Dynæs Voldsted
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.
Dynæs Voldsted is a quietly atmospheric medieval castle mound set on the Dynæs peninsula west of Silkeborg, surrounded by the waters and forests of the Silkeborg Lakes. Here, only the grassy earthworks, deep defensive ditches and raised mound remain of a once-important noble stronghold linked to King Valdemar IV and later Silkeborg Castle and the bishop of Aarhus. Visitors come for the mix of low-key history, lake views and a peaceful woodland walk rather than grand ruins or facilities.
A brief summary to Dynæs voldsted
- Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4542172690
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Wear sturdy shoes: the slopes of the 12 m castle mound and surrounding ditches can be steep and muddy, especially after rain.
- Bring water and snacks, as there are no guaranteed food or drink outlets directly at the site itself.
- Visit in spring or autumn for a balance of foliage and clearer views of the lakes and the outline of the earthworks.
- Allow time to walk the full circuit of the mound and ditches to appreciate how the natural peninsula and man-made defences worked together.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car from central Silkeborg
Driving from central Silkeborg to the Dynæs peninsula typically takes 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. The route follows paved regional roads through the lake district before smaller country lanes lead towards the peninsula area. Parking options are limited to informal roadside spaces or small lay-bys nearby, so avoid peak summer weekends if you want an easier spot. There is no entrance fee to visit the earthworks.
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Local bus and walk
A practical car-free option is to take a regional bus from Silkeborg towards the western side of the lake district, which usually takes around 20–35 minutes. From the nearest stop you continue on foot through rural roads and forest paths, allowing roughly 30–45 minutes of walking on mostly easy terrain with some gentle inclines. Standard single bus tickets in the area are generally priced in the low two-digit range in Danish kroner, depending on zones.
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Cycling from Silkeborg
Cycling from Silkeborg to Dynæs Voldsted is a scenic way to arrive, using a mix of smaller roads and local cycle-friendly routes past fields and lake views. Expect a one-way ride of about 45–70 minutes at a relaxed pace. Surfaces are mostly paved with some short stretches of compact gravel near the peninsula. The route includes mild hills typical of the lake district, so it is best for reasonably confident cyclists. There is no charge to access the site, but bring a lock as there are no formal bike racks.
Dynæs voldsted 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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Cold Weather
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Any Weather
Discover more about Dynæs voldsted
A medieval stronghold hidden in the Silkeborg Lake District
Dynæs Voldsted is the earthwork remnant of a medieval fortress set on the narrow Dynæs peninsula in the Silkeborg Lake District, west of the town of Silkeborg. The site once held a notable fortified residence surrounded by water and marsh, taking advantage of its natural island-like position in the lakes. Today you walk across quiet grass and woodland where a noble household, guards and servants once moved between timber buildings, storage houses and stables. The name Dynæs appears in written sources from 1360, placing the site firmly in the high Middle Ages. The fortress later became part of the wider power network of Silkeborg Castle and the church in Aarhus, reflecting its strategic value in controlling movement through the lake landscape and the surrounding estates.From royal property to ecclesiastical power
The history of Dynæs is intertwined with major shifts in Danish medieval politics. The stronghold is thought to have belonged to King Valdemar Atterdag in the 14th century, when the crown worked actively to regain lands and influence across the kingdom. In the early 1400s the castle came under the control of Silkeborg Castle, one of the key royal bases in central Jutland, linking Dynæs to a wider defensive system. In 1435 the property passed to the bishop of Aarhus, symbolising how church authorities accumulated fortified estates alongside royal and noble families. Although the exact construction date of the fortress is uncertain, the sequence of owners illustrates how valuable a defensible site in this watery landscape could be—both militarily and as an economic centre for surrounding farmland and hunting grounds.The contours of a vanished castle
What you see today at Dynæs Voldsted is not masonry walls but a clearly defined earthwork system. At its heart rises a roughly square castle mound about 12 metres high, once crowned by timber buildings and perhaps a palisade. Around it you can still trace the deep defensive ditches, cut to isolate the mound from the rest of the peninsula and enhance the natural protection offered by the lakes and wetlands. The form of the mound and ditches tells archaeologists that this was an ambitious structure by local standards, more than a simple farmstead. The elevated platform would have given wide views over the water and surrounding woods, while the steep sides and water-filled ditches made direct attack difficult. Even without standing buildings, the sculpted terrain makes it easy to imagine the outlines of the courtyard and outer defences.Nature, silence and subtle lake views
