Kongestolen: The Majesty of Silkeborg’s Scenic Hilltop
Kongestolen offers stunning hilltop vistas, deep forests, and echoes of Silkeborg’s legendary past—a tranquil vantage over Denmark’s lake district landscape.
Kongestolen is a dramatic natural viewpoint nestled within the lush forests north of Silkeborg. Renowned for its panoramic vistas, this elevated outcrop has long enticed hikers and nature lovers seeking a peaceful escape amongst rolling Danish hills and sparkling lakes. Rich in local legend and intertwined with the area's Viking past, Kongestolen offers both serenity and a touch of historical mystique to those who make the journey.
A brief summary to Gammelkol
- Møgeløvej, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- 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, as trails can be uneven or muddy, especially after rainy weather.
- Bring water and snacks—there are no facilities or shops at the summit.
- Visit near sunset for spectacular, golden-lit views across the Silkeborg lakes.
- Pack binoculars if you're interested in birdwatching—locals often spot buzzards and other birds of prey from the lookout.
- If driving, check for parking at nearby forest lots, as roadside parking may be restricted.
Getting There
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Walking
From Silkeborg’s vibrant market square, follow the signs into the encompassing forests north of town. The forest paths wind gently uphill through the woodland canopy, and the final approach reveals the stony plateau emerging beyond the trees. The walk typically takes about 45–60 minutes, offering a peaceful journey with glimpses of lakes and occasional wooden trail markers.
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Public Transport
Local buses toward the outskirts of Silkeborg can drop you near the forest edges north of the city—ask for stops near popular trailheads or seek advice at the main bus terminal. A single adult ticket within the Silkeborg area usually costs 24–30 DKK. From the bus stop, a forest walk of roughly 15–25 minutes brings you up to Kongestolen via well-trodden natural paths.
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Taxi
A taxi from the Silkeborg city center to the main forest access near Kongestolen generally takes 10–15 minutes. Expect fares to be in the region of 90–130 DKK, depending on the precise drop-off point and traffic. Some lots have limited space, so discuss return arrangements with your driver if hiking into the woods.
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Driving/Parking
There are small designated parking areas at the forest fringes serving popular hiking destinations. Parking is generally free or covered by a small municipal fee (often 10–20 DKK for all-day use). From there, well-marked paths rise through the trees for approximately 20–30 minutes to reach the viewpoint. Note that these lots can fill quickly during weekends and holidays.
Discover more about Gammelkol
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
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Himmelbjergtårnet
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Discover breathtaking views and rich history at Himmelbjerget Tower, an iconic landmark in Denmark's scenic Lake District, offering hiking, boat trips, and cultural experiences.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
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De Små Fisk
7.1 km
Discover De Små Fisk near Silkeborg: a serene lakeside escape with a child-friendly beach, scenic trails, and primitive camping, perfect for nature lovers and families seeking outdoor adventures.
Silkeborg Water Tower
10.1 km
Byparkens Legeplads blends adventurous playground fun with scenic parkland views, making it Roskilde’s top family-friendly green-space escape beside the historic center.
Landal Søhøjlandet
10.5 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.
Mossø
11.1 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.
Yding Skovhøj
15.3 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.
Møllehøj, DK's highest hill
18.3 km
Discover Denmark's highest natural point: Møllehøj, a serene landscape offering gentle walks, historical insights, and panoramic views of the rolling Jutland countryside.
Ejer Bavnehøj
18.5 km
Discover Denmark's historical high point: Ejer Bavnehøj offers panoramic views and a glimpse into Danish heritage, crowned by the iconic Reunification Tower.
Slaggård Banke
19.5 km
Discover Slaggård Banke: Explore ancient burial mounds, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Danish countryside near Østbirk.
