Riverboat Jazz Festival, Silkeborg

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.

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Riverboat Jazz Festival

Each June, Silkeborg’s Riverboat Jazz Festival turns this lake district town into one vast open-air stage, with classic jazz and swinging rhythms spilling from riverboats, harbour tents, cafés and cobbled squares. Centered around venues like Kedelhuset at Papirfabrikken, the five-day event features dozens of orchestras, intimate morning concerts, late-night jam sessions and atmospheric sailings on the Gudenå river. It is a relaxed, sociable celebration where music, water and Danish summer light blend into one memorable experience.

A brief summary to Riverboat Jazz Festival

Kedelhuset, Papirfabrikken 72, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4551821617
Visit website
Duration: 3 to 10 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Book accommodation well in advance; Riverboat attracts large crowds and hotels and rentals around Papirfabrikken and the harbour fill quickly for festival dates.
Combine free outdoor concerts with one or two ticketed indoor shows at venues like Kedelhuset to experience both the casual street vibe and focused listening sessions.
Pack layers and a light rain jacket; June evenings by the river can turn cool even on sunny days, especially during late outdoor sets or jazz sailings.
Check the festival programme for jazz sailings on the Gudenå and reserve early, as spots on the most atmospheric boat concerts tend to sell out first.
Carry a reusable water bottle and a small foldable seat or blanket if you plan to roam between outdoor stages and sit along the harbour or riverside lawns.

Getting There

Train and short walk from central Silkeborg

From Silkeborg Station, reach the Papirfabrikken and Kedelhuset festival hub by regional train followed by a roughly 15–20 minute walk through town. Trains connect Silkeborg with nearby cities such as Aarhus and Herning in about 35–60 minutes, with tickets typically around DKK 60–120 one way depending on distance and time of day. Services run frequently during the day but may be less frequent late at night, so checking return times is important after evening concerts.
Regional bus within the Aarhus region

Regional buses link Silkeborg with surrounding towns and Aarhus, generally taking 45–70 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Single tickets usually cost in the range of DKK 40–80. During the festival, buses can be a practical option for daytime arrivals and early evening departures, though late-night services are limited and may require planning your final concert of the day around the timetable.
Car or rental car to central Silkeborg

Driving from Aarhus or other nearby towns to Silkeborg typically takes 30–60 minutes via main regional roads. Fuel and any optional toll expenses vary, but running costs for a return trip from Aarhus are often comparable to or slightly higher than a regional train ticket per person. During Riverboat Jazz Festival, parking areas around central Silkeborg are available but can fill quickly near the harbour and Papirfabrikken, so allow extra time to park and walk 10–20 minutes to the festival hub.
Cycling from nearby areas

For visitors staying in or just outside Silkeborg, cycling 3–8 km into the festival area is a pleasant option, usually taking 15–35 minutes on generally flat terrain with some gentle slopes. There is no direct cost beyond any bike rental, which in the region commonly ranges around DKK 100–200 per day. Be mindful of increased traffic and crowds near the harbour and Papirfabrikken, and use bike stands well away from main pedestrian flows during peak concert times.

Riverboat Jazz Festival location weather suitability

Mild Temperatures
Clear Skies
Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Riverboat Jazz Festival

Jazz woven into the waterways of Silkeborg

Riverboat Jazz Festival is inseparable from Silkeborg’s landscape of lakes, forested hills and the winding Gudenå river. For five days in June, the town’s riverfront, harbour and former paper mill complex at Papirfabrikken become the beating heart of one of Northern Europe’s largest classic jazz festivals. Music drifts from quayside tents, restored industrial halls and floating stages, creating the feeling that the entire town has been tuned to a swinging rhythm. The festival grew from a simple idea: to marry traditional jazz with the town’s strong connection to water. Today that legacy is clear in the very name “Riverboat” and in the sight of musicians unloading instruments straight onto boats before pushing off for the next set upstream.

