Museum Silkeborg – The Paper Museum (Papirmuseet)

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.

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Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Set inside Silkeborg’s former paper factory, Museum Silkeborg’s Paper Museum is a compact, hands‑on tribute to the craft that shaped the town. In this “living” workshop you watch rags and pulp transformed into sheets, see historic machines and watermarks, and learn how paper for Danish banknotes was once made here. Friendly demonstrations, kid‑friendly activities and atmospheric industrial surroundings make this an engaging stop for families and anyone curious about how paper underpins modern life.

A brief summary to Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Papirfabrikken 78, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4586854564
Visit website
Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Budget
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Plan at least an hour if you want to join a paper-making activity; arrive early in the opening window on busy days to avoid waiting for a spot at the vats.
Wear clothes you do not mind getting a little damp; aprons are typically provided, but sleeves and shoes can still catch a few splashes of pulp.
Bring some cash or a card for the small shop, which often stocks handmade paper, cards and locally themed souvenirs inspired by the factory’s history.
Combine your visit with a walk around the Papirfabrikken district to appreciate how the former industrial grounds have been transformed into a modern riverside quarter.

Getting There

Local bus within Silkeborg

From central Silkeborg, use a city bus service that stops near Papirfabrikken; typical ride times are around 5–10 minutes depending on the route and traffic. A single adult ticket on local buses in the town area generally costs in the range of 20–30 DKK and can often be purchased via ticket machines, apps or directly from the driver. Services usually run throughout the day, but evening frequency is lower, so check the latest timetable if you plan a late visit.
On foot from Silkeborg town centre

The Paper Museum is located in the Papirfabrikken quarter close to the river, within ordinary walking distance of Silkeborg’s central streets. Most of the way follows pavements in a relatively flat urban area, suitable for casual walkers and older children. Allow around 15–25 minutes depending on your pace and starting point, and be prepared for occasional cobblestones and mixed surfaces inside the former factory complex.
Car or taxi within the Silkeborg area

Driving from most addresses within Silkeborg typically takes 5–15 minutes to reach the Papirfabrikken district, depending on traffic. Public parking is available in the area around the former factory, though spaces can be tighter at peak times and some car parks may have time limits or fees. A short taxi trip within town usually falls in the region of 80–160 DKK one way, with prices varying by distance, time of day and waiting time.
Regional train plus walk

If you arrive in Silkeborg by regional train from nearby cities such as Aarhus, expect journey times of roughly 45–60 minutes depending on the service. Tickets for a standard adult single on these regional routes typically range from about 60–120 DKK, with discount options available when booked in advance or using commuter cards. From Silkeborg Station, the Papirfabrikken area is reachable on foot in around 15–25 minutes through town, or by a short bus or taxi ride if you prefer to minimise walking.

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Discover more about Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

From Industrial Mill to Living Paper Museum

The Paper Museum sits inside the old Silkeborg Paper Factory complex, once a major industrial engine for this lakeside town. For decades, these production halls churned out everything from writing paper to security paper for Danish banknotes and official documents. The mill’s story intertwines with Silkeborg’s own development in the 19th and 20th centuries, when waterpower, industry and forests turned a small settlement into a thriving town. Today, the machines are quiet, but the building still hums with activity of a different sort. Instead of workers at shift change you find museum guides, volunteers and visitors moving between vats, presses and drying racks. Many of the original features – brick walls, big windows, heavy beams and industrial details – have been retained, giving the museum an authentic factory feel while housing modern exhibitions.

The Craft of Handmade Paper Up Close

At the heart of Papirmuseet is its working paper workshop, where the traditional craft is kept very much alive. You can watch as cotton or cellulose pulp is mixed with water, scooped onto a mould and deckle, and gently shaken until a thin, even layer forms. The moment when the cloudy slurry suddenly becomes a coherent sheet is one of the museum’s small, quiet thrills. Guides demonstrate pressing and drying techniques, show how watermarks are created, and explain why certain fibres were chosen for banknote paper. The smell of damp pulp, the clack of presses and the sight of freshly formed sheets hanging to dry make the experience surprisingly sensory. It is a rare chance to observe a pre-digital technology that still underpins books, artworks and archives all over the world.