Bølling Lake
20.6 km
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Jutland
24.8 km
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Jættestuen grønhøj
28.8 km
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Horsens Tourist Information Centre
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Unmissable attractions to see
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
1.8 km
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Himmelbjerget
2.3 km
Historic Sletterhage Lighthouse offers panoramic sea views, maritime history exhibits, and wild coastal scenery at the southern tip of Mols Bjerge National Park.
H.C. Andersen bench
2.4 km
Discover Råbjerg Mile, Northern Europe’s largest migrating sand dune—a stunning, ever-shifting landscape near Skagen, perfect for exploration and breathtaking views.
Ry havn
5.0 km
Discover Himmelbjerget: A blend of Danish history, mythology, and stunning natural beauty.
Kongestolen
5.1 km
A legendary rocky lookout amid Silkeborg’s woodlands, Kongestolen offers panoramic lake district views, tranquil forest trails, and a taste of Danish folklore.
Høgdal
5.4 km
Sail through Denmark’s scenic lakelands to Himmelbjerget on a historic Turbåd excursion, blending natural beauty, nostalgia, and a gateway to one of the nation’s iconic viewpoints.
Shelterplads
6.7 km
Experience Silkeborg’s peaceful side at Shelterplads—a tranquil woodland campsite near lakes, perfect for outdoor adventurers, families, and seekers of Danish nature.
Befrielsessten i Resenbro
7.1 km
A leading Danish contemporary art gallery in Silkeborg, Galerie Moderne offers rotating exhibitions by top Scandinavian and international artists in a striking modernist space.
Ulvehoved
7.7 km
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Labyrinthia
7.7 km
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Birkehøj Silkeborg
8.3 km
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Aboretet Silkeborg
8.5 km
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Øm Klostermuseum
8.8 km
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AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park
9.0 km
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Duedal Bjerg
9.1 km
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Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
2.5 km
Hilltop eatery near Møllehøj offering Danish classics, sweeping lake views, and cozy atmosphere for hikers and sightseers exploring Denmark's highest points.
Café Himmelsk
3.3 km
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Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
3.4 km
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Restaurant Aalekroen
3.5 km
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Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
5.3 km
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Umisushi
5.4 km
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Lyng Dal Hotel og Restaurant
5.6 km
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Restaurant Gastronomisk Institut
6.0 km
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Knudhule Badehotel og Gastronomisk Institut
6.1 km
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Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt
8.6 km
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Resturant indelukket
9.2 km
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Orangeriet
9.3 km
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Gl. Skovridergaard
9.3 km
Historic estate hotel and gourmet restaurant set in tranquil parkland beside Silkeborg’s forests, offering Danish hospitality, fine dining, and serene nature escapes.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
9.8 km
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Evald - Brasserie & cafe
10.1 km
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Ørneboden
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Bjerg-kiosken
2.5 km
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Bjerghytten
2.5 km
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Leather by Corium
10.1 km
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SHOPPE LOPPE
11.8 km
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Møllehøj
18.3 km
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Møllehjulet
18.4 km
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Ville vintage
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نثنثنبنب
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Denmark's largest outlet center offering 30-70% discounts on top brands near Copenhagen.
Bryghus Horsens A/S
30.7 km
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Kjærs Magasiner
30.8 km
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bytorvHORSENS
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Tøjbutikker
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Luna Hvid
31.0 km
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Buttercups
31.4 km
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
La Vinya
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Bodega Hjørnet
10.1 km
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Café Kling Klang
10.2 km
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Sportspubben Målet
10.3 km
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Roxy Malt
10.3 km
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Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
10.4 km
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VIVI Mad- & Vinbar
10.4 km
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Rabalder Bar
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Bifrost Sports Pub
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Kaffebaren
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Woodys Aps
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Kristinesminde
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The Long Field Road
30.0 km
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Værtshuse
30.3 km
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Stalden
30.5 km
Stalden blends friendly local charm with billiards, darts, and sports broadcasts in the vibrant heart of Horsens, making it a favorite spot for authentic Danish bar culture.