From local initiative to international jazz meeting point

Over the decades, Riverboat Jazz Festival has evolved from a regional curiosity into an international gathering that draws around 70 orchestras and soloists and tens of thousands of listeners over five days. Bands arrive from across Denmark, the wider Nordic region and further afield, bringing styles that range from New Orleans and swing to blues-inflected sets and more contemporary grooves. What remains constant is an emphasis on live, unhurried performance. Many of the concerts take place in smaller venues such as Kedelhuset at Papirfabrikken, where brick walls and exposed beams add warmth to acoustic sets. Others play out on larger outdoor stages or in lively beer tents along the harbour, offering a more festive, bustling feel.

Boats, harbours and music in constant motion

Water is more than just a backdrop here. A signature experience is to join a jazz sailing, where historic vessels and modern boats glide along the Gudenå while bands perform just a few metres away. The combination of brass, reeds and rippling water, framed by forested slopes, is one of the festival’s most distinctive sights. Back on land, the harbour area and riverside paths turn into informal promenades. Listeners wander between stages, catching fragments of a brass band here, a laid-back trio there, often finding unexpected favourites in tucked-away courtyards or under canvas at the water’s edge.

A town-wide celebration with room for everyone

Riverboat’s footprint spills far beyond one fenced festival site. Squares, streets and café terraces all host performances, so the boundary between “festival” and “everyday town” almost disappears. Many events are free, while a core of ticketed concerts offers more focused listening and headline acts. This open format makes it easy to tailor your day. You might settle in at Kedelhuset for a morning concert, then drift toward the river for afternoon open-air sets, before rounding off with a late-night show in an atmospheric old industrial hall. Food stalls, pop-up bars and nearby restaurants keep the social aspect going well into the light Scandinavian evenings.

Planning your visit and understanding the rhythm of the days

The festival usually runs from Wednesday to Sunday in late June, aligning with the most reliable summer weather and the long northern twilight. Early hours are generally calmer, sometimes featuring choral mornings or gentle acoustic jazz, while afternoons grow livelier as families and groups of friends join the crowds along the river. Evenings bring the most concentrated programme: multiple overlapping concerts, harbour tents in full swing and the glow of stage lights reflecting off the water. Having a rough plan based on the official programme helps, but part of Riverboat’s charm lies in improvisation—much like the music itself.

Kedelhuset and Papirfabrikken’s industrial character

Kedelhuset, housed in the former boiler house of Silkeborg’s paper mill, serves as one of the festival’s key hubs. Its robust brick architecture, high ceilings and industrial details lend a distinctive character to performances, contrasting with the softness of the surrounding water and greenery. Around it, the redeveloped Papirfabrikken district mixes cultural venues, eateries and riverside walks. During Riverboat, this area becomes a natural meeting point, a place to pause between concerts, watch boats move along the river and absorb the atmosphere that has made the festival a highlight of Denmark’s summer cultural calendar.

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

0.8 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

4.2 km

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

Store Troldhøj

9.9 km

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

Randershøj

10.4 km

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

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

10.5 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

11.2 km

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

Jutland's Automobile Museum

13.0 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

17.8 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

20.9 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

Kedelhuset

0.0 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, Papirmuseet

0.1 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.

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.

Slotsholmen

0.3 km

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

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

0.3 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

0.4 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.

Silkeborg Søerne

0.4 km

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

Springvand

0.5 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.

Statue of Michael Drewsen

0.5 km

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

Vægmaleri

0.7 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

0.9 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

0.9 km

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

Badeanstalten

0.9 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

1.1 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.

Cosy Japanese noodle bar on Søndergade in Silkeborg, serving comforting ramen and crisp chicken katsu in a simple, relaxed setting ideal for casual meals.

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

Essential bars & hidden hideouts

NO 21 -Tapas & vinbar i Silkeborg

0.2 km

Riverside tapas and wine bar with curated selections and panoramic river views in central Silkeborg.

Bakkens bodega

0.5 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.

Café Kling Klang

0.6 km

Intimate, candlelit bar-café on Silkeborg’s Søndergade, blending everyday hygge, music and drinks in a laid-back neighbourhood atmosphere.