Interactive Experiences for All Ages

One of the museum’s biggest draws is the opportunity to make your own sheet of paper under supervision. Children and adults alike don aprons, dip moulds into the vat and lift out their first wobbly sheet, often adding simple decorations or a personal watermark. The process is simple enough to grasp quickly yet full of nuance, sparking questions about thickness, texture and durability. Beyond the workshop, compact exhibition rooms use tools, documents and models to explain the evolution of papermaking in Denmark. Diagrams trace the journey from rags and wood pulp to finished rolls, while display cases show banknotes, letterhead and packaging produced in Silkeborg. Labels focus on clear stories rather than technical overload, making it easy for families and casual visitors to follow.

Stories of Money, Machines and Local Identity

Because the factory once produced paper for banknotes and securities, the museum also touches on themes of trust, value and forgery. Displays explore how watermark designs, fibre mixes and production controls helped secure the national currency. Old photographs introduce the people who worked here, from machine operators to laboratory technicians, and highlight how the factory shaped everyday life in the surrounding neighbourhood. The industrial setting adds another layer of interest. Tall windows frame glimpses of the regenerated Papirfabrikken district outside, where cafés, housing and offices now occupy former factory land. Inside, surviving pipes, tanks and steel structures remind you that this was once a noisy, steamy workplace. That contrast between past and present gives the museum a quiet poignancy as well as educational value.

A Compact Stop in the Papirfabrikken Quarter

Papirmuseet is relatively small, and most visitors comfortably explore it in one to two hours, including a turn at the vats. This makes it easy to combine with a stroll along the riverfront, a meal in the surrounding dining spots or a visit to other Museum Silkeborg departments elsewhere in town. Occasional temporary displays highlight contemporary paper art or design, connecting traditional craft with modern creativity. Practical facilities are straightforward: there are basic amenities on site, and staff are accustomed to welcoming families and international guests. With its blend of tactile activity, local history and industrial atmosphere, the Paper Museum offers a focused but memorable look at the material that carries so many of our stories, contracts and currencies.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

silkeborg

0.1 km

Historic 1871 railway landmark connecting Central Jutland with frequent regional services and heritage charm.

Silkeborg Water Tower

0.7 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

4.0 km

A modest memorial stone in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where forest tranquillity and wartime history meet in a quiet, contemplative woodland clearing.

Store Troldhøj

10.0 km

A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.

Randershøj

10.5 km

A scenic hilltop viewpoint offering panoramic vistas across Denmark's lake-filled landscape and forest-covered terrain.

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

10.6 km

Denmark's highest point crowned by a historic tower, accessible by scenic lake cruise or forest trail.

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

11.0 km

Denmark's first democratic gathering, 1839—where ordinary citizens claimed their political voice.

Bølling Lake

11.1 km

A restored glacial lake offering scenic walks, excellent fishing, and peaceful nature immersion in central Jutland.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

13.2 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.

Abbey Mill

16.9 km

Explore Abbey Mill in Skanderborg: A picturesque blend of history and nature, perfect for leisurely strolls and unforgettable experiences.

Øm Klostermuseum

17.9 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

20.8 km

Discover Jutland, Denmark: Explore Viking history, stunning nature, and family fun on the mainland peninsula, offering an authentic Danish experience.

The Uncovered Bridge

23.5 km

A hidden railway bridge buried for 85 years, spectacularly restored and now one of Denmark's most beloved landmarks.

Unmissable attractions to see

The Hjejle Agency

0.1 km

Denmark's oldest steamship still operating with its original 1861 engine, offering historic cruises through the scenic Silkeborg Lake District.

Riverboat Jazz Festival

0.1 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

0.1 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.

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

0.2 km

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.

Tollundmanden

0.3 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.

