Duedal Bjerg, Thorsø Bakker
A steep forest hill near Silkeborg where traces of a 1940s ski jump linger among trees, offering short, rewarding walks and a glimpse into local mountain lore.
Duedal Bjerg is a 117 m forested hill in Thorsø Bakker near Silkeborg, once famous as a small Danish ski area in the 1940s. Today it is a quiet, steep woodland hike with traces of the former ski jump cut like a broad scar between the trees. Short trails, soft forest floors and glimpses over the Søhøjlandet landscape make it a rewarding stop for walkers and local history fans exploring the Silkeborg forests.
A brief summary to Duedal Bjerg
- 8600, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- Duration: 1 to 2 hours
- Free
-
Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear shoes with good grip; the slopes on Duedal Bjerg are short but steep and can be slippery in wet or frosty weather.
- Bring a small snack or thermos and pause near the top to enjoy the forest quiet and filtered views over the surrounding hills.
- Combine the hill with nearby trails in Thorsø Bakker for a 1–2 hour circular walk rather than visiting it as a standalone stop.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
-
Car from central Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, driving to the Thorsø Bakker area near Duedal Bjerg typically takes around 15–20 minutes via local roads. Expect small, winding forest access roads near the destination and limited informal parking lay-bys rather than large car parks. Parking is usually free, but spaces can fill on sunny weekends and in autumn. In winter, minor roads may be icy, so allow extra time and drive cautiously.
-
Local bus and walk
Regional buses from Silkeborg towards Virklund and nearby villages run regularly during the day, with journeys of about 20–30 minutes depending on route. A standard single ticket within the local zone typically costs the equivalent of 25–35 DKK. From the nearest bus stop you should plan on a forest walk of 1–3 km on unpaved paths with some hills, which is not ideal for wheelchairs or prams but manageable for reasonably fit walkers.
-
Bicycle from Silkeborg area
Cycling from Silkeborg or Virklund to the Thorsø Bakker forests around Duedal Bjerg is a popular option, taking roughly 30–45 minutes from central Silkeborg depending on your starting point and pace. The route combines paved country roads with sections on forest or gravel tracks, some of which can be muddy after rain. There are no formal bike racks at the hill itself, so you will need to lock your bicycle to a tree or place it discreetly off the main path.
Duedal Bjerg location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
-
Clear Skies
-
Mild Temperatures
-
Cold Weather
-
Hot Weather
Discover more about Duedal Bjerg
A steep hill in the heart of Silkeborg’s forest country
Duedal Bjerg rises to about 117 metres, making it the highest point in the Thorsø Bakker hills at the eastern end of lake Thorsø. Hidden in conifer and mixed woodland, it feels more like a rugged knoll than a mountain, yet in the gently rolling landscape of Søhøjlandet it stands out as a surprisingly steep climb. Paths weave up through mossy undergrowth and tree roots, and in places the slope drops away so sharply that you sense why this modest rise has such an outsized story. The hill sits within the wider Silkeborg forest area, a patchwork of plantations, natural woodland and heather slopes. Underfoot you tread on sandy, glacially formed soil, and in clearings you may catch sight of the surrounding ridges that characterise this part of central Jutland. Birds are constant companions here, and the quiet is broken mainly by wind in the treetops and the occasional mountain bike on nearby tracks.From ski jump arena to silent hillside
In the 1940s Duedal Bjerg briefly transformed into one of Denmark’s unlikeliest winter sports venues. The natural gradient of the hill was harnessed for a ski jump and downhill course, and on cold, snowy winters local competitions and championships took place here. The fall line from the starting point to the run-out was dramatic by Danish standards, and a visiting Norwegian jumper reportedly reached close to 25 metres in one leap. By the mid‑1950s ski jumping on the hill had faded out, leaving only subtle physical traces of this intense period. Look closely between the trees and you can still make out the broad cleared swathe that once formed the take‑off and landing zone. It cuts straight down the slope like a pale corridor in the forest, a reminder that this quiet spot once rang with crowds, announcements and the hiss of skis on packed snow.Walking the gradients of Thorsø Bakker
Today visitors experience Duedal Bjerg primarily on foot. Short loop trails of a few kilometres link the hill to neighbouring ridges and viewpoints, offering a compact but varied walk with around 70 metres of ascent. The climb is short yet noticeably steep, giving your legs and lungs a brief workout as you zigzag upward through the pines and spruces. At the top the trees partly enclose the summit, but small openings allow filtered views across the wooded hills and towards the lake landscape that defines the Silkeborg area. The reward is less a wide panorama and more an immersive sense of being in the middle of a layered forest terrain, with slopes falling away on several sides and paths disappearing into the trees.Traces of ice and forest management
