicality.

SHOPPE LOPPE

A vast indoor flea-market supermarket in Silkeborg with over 400 stands, mixing retro design, antiques, clothing and curios in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

4.0

Explore Silkeborg on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Silkeborg, mapped for you.

Silkeborg Essentials

Silkeborg is located in the Central Jutland region of Denmark. The nearest major airport is Billund Airport, approximately 60 kilometers away. From Billund, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Silkeborg. Alternatively, Aarhus Airport is around 90 kilometers away, offering another option for international travelers. Silkeborg is also accessible by train from major Danish cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus, making it convenient for domestic travelers.
Silkeborg has a well-connected public transportation system, including buses and trains. The city is pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance. Renting a bicycle is a popular option for exploring the scenic surroundings. Taxis are available but can be expensive. For those who prefer to drive, car rental services are available, and the road network is well-maintained.
The official currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone (DKK). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, especially in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are readily available throughout Silkeborg, allowing you to withdraw cash as needed. Mobile payment options like MobilePay are also commonly used. It's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments or rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.
Silkeborg is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended and be cautious in crowded areas. Silkeborg does not have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Silkeborg has a local police station and several medical facilities, including a hospital. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Smart casual attire is generally acceptable in most settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations or eat on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. A friendly 'hej' (hi) is commonly used. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties and be open to new foods. Don't leave a tip, as service charges are usually included in the bill.
To experience Silkeborg like a local, visit the weekly markets where you can buy fresh produce and local crafts. Take a boat trip on the Silkeborg Lakes for a scenic view of the area. Engage in outdoor activities such as hiking or cycling, especially around the beautiful Himmelbjerget hill. Don't miss the local museums, such as the Silkeborg Museum, which houses the famous Tollund Man, a well-preserved bog body from the Iron Age.

When is the best time to visit Silkeborg?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Silkeborg

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Silkeborg. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHej
  [hey]
- GoodbyeFarvel
  [far-vel]
- YesJa
  [ya]
- NoNej
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVær så venlig
  [ver sa ven-lee]
- Thank youTak
  [tak]
- Excuse me/SorryUndskyld
  [oon-skeel]
- How are you?Hvordan har du det?
  [vor-dan har doo deh]
- Fine. And you?Godt. Og du?
  [goht. oh doo]
- Do you speak English?Taler du engelsk?
  [ta-ler doo eng-elsk]
- I don't understandJeg forstår ikke
  [yai for-stor ee-keh]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gerne se menuen, tak
  [yai vil ge-neh se meh-new-en, tak]
- I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kød
  [yai spee-ser ee-keh kerth]
- Cheers!Skål!
  [skawl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gerne betale, tak
  [yai vil ge-neh beh-tah-leh, tak]
- Help!Hjælp!
  [h-yelp]
- Go away!Gå væk!
  [goh vehk]
- Call the Police!Ring til politiet!
  [ring teel po-lee-tee-et]
- Call a doctor!Ring efter en læge!
  [ring af-ter en lay-eh]
- I'm lostJeg er blevet væk
  [yai air ble-veh vehk]
- I'm illJeg er syg
  [yai air soog]
- I'd like to buy...Jeg vil gerne købe...
  [yai vil ge-neh ker-buh]
- I'm just lookingJeg kigger bare
  [yai kee-geh beh-reh]
- How much is it?Hvor meget koster det?
  [vor meh-et koh-ster deh]
- That's too expensiveDet er for dyrt
  [deh air for deer]
- Can you lower the price?Kan du sænke prisen?
  [can doo san-keh pre-sen]
- What time is it?Hvad er klokken?
  [vad air kloh-ken]
- It's one o'clockKlokken er et
  [kloh-ken air et]
- Half past (10)Halv ti
  [hahlv tee]
- MorningMorgen
  [mor-gen]
- AfternoonEftermiddag
  [ef-ter-mee-dag]
- EveningAften
  [af-ten]
- YesterdayI går
  [ee gohr]
- TodayI dag
  [ee dah]
- TomorrowI morgen
  [ee mor-gen]
- 1En
  [en]
- 2To
  [toh]
- 3Tre
  [treh]
- 4Fire
  [fee-reh]
- 5Fem
  [fem]
- 6Seks
  [seks]
- 7Syv
  [suv]
- 8Otte
  [ot-teh]
- 9Ni
  [nee]
- 10Ti
  [tee]
- Where's a/the...?Hvor er en/the...?
  [vor air en/the]
- What's the address?Hvad er adressen?
  [vad air ad-ress-en]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise mig (på kortet)?
  [can doo vee-se me (poh kohr-teh)]
- When's the next (bus)?Hvornår er næste (bus)?
  [vor-nar air nes-teh (buss)]
- A ticket (to ....)En billet (til ....)
  [en bee-let (teel)]

History of Silkeborg

Silkeborg was officially founded in 1844 when the Danish state initiated the construction of a paper mill by the banks of the Gudenå River. This mill, established by Michael Drewsen, marked the beginning of the town's industrial era. Drewsen is often considered the founder of Silkeborg, as his paper mill led to significant development in the area.
Though Silkeborg's official founding dates back to the 19th century, archaeological evidence suggests that the region has been inhabited since the Stone Age. Numerous artifacts, including tools and pottery, have been discovered in the area, indicating long-term human presence and activity.
Silkeborg Castle, built in the 15th century, was a significant medieval stronghold. Situated on a small island in the Silkeborg Langsø, the castle played a crucial role during the Count's Feud (1534-1536), a civil war in Denmark. Today, only remnants of the castle remain, but its history is interwoven with the development of the town.
One of Silkeborg's most famous historical discoveries is the Tollund Man, a well-preserved Iron Age bog body found in 1950. The Tollund Man dates back to approximately 400-375 BCE and offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and rituals of ancient inhabitants. The body is currently displayed at the Silkeborg Museum, attracting numerous visitors each year.
The establishment of the paper mill in 1844 marked the beginning of Silkeborg's industrial era. The town rapidly expanded as more industries, including textile manufacturing and woodworking, were developed. This industrial growth attracted a significant workforce, leading to the town's population boom and urbanization.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Silkeborg began to develop as a tourist destination, thanks in part to its picturesque landscapes and lakes. The introduction of steamboat tours on the Gudenå River and the Silkeborg Lakes further boosted tourism, attracting visitors from across Denmark and beyond. Today, Silkeborg remains a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Founded in 1904, the Silkeborg Museum plays a pivotal role in preserving and showcasing the history and culture of the region. The museum's extensive collections include archaeological finds, historical artifacts, and exhibits on the industrial and cultural development of Silkeborg. It is also home to the Tollund Man, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in Denmark.
During World War II, Silkeborg was occupied by German forces. The town served as the headquarters for the German Army Group North. Several bunkers and fortifications were built in the area, remnants of which can still be seen today. The occupation had a profound impact on the local population and the town's development during and after the war.
In the post-war period, Silkeborg continued to grow and modernize. The town has successfully balanced industrial development with the preservation of its natural landscapes. Modern Silkeborg is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including festivals, museums, and outdoor activities that celebrate both its rich history and natural beauty.