Part of the appeal of Dynæs Voldsted lies in its setting. The peninsula projects into the Silkeborg Lakes, and the route out typically leads through mixed woodland, clearings and glimpses of water between the trees. Birdsong replaces city noise, and underfoot paths may be soft with needles and leaves. In places, especially towards the edges of the peninsula, you gain modest but atmospheric views across the lake surface, reeds and distant forested shores. Because the site has never been heavily developed for tourism, the atmosphere remains low-key and contemplative. You share the space with local walkers, perhaps anglers on the banks or small boats moving quietly on the water. Seasonal changes are marked: in spring the woods brighten with new foliage; in summer the greenery feels almost enclosed; autumn brings colour and clearer views; in winter the earthworks stand more starkly against bare trees.Visiting with realistic expectations
Dynæs Voldsted does not offer towers to climb or reconstructed walls. The experience is about reading the land—following the banks and ditches, standing on the mound and imagining how the fortress once controlled the approach along the peninsula. Simple information boards may explain the basic history, but facilities are minimal and you should not expect on-site services beyond occasional seating or basic amenities nearby. Sturdy footwear helps, especially in wet weather when paths and slopes can be muddy or slippery. Allow time to wander at a relaxed pace, pausing on the mound to notice how its position commands both the approach and the surrounding water landscape. For history-minded visitors and anyone who enjoys quiet forest walks with a story underfoot, Dynæs Voldsted rewards unhurried exploration more than a fast photo stop.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
1.4 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
1.9 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Lovisehøj
7.7 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Randershøj
9.6 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Silkeborg Water Tower
10.5 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
10.6 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Store Troldhøj
10.8 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
11.6 km
A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.
Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo
11.7 km
A colossal wooden troll crafted from recycled materials—where art, nature, and Nordic folklore converge near Silkeborg's serene lake.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
12.2 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.
Silkeborg Rovfugleshow
12.7 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.
Funder Ruin
13.8 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
Yding Skovhøj
14.7 km
Discover Yding Skovhøj, one of Denmark's highest points, offering scenic hiking trails, ancient burial mounds, and panoramic views in the heart of Jutland's beautiful lake district.
The Uncovered Bridge
16.3 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Møllehøj, DK's highest hill
17.7 km
Discover Denmark's highest natural point: Møllehøj, a serene landscape offering gentle walks, historical insights, and panoramic views of the rolling Jutland countryside.
Unmissable attractions to see
Gammelkol
0.6 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
1.4 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.
Himmelbjerget
1.8 km
Historic Sletterhage Lighthouse offers panoramic sea views, maritime history exhibits, and wild coastal scenery at the southern tip of Mols Bjerge National Park.
Himmelbjergtårnet
1.8 km
A 25‑metre red-brick memorial crowning Himmelbjerget, offering sweeping lake-and-forest panoramas and a powerful glimpse into Denmark’s democratic story.
H.C. Andersen bench
1.9 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
2.0 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.
FDF Outdoor Center Sletten
3.2 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Maskenkol
3.4 km
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.
Himmelbjergegnens Tårnhøje Tårn
4.3 km
Historic hilltop tower above Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests, blending Denmark’s constitutional story with sweeping Jutland views and atmospheric woodland paths.
Ry havn
4.5 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.
Kongestolen
5.3 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.
Høgdal
5.3 km
An 18th-century hilltop farm near Silkeborg, preserved as a living window into Danish rural life amid the soft landscapes of the Søhøjlandet lake district.
Knudhule strand
5.7 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.
Kallehave bålhytte
6.2 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.