Duedal Bjerg and the surrounding Thorsø Bakker are products of the last Ice Age, when moving ice and meltwater sculpted ridges, depressions and steep moraines. Walking here, the sudden ups and downs of the ground underfoot tell that geological story more clearly than any diagram. The sandy banks, erratic boulders and uneven contours show how the landscape was built from debris left behind by retreating glaciers. Much of the forest here has been managed for timber, with tall conifers and noble firs creating long, straight trunks and shafts of light. Between them, natural regeneration fills gaps with younger birch, rowan and oak, softening the lines of the old ski run and framing views along the hillside. In autumn the forest becomes a patchwork of greens, golds and browns, and in winter the skeletal branches reveal more of the underlying shape of the hill.A quiet pause on a wider forest day
For many travellers, Duedal Bjerg is a short but memorable stop within a larger day of walking or cycling in the Silkeborg forests. Its compact scale makes it easy to add into a route linking lakes, viewpoints and other hilltops, while the steep ascent provides a satisfying contrast to gentler lakeside paths. Benches and informal resting spots along nearby tracks allow you to pause, listen and absorb the woodland atmosphere. Whether you are drawn by its brief ski‑sport chapter or simply curious about one of the steeper hills in this part of Denmark, the site invites an unhurried visit. Take time to notice the gradient beneath your feet, the faint lines of the old jump, and the way the forest has quietly reclaimed a once-busy slope, turning it back into a calm corner of the Søhøjlandet landscape.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
3.2 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Lovisehøj
4.2 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Silkeborg Water Tower
4.9 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
5.6 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
8.5 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
8.7 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Bølling Lake
12.4 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Randershøj
13.8 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Store Troldhøj
13.9 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Øm Klostermuseum
14.6 km
Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.
Landal Søhøjlandet
15.5 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.
Jutland
16.7 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
16.8 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.
Mossø
17.1 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
18.6 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Knagerne Silkeborg
2.0 km
A small, protected pocket of old-growth woodland in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where crooked beeches, fallen trunks and deep quiet create an evocative forest escape.
Labyrinthia
2.3 km
A countryside maze and puzzle park near Them, where 3D labyrinths, water mazes, dog-friendly challenges, and an indoor Puzzle Center turn getting lost into pure family fun.
Kroghs Bænk
2.9 km
Central Jutland’s award-winning safari and wildlife park, where visitors can encounter exotic animals, participate in immersive experiences, and explore vast open landscapes.
Shelterplads
3.0 km
Back-to-basics shelter living on the edge of Silkeborg’s forests, offering free, simple overnight stays in fresh air within easy reach of trails and lakes.
Odderpassager
3.2 km
A low wooden boardwalk skimming Almindsø’s surface, Odderpassager lets you drift between forest and lake at Østre Søbad, half pier, half tranquil nature trail.
De Små Fisk
3.6 km
Lakeside lawns, calm bathing water and simple shelters make this Silkeborg green space a relaxed gateway to the forests and waterways of the Silkeborg Lakes.
Aboretet Silkeborg
3.6 km
A quiet world of global trees in a 200‑year‑old Silkeborg forest, where wetlands, wildlife and easy woodland paths create a free, low‑key escape close to town.
AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
3.7 km
Freshwater worlds, playful otters and splash-filled playgrounds come together in Silkeborg’s lake-district aquarium and Danish wildlife park.
Silkeborg park
3.8 km
A tranquil sculpture‑studded green escape at Silkeborg Bad, where lakeside forest, gentle lawns and contemporary art meet on the edge of Denmark’s outdoor capital.
Art Center
3.9 km
Contemporary art and nature converge in a historic health resort transformed into Denmark's most distinctive sculpture park experience.
Silkebog skulpturpark
3.9 km
A quiet corner of Silkeborg where contemporary sculptures and woodland paths blend into an open-air gallery, inviting slow walks, reflection and relaxed art encounters.
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum
3.9 km
Step into an original German WWII bunker in Silkeborg and discover how a quiet Jutland hillside became the nerve centre of Denmark’s wartime occupation.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
3.9 km
A towering recycled-wood troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden in Silkeborg’s lakeside forest, where fairytale art, playful exploration and peaceful nature meet.
Kongestolen
4.0 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.
Indelukkets Friluftsscene
4.2 km
Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt
2.3 km
Destination dining in the woods near Silkeborg, where seasonal Danish menus, thoughtful wine pairings and a calm, intimate room turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.
Orangeriet
4.0 km
Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.
Gl. Skovridergaard
4.0 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.
Resturant indelukket
4.4 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.
Ristorante Pizzeria Roma
4.9 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.
