Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
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.
Housed in Silkeborg’s oldest building from 1767, Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården is a compelling journey through the region’s past, best known for the world‑famous bog bodies Tollund Man and Elling Woman. Inside the former manor house you move from Iron Age peat bogs to Renaissance glass, castle history and the birth of modern Silkeborg in the 19th century, all presented with clear storytelling, atmospheric rooms and a strong sense of place in the heart of Jutland.
A brief summary to Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
- Hovedgårdsvej 7, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
- +4586821499
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Budget
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Indoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
- Tuesday 11 am-4 pm
- Wednesday 11 am-4 pm
- Thursday 11 am-4 pm
- Friday 11 am-4 pm
- Saturday 11 am-4 pm
- Sunday 11 am-4 pm
Local tips
- Start with the Tollund Man and Elling Woman galleries, then loop back later in your visit; the first encounter can feel intense and a second look reveals more detail.
- Plan at least two hours to combine the bog body exhibitions with the town‑history and craft sections; the manor layout rewards slow exploration of each room.
- Visit in the shoulder seasons or weekday mornings if you prefer a quieter atmosphere around the bog bodies and archaeological displays.
- Combine Hovedgården with the Paper Museum or a walk along Silkeborg’s lakes to experience both the town’s industrial heritage and its surrounding landscapes.
- Bring a light layer; some exhibition rooms are kept slightly cool to protect delicate artefacts and to help preserve the bog body environment.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Train and walk
From Silkeborg Station, regular regional trains connect from larger hubs such as Aarhus and Herning in about 30–45 minutes, with standard second‑class tickets typically costing around 70–120 DKK one way depending on time of day and booking conditions. Once in Silkeborg, the walk from the station to Hovedgården takes around 15–20 minutes on mostly level pavements suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Trains run throughout the day but evenings and weekends may have reduced frequency, so checking departure times in advance is advisable.
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Local bus within Silkeborg
Silkeborg is served by local buses that link residential districts with the town centre in roughly 10–20 minutes, depending on the route and traffic. A single ticket within the local zone usually costs about 20–30 DKK and can be bought from ticket machines, apps or directly from the driver where available. Buses typically run every 20–30 minutes during weekdays and less often on evenings and Sundays. Most vehicles have low floors, but space for wheelchairs and prams can be limited at busy times.
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Car or rental car
Driving from nearby regional cities such as Aarhus or Herning to Silkeborg generally takes 30–45 minutes via main roads. Fuel costs for a return trip in a small rental car are typically in the range of 80–160 DKK depending on distance and consumption, while day‑rental rates vary widely by provider and season. In Silkeborg, you can usually find paid or time‑limited street parking and public car parks within walking distance of the museum. At peak holiday periods and on weekends spaces can fill quickly, so allowing extra time to park is sensible.
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Bicycle within the town and lake area
Silkeborg and its surroundings are well suited to cycling, with a mix of designated bike lanes and quieter streets. Reaching Hovedgården from most central accommodation or lakeside areas generally takes 10–20 minutes by bike at an easy pace. Several shops and hotels in town rent bicycles, with typical prices around 80–150 DKK per day depending on the type of bike and season. Surfaces are mostly paved, but riders should be prepared for occasional cobblestones and be mindful of wet conditions, which can make some sections slippery.