Shelterplads
7.0 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
2.0 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
2.8 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
3.7 km
Organic lakeside dining in a light-filled country villa above Lake Julsø, where local ingredients, house-baked bread and garden herbs define every seasonal plate.
Restaurant Aalekroen
3.8 km
Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.
Lakeside Ry - Restaurant
4.5 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
4.7 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
4.7 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
4.7 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
4.8 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
4.8 km
Casual neighborhood pizza and chicken takeaway in Ry, serving hearty portions and familiar flavors for easy, budget‑friendly dinners after a day outdoors.
KobKun
4.9 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.
Umisushi
4.9 km
Neighbourhood sushi and takeaway in the lakeside town of Ry, serving fresh rolls and casual Japanese favourites in a relaxed, modern setting.
Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
5.0 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.
Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
5.7 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
5.7 km
Award-winning lakeside hotel and fine dining destination in Denmark's scenic Søhøjlandet region.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Laven Antikvariat
1.3 km
Rare books, organic coffee, and genuine warmth in a charming village shop.
Ørneboden
1.9 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Ugleboden
1.9 km
Casual ice cream and souvenir stall on Himmelbjerget, adding a sweet, no-frills pause to hikes and family outings in the wooded hills above Ry.
Bjerg-kiosken
2.0 km
Compact hilltop kiosk on Himmelbjerget serving ice cream, snacks and drinks to walkers and day-trippers at one of Denmark’s most iconic viewpoint areas near Ry.
Bjerghytten
2.0 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
ByStenholt
2.0 km
A calm, contemporary womenswear boutique in Ry, blending Nordic style with small-town ease and serving as the local face of a modern Danish fashion webshop.
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
3.7 km
A cosy, family-run Nordic wool shop on a Jutland farm near Ry, where Icelandic and Norwegian yarn fill the shelves and horses graze just outside.
Rye Nørskov Gårdbutik
4.6 km
Historic farm shop in a mill building, selling wild game from estate forests with uncompromising quality and sustainability.
Hanne Linding Denmark / BUTIK No. 9 Ry
4.7 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Red Cross Op Shop
4.7 km
Community-powered Danish thrift store in Ry, where low-cost second-hand finds help fund Red Cross humanitarian work and support more sustainable shopping.
Pierrot La Lune
4.8 km
A small, stylish children’s clothing boutique on Ry’s central square, blending Scandinavian design, quality fabrics and a cosy, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Kandis
4.8 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Hanghøj
4.8 km
A cosy Scandinavian fashion and lifestyle boutique in the heart of Ry, offering curated women’s clothing, accessories and gifts with a relaxed, personal touch.
Toft suits men & women
4.8 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Made by Ella
4.8 km
Intimate goldsmith’s studio in Ry, where local jewelry artist Julie Ella Jappe handcrafts custom designs and contemporary pieces in a calm, small-town setting.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Høkeren
4.8 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
4.8 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
4.9 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
8.0 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Bakkens bodega
10.0 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.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
10.1 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Cafe' Paradis
10.4 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
10.5 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
10.6 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
10.6 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
10.7 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Sportspubben Målet
10.7 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
10.7 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.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
10.8 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
10.8 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association
10.7 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
17.1 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Scandic Opus Horsens
28.4 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
29.9 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.
Luksusmassage Århus
30.3 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Oskar hossman
30.3 km
Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.
PDD
30.4 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
KLUB22
30.5 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
30.5 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.
V58
31.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
equalclub
31.4 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Flintstone Pub
31.7 km
Flintstone Pub in Aarhus blends retro décor, affordable drinks, and live music, offering a lively gathering place for locals and visitors in the city’s central quarter.
Hornsleth Bar Aarhus
31.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
Bar Smil Aarhus
31.8 km
Discover the lively nightlife at Bar Smil Aarhus, a must-visit night club and bar offering an unforgettable experience in Denmark's cultural hub.
London
31.9 km
Waterfront cocktail bar with twenty signature drinks and late-night dancing for adults 25+
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Landmarks
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
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