Slotsholmen

0.4 km

Experience breathtaking panoramic views over Silkeborg's heather-clad hills and serene lakes at Kongestolen, a must-visit for nature enthusiasts.

Statue of Michael Drewsen

0.4 km

Panoramic forested hilltop viewpoint steeped in royal legend, offering sweeping vistas over Silkeborg’s lakes and the lush Søhøjlandet landscape.

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.

Silkeborg Søerne

0.5 km

Denmark's premier water gateway—paddle, cruise, and explore the pristine lakes of Søhøjlandet from the heart of Silkeborg.

Vægmaleri

0.6 km

Experience the tradition of Denmark’s lake steamers aboard Turbådene Himmelbjerget, a nostalgic boat journey bridging Ry, Silkeborg, and the legendary hill.

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

0.8 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

0.8 km

Silkeborg’s collective memory, preserving documents, images and stories that trace the lakeside city’s journey from industrial outpost to modern municipality.

Badeanstalten

0.8 km

Denmark's most authentic bathhouse—a historic Nordic wellness sanctuary preserving centuries of bathing tradition.

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

1.0 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.

Cozy Southeast Asian flavors in the heart of Silkeborg, pairing Vietnamese and Thai dishes with a warm, relaxed atmosphere on lively pedestrian Søndergade.

Curated menswear blending timeless elegance with contemporary style in Silkeborg's charming lake district.

Cozy living‑room bar in Silkeborg serving affordable drinks, sing‑along hits and late‑night party vibes in a compact, homey setting.

Bodega Hjørnet

1.0 km

A cosy corner bodega in central Silkeborg, where dim lights, cold beer and easy conversation capture the timeless charm of Danish bar culture.

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.

Jazzens Venner

37.1 km

Experience live jazz performances in Randers' intimate and vibrant Jazzens Venner club.

Scandic Opus Horsens

37.2 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.

Der Kuhstall Mønsted

38.1 km

Rural barn vibes meet late-night beats at this countryside nightclub near Viborg, where casual crowds, strong drinks and a compact dance floor power the weekend.

Sölibat Natklub

38.6 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.

Hemingway's Horsens

38.6 km

Late-night disco bar in central Horsens with a mature crowd, classic hits from past decades and a cozy-but-lively atmosphere every Friday and Saturday.

Morzybitten

38.7 km

Experience the essence of Danish 'hygge' at Morzybitten, Horsens' premier barista and beer bar with live music.

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Museum Silkeborg – The Paper Museum (Papirmuseet)

A brief summary to Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Local bus within Silkeborg

On foot from Silkeborg town centre

Car or taxi within the Silkeborg area

Regional train plus walk

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

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Discover more about Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

From Industrial Mill to Living Paper Museum

The Craft of Handmade Paper Up Close

Interactive Experiences for All Ages

Stories of Money, Machines and Local Identity

A Compact Stop in the Papirfabrikken Quarter

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

silkeborg

Silkeborg Water Tower

Lovisehøj

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Store Troldhøj

Randershøj

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Bølling Lake

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Abbey Mill

Øm Klostermuseum

Mossø

Jutland

The Uncovered Bridge

Unmissable attractions to see

The Hjejle Agency

Riverboat Jazz Festival

Kedelhuset

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

Tollundmanden

Slotsholmen

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Springvand

Silkeborg Søerne

Vægmaleri

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Silkeborg Archive

Badeanstalten

Dronningestolen

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Essential places to dine

Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”

Restaurant Michael D.

Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg

Sunset Boulevard

Café Kik

Evald - Brasserie & cafe

Bone's Silkeborg

Torvets Kebab & Pizza

Skovbakken Silkeborg

Underhuset

Jensens Bøfhus

Panorama Mad & Vin

Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg

Daruma Ramen

Asian Restaurant & Café

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Skovs Antik - Silkeborg

Kop & Kande Silkeborg

Søstrene Grene

Elkjær Lingerie

HAUS · FRAU

Leather by Corium

Imerco

DressLab

Helm

Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S

H&M