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Cold Weather
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården
An 18th‑Century Manor at the Heart of Silkeborg
Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården is set in Silkeborg’s oldest building, a manor house completed in 1767 and partly built with stone from the town’s former castle. Step through the entrance and you cross from a modern Danish town into creaking wooden floors, thick walls and sash windows that still hint at aristocratic life on the banks of the Gudenå. The rooms are intimate rather than grand, which gives the exhibitions a domestic, almost lived‑in feel. The architecture itself tells a story of shifting power in the region. Where a fortified castle once controlled trade and movement, an 18th‑century estate house signalled more settled times, agricultural wealth and an emerging local elite. Today the manor’s whitewashed facades and red roof anchor the museum firmly in Silkeborg’s skyline, a quiet counterpoint to the surrounding lakes and forests.Meeting the Tollund Man and the Elling Woman
The museum’s most arresting presence is the Tollund Man, one of the world’s best‑preserved bog bodies, discovered in 1950 in a nearby peat bog and dated to around the 4th century BC. In the subdued light of his gallery you can stand only inches from his face, the skin tanned and tightened by the peat yet the eyelashes, stubble and gentle expression still visible after more than two millennia. A simple leather cap and the thin noose around his neck raise unsettling questions about ritual sacrifice, justice and belief in Iron Age Denmark. Nearby, the Elling Woman, another bog body from roughly 200 BC, adds a different dimension to the story. Her remains and the accompanying displays explore hairstyles, clothing and burial practices, suggesting that these bodies were carefully placed rather than casually discarded. Together, their presence connects the quiet landscapes around Silkeborg with a world of gods, offerings and community decisions that left almost no written trace.From Prehistoric Settlements to Castle Power
Beyond the bog bodies, Hovedgården walks you through the region’s longer timeline. Archaeological galleries display stone tools, pottery shards and metalwork from the earliest settlements around the lakes and heathlands, setting the scene for how people hunted, farmed and traded long before the manor was built. Exhibits explain how the bogs that preserved Tollund Man also shaped local livelihoods, providing fuel and pasture but hiding dangerous marshes. Another section focuses on Silkeborg Castle and the rise of local authority in the late medieval and Renaissance periods. Fragments of masonry, weapons and everyday objects hint at life behind the castle walls. Interpretive panels and models reconstruct how the fortress once dominated the landscape, and how its decline freed up materials later reused in the manor house itself. The transition from castle to Hovedgård mirrors a broader shift from defensive strongholds to estates centred on administration and trade.Renaissance Glass, Pottery and Craft Traditions
A more decorative side of history appears in the Renaissance glass and local pottery collections. Delicate goblets and bottles produced in the Silkeborg region reveal both technical skill and the influence of European styles travelling along trade routes. Their subtle colours and air bubbles are highlighted under careful lighting, turning a simple shelf of objects into a study of taste, technology and social display. Equally distinctive is the Sorring pottery, with its earthy forms and painted decoration rooted in Jutland’s rural culture. These pieces connect the fine glassware of wealthy households with the everyday bowls and jugs used in farm kitchens. Exhibits trace how local clay, firing methods and patterns developed over generations, underscoring how even small villages contributed to Denmark’s material heritage.The Making of a Modern Town
The museum’s more recent sections focus on the emergence of Silkeborg as a town in the mid‑19th century, closely linked to paper production and expanded transport links. Period rooms, including an Empire‑style living room, reconstruct interiors from the early bourgeois era, complete with furniture, textiles and small objects that signal the aspirations of a new middle class. Photographs, maps and industrial artefacts show how a sparsely populated landscape of heath and forest was reshaped by factories, workshops and workers’ housing. Displays on local industries, from the paper mill to small manufactories, highlight how the town’s identity grew from a mix of natural resources, entrepreneurial ambition and national reforms. The result is a coherent narrative that takes you from Iron Age sacrifice to an organised modern municipality within a single building.Exploring History Beyond the Museum Walls
While Hovedgården is the main branch, the wider Museum Silkeborg network extends the story into the surrounding landscape. The institution interprets nearby forests, lakes and bogs as outdoor archives, where paths and viewpoints are used to explain past land use, ecological change and archaeological discoveries. Related departments, such as the Paper Museum and local workers’ exhibits elsewhere in town, deepen the picture of Silkeborg as both industrial hub and lakeside retreat. Back inside the manor, a small shop and quiet corners for sitting allow time to digest what you have seen. Whether you are drawn by the mystery of Tollund Man, the aesthetics of Renaissance glass or the social history of a young town, Hovedgården offers a concentrated, layered portrait of central Jutland that rewards unhurried exploration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
silkeborg
0.3 km
Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.
Silkeborg Water Tower
0.5 km
A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.
Lovisehøj
2.9 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.
Store Troldhøj
10.2 km
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
Himmelbjerget rutebåd
10.5 km
Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.
Randershøj
10.7 km
A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.
Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839
11.0 km
Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.
Bølling Lake
11.0 km
A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.
Jutland's Automobile Museum
13.4 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
16.8 km
Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.
Øm Klostermuseum
17.8 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
20.4 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
20.6 km
Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.
The Uncovered Bridge
23.4 km
A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.
Unmissable attractions to see
Tollundmanden
0.0 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.
The Hjejle Agency
0.2 km
Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.
Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet
0.2 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.
Statue of Michael Drewsen
0.3 km
Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.
Riverboat Jazz Festival
0.3 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
0.3 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.
Vægmaleri
0.4 km
Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.