Restaurant Spyd
4.9 km
Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.
Burger Beast Silkeborg
5.1 km
No-nonsense, juicy burgers with organic beef, soft buns and signature Beast dressing in a relaxed, central Silkeborg burger bar geared for eat-in and takeaway.
La Casita
5.1 km
Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.
Green Habits
5.1 km
Fresh, fast and colourful bowls, wraps and burgers in central Silkeborg, where everyday “green” eating meets casual café comfort and easy takeaway.
Sabel - Restaurant og Bar
5.1 km
Seasonal cooking, crafted cocktails and intimate atmosphere come together at this central Silkeborg restaurant and bar with a cosy basement for private gatherings.
Madkassen V/allan Petersen
5.1 km
Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.
Flamingo Pizza V/Aydin Wahab
5.1 km
Casual, central Silkeborg pizzeria serving generous family trays, classic slices and hearty kebabs in a straightforward, budget-friendly setting on Nygade.
Restaurant Piaf
5.1 km
Intimate French gourmet dining in the heart of Silkeborg, where southern French roots, seasonal Nordic produce and thoughtful wines create long, lingering evenings.
Okkels Silkeborg ApS
5.2 km
Organic Italian-style gelato, eco-conscious details and a warm neighbourhood buzz in the heart of Silkeborg’s cosy Latin Quarter.
VIVI Mad- & Vinbar
5.2 km
Cosy Silkeborg wine bar and kitchen serving shareable plates, pizzas and a well-chosen wine list in an intimate, candlelit setting on Nygade.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Pindhus.dk
5.2 km
Hand-curated Scandinavian design, gifts, and lifestyle treasures in the heart of Silkeborg.
Fair Retro
5.2 km
Curated mid-century and retro furniture in a cosy Silkeborg shop, where vintage Danish design, characterful lighting and sustainable home inspiration fill every corner.
Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg
5.2 km
Welcoming women’s fashion boutique in central Silkeborg, specialising in quality jeans, flattering fits and personal styling in a calm, uncluttered setting.
t.i.n.g.
5.2 km
Scandinavian design paradise in central Silkeborg, offering two floors of curated furniture, lighting, interiors and gifts in a calm, inspiring boutique setting.
Børnenes Kartel Silkeborg
5.3 km
A Scandinavian-style toy and children’s universe in central Silkeborg, where quality play, creative decor and family-friendly service turn shopping into a playful outing.
Boemo
5.3 km
A cozy Silkeborg lifestyle store where Scandinavian interiors, curated fashion and gallery art come together in one calm, design-focused space.
Mr Silkeborg A / S
5.3 km
Refined menswear boutique in central Silkeborg, combining Danish and international brands with attentive, style-focused service for business, casual and occasion wear.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
5.3 km
A compact burst of colorful Scandinavian design in central Silkeborg, perfect for quirky gifts, affordable homeware and playful everyday essentials.
Companys Silkeborg
5.3 km
Modern Scandinavian womenswear in a calm, central Silkeborg boutique, ideal for curated wardrobe updates between café stops and city-center strolls.
Femilet
5.3 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
Buksecompagniet
5.3 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Bivs.dk
5.3 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S
5.3 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
5.3 km
Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.
Bog & idé - Silkeborg Vestergade
5.3 km
Silkeborg's beloved bookstore and stationery hub since 1930, offering books, office supplies, and gifts.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Bodega Hjørnet
4.6 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
4.9 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.
Sportspubben Målet
5.1 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.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
5.1 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
5.1 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
5.1 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Bifrost Sports Pub
5.1 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
5.2 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 Admiral Pub
5.2 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
Roxy Malt
5.2 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.
Café Kling Klang
5.2 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
Kaffebaren
5.3 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Bakkens bodega
5.5 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.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
5.7 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
The Smoke Pub
6.2 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
5.1 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
25.2 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Scandic Opus Horsens
32.6 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.
Sölibat Natklub
34.0 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.
PDD
34.3 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Oskar hossman
34.4 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
34.4 km
Discover live music, local art, and Danish hygge at Klodshans Horsens—a cozy harbor-side bar at the heart of the city's nightlife and cultural scene.
Piano Herning
35.4 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
35.5 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
35.5 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
35.7 km
Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.
Fermaten
35.9 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.
Horsens New Style Dance Club
36.0 km
Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.
Restaurant Latinerly
37.6 km
A vibrant culinary and nightlife landmark in Viborg, Restaurant Latinerly blends Nordic dining, creative cocktails, and festive energy in a historic setting.
Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.
37.7 km
Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Adventurous
- Unique
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
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
- Wildlife Habitat
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Photowalk
- Cultural Heritage
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Requires Hike
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly