Gammelkol
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.
Tucked into the forested lake district north of Silkeborg, Gammelkol is a modest but atmospheric historic site surrounded by rolling woodland and heather-clad hills. Once part of the old cultural landscape around Silkeborg’s lakes, it now feels like a quiet, almost hidden corner where traces of the past meet classic Danish nature. Expect simple paths, birdsong and wide skies rather than big monuments or visitor infrastructure.
A brief summary to Gammelkol
- Møgeløvej, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 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, closed footwear; paths are natural, with roots, mud and uneven ground, especially after rain.
- Bring water and snacks or a simple picnic, as there are no food outlets or shops directly at the site.
- Pack a light jacket or extra layer; forest shade and breezes can make it cooler than in central Silkeborg.
- If you enjoy photography, aim for morning or late afternoon when low light and long shadows highlight the contours of the landscape.
- Download offline maps in advance in case reception fluctuates in the surrounding forest areas.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from central Silkeborg
From central Silkeborg, driving to the Gammelkol area typically takes about 15–20 minutes via local roads through the northern outskirts of town. The route follows standard paved roads suitable for any regular car. There is usually informal roadside or small lay-by parking near the forest access along Møgeløvej, but no marked car park, so avoid blocking gates or tracks. Fuel is available in Silkeborg, and there are no tolls. Expect no lighting in the immediate area after dark.
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Bicycle from Silkeborg
Cycling from Silkeborg centre to Gammelkol generally takes 30–45 minutes, depending on fitness and route choice. You ride on a mix of town streets and quieter country roads, with some gentle hills typical of the lake district. A standard city or touring bike is sufficient. There is no formal bike parking at the site, so bring a lock and secure your bicycle to a fence or tree without damaging vegetation. In wet or windy weather, allow extra time and wear high-visibility clothing.
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Public transport plus walking
Regional buses from Silkeborg towards the northern outskirts can shorten the journey, usually taking 10–20 minutes depending on the specific line and timetable. From the nearest bus stops along the main roads, you should expect an onward walk of roughly 20–40 minutes on minor roads and forest tracks, with some uneven and potentially muddy sections. Standard bus tickets in the Silkeborg area are typically in the range of 20–40 DKK for a one-way adult fare. Services run more frequently on weekdays than late evenings and weekends, so check schedules in advance.
Gammelkol 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
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Gammelkol
A quiet corner in Silkeborg’s lake country
Gammelkol lies along Møgeløvej, in the gently undulating landscape north of Silkeborg, where forest, clearings and views over nearby lakes define the atmosphere. You arrive not at a grand monument, but at a subtle landmark in the terrain: an old settlement area and historic site whose main appeal is the way it merges with the surrounding countryside. The name hints at age – “gammel” meaning old – and it fits the feeling of a place that has watched the landscape change over centuries. Rather than paved plazas and signage, you find simple paths, mossy ground and the muted colours of Danish woodland. Pines and deciduous trees filter the light, while breaks in the canopy reveal glimpses of the sky and, in places, distant water. It is the kind of site where you sense history more than you see it, carried in the contours of the land and the quiet.Traces of an older cultural landscape
This corner of Jutland has been shaped by human hands for millennia, from early farmers and herders to the forestry projects that transformed much of the heathland into woodland. Gammelkol sits within that story as a small but telling fragment. Earthworks, subtle rises and edges in the terrain, and the location on higher ground suggest a long tradition of using these sites as vantage points and places of settlement. As you walk, notice how the forest clears here and there, opening onto more open heath-like areas. The pattern mirrors historic land use, when grazing and woodcutting kept the woods at bay. Today, regrown forest softens the scene, but the underlying forms of the landscape still speak of older ways of living with this land.Experiencing Gammelkol on foot
A visit to Gammelkol is essentially a gentle walk. Narrow tracks and broader forest roads weave through the trees, with mild gradients that most reasonably fit visitors can manage. Underfoot, expect roots, pine needles and, after rain, patches of mud. It is not a manicured urban park; good footwear makes the experience more comfortable. There are no formal facilities right at the site, so the rhythm of your visit is set by the sounds of the forest: wind in the treetops, the drumming of a woodpecker, the occasional rustle of wildlife. It is an easy place to linger with a thermos and a simple picnic, using a fallen log or a patch of heather as your seat.Seasonal moods and changing light
Gammelkol changes character with the seasons. In spring, pale green leaves and birdsong create a sense of renewal, with the low sun casting long shadows across the uneven ground. Summer brings denser foliage and warmer air, ideal for shaded walks away from the heat of open roads and towns. Autumn is perhaps the most atmospheric time, as the trees turn gold and copper and the forest floor becomes a tapestry of fallen leaves. On misty days, the site can feel almost otherworldly, the outlines of trees fading into grey. Winter strips the scene back to bare branches and sharper views through the woods, making the underlying shapes of the landscape easier to read.A peaceful pause within a wider nature day
Most travellers experience Gammelkol as part of a wider day in the Silkeborg lake district, combining it with other nearby walks, viewpoints or swimming spots. The site itself is compact, but the surrounding network of tracks allows you to extend your outing into a longer circuit through forest and open ground. Because there is no dedicated visitor centre or heavy development, the atmosphere remains low-key and contemplative. It works well for those seeking a short, calm pause between busier stops, a place to stretch the legs, breathe in the forest air and reflect on how much history can be held in a modest patch of land.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
1.8 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
2.4 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Lovisehøj
7.3 km
A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.
Randershøj
9.0 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Silkeborg Water Tower
10.1 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
silkeborg
10.1 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Store Troldhøj
10.2 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten
11.4 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
11.4 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
11.7 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
12.8 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
13.6 km
Experience the vibrant blend of history and modern life at Stændertorvet, Roskilde's central square.
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.
The Uncovered Bridge
16.9 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
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.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dynæs voldsted
0.6 km
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.
Turbådene Himmelbjerget
1.8 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
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.
Himmelbjergtårnet
2.3 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
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.
Bestig Himmelbjerget
2.5 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
3.1 km
Denmark's premier outdoor recreation hub where free activities, mountain biking, and nature immersion meet modern comfort.
Maskenkol
3.8 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
4.5 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
5.0 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
5.1 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
5.4 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
6.0 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.
Shelterplads
6.7 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.
Kallehave bålhytte
6.8 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.
Essential places to dine
Cafeteria Himmelbjerget
2.5 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
3.3 km
Homemade pastries and mountain views in Denmark's legendary lake district.
Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst
3.4 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
3.5 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
5.0 km
Intimate waterfront dining blending Nordic tradition with global innovation in Denmark's Lake District.
Brasseri Ry'tteriet
5.2 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
5.2 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
5.2 km
Contemporary comfort in Denmark's scenic heartland, where golf, hiking, and local gastronomy meet.
Restaurant Da Angelo
5.3 km
Authentic Italian dining in the heart of Ry's charming lakeside town center.
Byens Kylling & Pizza Ry
5.3 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
5.4 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
5.4 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
5.6 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
6.0 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
6.1 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.
ByStenholt
2.1 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.
Ørneboden
2.4 km
Small hilltop souvenir shop on Himmelbjerget, pairing simple treats and mementos with big views over Søhøjlandet’s lakes and forests above Ry.
Ugleboden
2.4 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
2.5 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
2.5 km
Bjerghytten: Savor Ice Cream Delights Amidst Himmelbjerget's Scenic Beauty
Nordic Yarn - a woolly affair
4.1 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
5.1 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
5.2 km
Intimate Ry boutique by textile artist Hanne Linding, showcasing feminine Danish knitwear, curated colors and timeless, everyday Scandinavian design.
Red Cross Op Shop
5.2 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
5.3 km
A small, stylish children’s clothing boutique on Ry’s central square, blending Scandinavian design, quality fabrics and a cosy, neighbourhood atmosphere.
Kandis
5.3 km
A welcoming Ry specialty shop where wine, sweets, gourmet delicacies and thoughtful gifts come together under one cosy, carefully curated roof.
Hanghøj
5.3 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
5.3 km
Distinctive menswear and womenswear for those who value timeless quality and personal style.
Taste
5.3 km
Intimate Ry boutique for thoughtfully chosen lingerie and womenswear, offering calm, personal service and understated Nordic style on Skanderborgvej.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Høkeren
5.3 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
5.3 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
5.4 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
7.9 km
A classic Danish darts clubhouse in Låsby, where competitive heritage, cold drinks and small-town hygge come together around the oche.
Pub North Cape v / Allan Hede
9.6 km
Unpretentious neighborhood pub in northern Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks, easygoing hygge and a slice of local bar life late into the evening.
Bakkens bodega
9.6 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
10.0 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
10.1 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
10.2 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
10.2 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
10.2 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Sportspubben Målet
10.3 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
10.3 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
10.4 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
The bar Silkeborg ApS
10.4 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
10.3 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
17.6 km
Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.
Scandic Opus Horsens
29.0 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.
Luksusmassage Århus
30.4 km
Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.
Sölibat Natklub
30.5 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.
KLUB22
30.6 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.
Oskar hossman
30.9 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
31.0 km
Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.
Klodshans Horsens ApS
31.2 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
31.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at V58 in Aarhus, where live music meets an energetic atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.
equalclub
31.5 km
Discover the thriving nightlife of Aarhus at Equal Club, where music, dance, and unforgettable experiences come together.
Flintstone Pub
31.8 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
31.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Aarhus at Hornsleth Bar, where innovative cocktails meet an energetic atmosphere.
Bar Smil Aarhus
31.9 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
32.0 km
Waterfront cocktail bar with twenty signature drinks and late-night dancing for adults 25+
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Tranquil
- Zen
- Scenic
- Relaxing
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Viewpoints
- 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
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Mindfulness
- Meditation Spot
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
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
- LGBT Friendly