Springvand
0.4 km
Silkeborg Langsø’s towering fountain turns the town’s central lake into a stage of water and light, blending engineering spectacle with everyday lakeside life.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
0.6 km
One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.
Silkeborg Archive
0.6 km
Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.
Badeanstalten
0.6 km
Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.
Slotsholmen
0.6 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.
Silkeborg Søerne
0.6 km
Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.
Dronningestolen
0.9 km
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.
Museum Jorn, Silkeborg
0.9 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.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”
0.1 km
Relaxed, modern café-brasserie in the heart of Silkeborg, serving generous comfort food, brunch plates, coffee and desserts from morning through evening.
Torvets Kebab & Pizza
0.1 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.
Sunset Boulevard
0.2 km
Casual Danish fast food with burgers, bites and kids’ meals in a bright, modern setting on Silkeborg’s Chr. d. 8.s Vej.
Underhuset
0.2 km
Family‑run brasserie on Silkeborg’s central square, blending Danish classics and French‑inspired dishes with a cosy dining room and lively terrace on Torvet.
Asian Restaurant & Café
0.2 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
0.2 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.
Regatta Sandwich
0.2 km
Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.
Tin's
0.2 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.
Jensens Bøfhus
0.2 km
Casual Danish steakhouse on Silkeborg’s main square, serving familiar grills, burgers and family-friendly favourites in relaxed, central surroundings.
Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg
0.3 km
Stylish Nordic sharing plates, brunch and speciality coffee served in Silkeborg’s historic town hall, overlooking the lively main square on Torvet.
Panorama Mad & Vin
0.3 km
Classic Danish lunch and French brasserie cooking in Silkeborg’s old town hall, with white tablecloths, city views and a warm, urban-hygge atmosphere.
Skovbakken Silkeborg
0.3 km
Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.
Restaurant Michael D.
0.3 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.
Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg
0.3 km
Industrial heritage meets riverside luxury in Denmark's lake district.
Four Hands Restaurant
0.4 km
Intimate, chef-led dining in central Silkeborg where a daily changing set menu, seasonal Danish produce and warm hygge hospitality turn dinner into an evening-long experience.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Elkjær Lingerie
0.1 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
0.2 km
Established jeweller on Silkeborg’s main square, blending classic gold and silver pieces, quality watches and attentive service in a calm, central setting.
Skovs Antik - Silkeborg
0.2 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.
DressLab
0.2 km
Scandinavian fashion curated for contemporary women in the heart of Silkeborg.
Kop & Kande Silkeborg
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg homeware and gift store offering Scandinavian-style kitchenware, tableware and classic presents in a bright, practical high-street setting.
Søstrene Grene
0.2 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.
HAUS · FRAU
0.2 km
Scandinavian women’s fashion in the heart of Silkeborg, blending timeless elegance, curated designer brands and attentive, personal service on lively Østergade.
Imerco
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg homeware hub for Danish design, practical kitchen gear and cosy hygge accents, ideal for gifts, souvenirs and everyday essentials.
Bivs.dk
0.2 km
Silkeborg's dedicated children's clothing and toy specialist with extended daily hours.
Buksecompagniet
0.2 km
Independent Silkeborg fashion store mixing timeless Scandinavian basics, denim and footwear with seasonal trends for both men and women on lively Søndergade.
Helm
0.2 km
Two centuries of Danish leather heritage meets contemporary design in Silkeborg's premier bag and luggage destination.
Normal
0.2 km
Denmark's original discount retailer where treasure hunting meets affordability in quirky, welcoming surroundings.
Femilet
0.2 km
Premium Scandinavian lingerie and intimate wear for women seeking comfort, quality, and perfect fit.
H&M
0.2 km
Central Silkeborg fashion stop combining global H&M style with small-town convenience on the lively Torvet square.
TOFT SHOP
0.2 km
Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Café Kling Klang
0.2 km
Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.
The Admiral Pub
0.3 km
Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.
NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg
0.3 km
Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.
Roxy Malt
0.4 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.
Kaffebaren
0.4 km
Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.
Zwei Grosse Bier Bar
0.5 km
Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.
Cafe' Paradis
0.5 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
0.5 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
0.5 km
Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.
Bifrost Sports Pub
0.5 km
Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.
Butchers Silkeborg
0.5 km
Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.
Rabalder Bar
0.5 km
Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.
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.
Bodega Hjørnet
0.8 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 Smoke Pub
0.9 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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Modern Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Mindfulness
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
