Dronningestolen Viewpoint, Nordskoven, Silkeborg
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.
Dronningestolen is a 65-metre-high forest viewpoint in the north-western corner of Nordskoven on the edge of Silkeborg. Once offering sweeping panoramas over the town and lakes, it now reveals a framed vista through a cleared wedge in the treeline, creating an intimate window over rooftops, forest and sky. Reached by woodland paths and rolling hills, it is a classic Silkeborg lookout, rich in royal name lore and a rewarding stop on hikes through the hilly lake district.
A brief summary to Dronningestolen
- Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
-
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
- Wear sturdy shoes; the final approach to the hilltop can be steep, with roots, loose soil and mud after rain.
- Visit in clear weather for the best view through the forest clearing; in winter the vista often feels wider as foliage thins.
- Combine Dronningestolen with nearby hills and viewpoints in Nordskoven for a rewarding half-day forest hike.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
-
Walking from central Silkeborg
From Silkeborg’s central area, most walkers reach the edge of Nordskoven and continue on forest paths to Dronningestolen in about 45–60 minutes, depending on the chosen route and pace. Paths include some short, steep sections with roots and uneven terrain, which can be slippery in wet weather. The approach is not suitable for wheelchairs or prams but is manageable for reasonably fit walkers in sturdy footwear. As this is open forest, there is no entrance fee.
-
Local bus plus forest walk
City buses in Silkeborg run from the centre toward northern residential districts near Nordskoven, with journey times typically around 10–15 minutes and standard single tickets in the range of 20–30 DKK. From a stop close to the forest edge, allow a further 20–30 minutes on foot along unsigned woodland trails to reach Dronningestolen. Services are less frequent in evenings and on weekends, and the final forest section involves hills and natural surfaces, so it is best attempted in daylight and dry conditions.
-
Bicycle from Silkeborg town
Cycling from central Silkeborg to the outskirts of Nordskoven usually takes 15–25 minutes on local roads and shared paths. Expect gentle hills but no extreme gradients. There is no dedicated bike parking at Dronningestolen itself, so many cyclists leave bikes at the forest edge and continue on foot for 10–20 minutes up the hill. Cycling is generally free apart from any rental costs, which in Silkeborg commonly range from about 100–200 DKK per day, and helmets are strongly recommended.
Dronningestolen location weather suitability
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Any Weather
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Dronningestolen
A forest hill with a royal name
Dronningestolen is a modest but characterful 65-metre hill tucked into the north-western corner of Nordskoven, one of Silkeborg’s great belts of woodland. Its name, which translates as “the Queen’s Seat,” reflects an older Danish use of the word “stol” for an elevated seat or throne, hinting at the spot’s long-standing status as a natural lookout. The name is closely linked to the nearby viewpoint Kongestolen, the “King’s Seat,” and together the two suggest a royal pair presiding over the lake-dotted landscape. Local historical writings connect the naming tradition to 19th-century royal visits to the Silkeborg area. During the reigns of Frederik VI and Christian VIII, the surrounding forests and hills drew the attention of the Danish court, and later accounts point to Queen Caroline Amalie as a likely inspiration for Dronningestolen’s title. Standing here today, it is easy to imagine the appeal of presenting such a natural balcony to a visiting monarch.Shifting views in a living forest
Before the forest fully spread over these hills around 1900, Dronningestolen offered an almost unbroken panorama over Silkeborg and many of the nearby lakes. Over the decades, forestry work and natural growth transformed the viewpoint, with trees gradually obscuring or redirecting the line of sight. Modern forest management has left a deliberate, narrow clearing from the hilltop, creating a kind of visual corridor rather than a 360-degree vista. Through this opening you now look across a slice of Silkeborg with its red roofs and church spires, framed by the darker green of Nordskoven. The sense of height is not dramatic in alpine terms, but the contrast between dense trees at your back and the town unfolding below gives the spot a distinctive, almost stage-like quality. The landscape feels curated by time and forestry rather than by architecture.Part of Silkeborg’s hilly walking country
Dronningestolen sits within one of Denmark’s most undulating forest regions, the lake plateau west of Silkeborg. The hill is often combined with neighbouring tops on longer walks, linking with routes over Langdalsåsen, Birkehøj and Ulvehoved to create a chain of viewpoints and ridgelines. Paths wind through beech and conifer stands, dipping into hollows and climbing back to light-drenched clearings. The ascent itself is short but can be fairly steep on some approaches, with roots and uneven ground reminding you that this is genuine woodland rather than manicured parkland. In wet weather, the tracks can be muddy and a little slippery, emphasizing the outdoor feel despite the proximity to town. The reward is a quiet vantage point where you can pause, drink in the scenery and sense the wider network of hills stretching beyond the treetops.Atmosphere through the seasons
The character of Dronningestolen shifts with the seasons. In spring and early summer, fresh beech leaves filter the light with a soft green glow, and birdsong carries up from the slopes below. On clear autumn days, the view slice becomes a tapestry of gold and rust as the forest changes colour around the town. Winter strips back much of the foliage, often expanding the sense of space and lending the hilltop a starker, more contemplative mood. Because the viewpoint is close to Silkeborg yet surrounded by trees, there is a blend of seclusion and connection. You are aware of the town—its sounds, its faint traffic murmur—yet shielded enough to feel momentarily removed. It is a place as suited to a thoughtful pause on a solo walk as it is to sharing a thermos of coffee on a bench with a companion.Stories in the name and landscape
Beyond the view itself, much of Dronningestolen’s appeal lies in the stories attached to its name and setting. The paired viewpoints of king and queen reflect a wider tradition in Danish place names where elevated spots are linked to authority, legend or ceremony. The Gudenå valley and the Silkeborg forests have long been routes of travel, timber and trade, and Dronningestolen is one of the named points that anchor this cultural landscape. Standing at the edge of the clearing, you can read the landscape as a layered narrative: the royal associations in the toponymy, the rise of Silkeborg as a town in the 19th century, the evolution of the forests from open hills with sweeping views to today’s denser woodland. Dronningestolen may be a small hill, but it feels like a quiet chapter in the broader story of Denmark’s lake district.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Silkeborg Water Tower
0.9 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
1.0 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Lovisehøj
2.1 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
3.8 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
9.7 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Store Troldhøj
10.0 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
10.1 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Randershøj
10.4 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Bølling Lake
11.7 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.1 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.
Abbey Mill
16.0 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
17.0 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Mossø
19.5 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.
Jutland
20.5 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
The Uncovered Bridge
22.6 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
0.4 km
Riverfront modern art sanctuary in Silkeborg, uniting Asger Jorn’s bold legacy, CoBrA masterpieces and hands-on creativity in an intimate, light-filled museum.
Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg
0.6 km
A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.
Indelukkets Friluftsscene
0.6 km
Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.
The Hjejle Agency
0.8 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Tollundmanden
0.8 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.
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.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
0.9 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.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
0.9 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
0.9 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.
Birkehøj Silkeborg
1.0 km
A modest Silkeborg hilltop with wide woodland views, Birkehøj offers a simple, quiet pause above town for walkers, cyclists and anyone craving a breath of open sky.
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.
Badeanstalten
1.1 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Silkeborg Archive
1.1 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
1.1 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
1.1 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Essential places to dine
Resturant indelukket
0.5 km
Modern Danish comfort food on the edge of Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where classic flavors, fresh ingredients and riverside greenery create an easygoing dining escape.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
0.6 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Tin's
0.9 km
Casual, cozy Vietnamese cooking in central Silkeborg, serving steaming pho, crisp banh xeo and fresh herbs in a relaxed, modern setting ideal for lunch or dinner.
Gl. Skovridergaard
0.9 km
Historic forester’s lodge turned serene hotel, restaurant and conference haven, wrapped in parkland with forests, lakes and Silkeborg’s cultural life close at hand.
Orangeriet
0.9 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Regatta Sandwich
0.9 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Asian Restaurant & Café
0.9 km
Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.
Daruma Ramen
0.9 km
Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.
Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”
0.9 km
Relaxed, modern café-brasserie in the heart of Silkeborg, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates, coffee and desserts from morning through evening.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
1.0 km
Unpretentious Italian comfort in central Silkeborg, with stone-oven pizzas, generous pasta plates and a cosy, family-friendly dining room ideal for relaxed evenings.
Madkassen V/allan Petersen
1.0 km
Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.
Torvets Kebab & Pizza
1.0 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.
La Casita
1.0 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg
1.0 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Restaurant Michael D.
1.0 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.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Buksecompagniet
1.0 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Elkjær Lingerie
1.0 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
1.0 km
Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
Bivs.dk
1.0 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
Femilet
1.0 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Skovs Antik - Silkeborg
1.0 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.
Normal
1.0 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
TOFT SHOP
1.0 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Leather by Corium
1.0 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
1.0 km
Central Silkeborg homeware and gift store offering Scandinavian-style kitchenware, tableware and classic presents in a bright, practical high-street setting.
t.i.n.g.
1.0 km
Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.
DressLab
1.1 km
Scandinavian fashion curated for contemporary women in the heart of Silkeborg.
b.young Silkeborg
1.1 km
A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.
Søstrene Grene
1.1 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.
Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg
1.1 km
Welcoming women’s fashion boutique in central Silkeborg, specialising in quality jeans, flattering fits and personal styling in a calm, uncluttered setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bakkens bodega
0.6 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.
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.
The Admiral Pub
0.9 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
0.9 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Bodega Hjørnet
0.9 km
A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.
Sportspubben Målet
1.0 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
1.0 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.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
1.1 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
1.1 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
1.1 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
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.
Kaffebaren
1.2 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Bifrost Sports Pub
1.2 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
1.2 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
The Smoke Pub
1.5 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.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
1.0 km
Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.
Team Paderborner
26.8 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Vesterbro Pub
33.4 km
Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.
ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S
35.0 km
Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.
Scandic Opus Horsens
36.3 km
A contemporary Scandinavian hotel in Horsens with spa, dining, and panoramic city-to-nature views—an elegant gateway to both urban and outdoor experiences.
Piano Herning
36.3 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.
Murphy's Pub
36.4 km
Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.
Bart
36.4 km
Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.
Mindegade5
36.6 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
36.8 km
Experience Herning’s vibrant music scene at Fermaten, the city’s top venue for live concerts, cultural events, and dynamic nights out in central Jutland.
Jazzens Venner
37.5 km
Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.
Sölibat Natklub
37.7 km
Late-night, no-frills clubbing in central Horsens, where loud music, simple drinks and a compact dance floor create an unapologetically local party vibe.
Hemingway's Horsens
37.7 km
Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.
Morzybitten
37.8 km
Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.
Jagtbar Horsens
37.9 km
Horsens' premier nightclub where relaxed cocktails transform into energetic dance nights.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
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
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