The Admiral Pub

0.6 km

Classic Danish bodega bar in central Silkeborg, serving inexpensive drinks and everyday atmosphere from quiet daytime pints to late‑night weekend sessions.

The Smoke Pub

0.6 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.

Roxy Malt

0.7 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.

Kaffebaren

0.7 km

Neighbourhood-style coffee bar on Vestergade in Silkeborg, pairing carefully made espresso drinks and iced coffees with a cosy, Scandinavian-inspired atmosphere.

Cafe' Paradis

0.8 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.

Zwei Grosse Bier Bar

0.8 km

Alpine-inspired après-ski party bar with karaoke, beer pong, and group celebrations in central Silkeborg.

Sportspubben Målet

0.8 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

0.9 km

Intimate late-night bar on Nygade in central Silkeborg, mixing easygoing pub charm with nightclub energy from evening drinks to early-morning dancing.

Butchers Silkeborg

0.9 km

Compact late-night bar and nightclub in central Silkeborg, serving high-energy music, simple drinks and a youthful party vibe on weekend nights.

Bifrost Sports Pub

0.9 km

Silkeborg's premier sports bar for live action, cold drinks, and vibrant nightlife.

Rabalder Bar

0.9 km

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

Bodega Hjørnet

1.1 km

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

Nightclubs & after hour spots

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

0.7 km

Volunteer-run blues stronghold in central Silkeborg, where intimate weekend concerts, affordable drinks and close-up performances keep rhythm & roots music alive.

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

Team Paderborner

27.6 km

Nightclub entertainment in Denmark's scenic Dyrehaven forest and lakeside setting.

Vesterbro Pub

32.5 km

Vesterbro Pub offers an authentic slice of Danish bodega culture in central Viborg, where locals gather for affordable drinks, lively chats, and classic pub games.

ANDERS LAUSTSEN A/S

34.1 km

Compact, casual late-night bar and dance spot in Viborg, offering simple drinks, music, and a local Danish nightlife vibe just beyond the historic center.

Piano Herning

36.0 km

Experience Herning’s vibrant nightlife in a cozy piano bar with live music, great cocktails, and classic Danish hospitality in the center of town.

Murphy's Pub

36.0 km

Traditional Irish pub in the center of Herning, Denmark, featuring welcoming atmosphere, live music, a variety of beers and whiskies, and lively sports viewing.

Bart

36.1 km

Stylish cocktail bar in central Herning, renowned for inventive drinks, cheerful ambiance, and generous opening hours—an essential stop for experiencing the city’s modern nightlife.

Mindegade5

36.3 km

Experience the heartbeat of Herning's nightlife at Mindegade5, where music, dance, and celebration converge.

Fermaten

36.5 km

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

36.9 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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Riverboat Jazz Festival, Silkeborg

A brief summary to Riverboat Jazz Festival

Local tips

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

Getting There

Train and short walk from central Silkeborg

Regional bus within the Aarhus region

Car or rental car to central Silkeborg

Cycling from nearby areas

Riverboat Jazz Festival location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Riverboat Jazz Festival

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Riverboat Jazz Festival

Jazz woven into the waterways of Silkeborg

From local initiative to international jazz meeting point

Boats, harbours and music in constant motion

A town-wide celebration with room for everyone

Planning your visit and understanding the rhythm of the days

Kedelhuset and Papirfabrikken’s industrial character

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

Kedelhuset

Museum Silkeborg, Papirmuseet

The Hjejle Agency

Slotsholmen

Museum Silkeborg, Hovedgården

Tollundmanden

Silkeborg Søerne

Springvand

Statue of Michael Drewsen

Vægmaleri

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Silkeborg Archive

Badeanstalten

Dronningestolen

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Essential places to dine

Radisson Blu Hotel Papirfabrikken, Silkeborg

Restaurant Michael D.

Café Kik

Evald - Brasserie & cafe

Bone's Silkeborg

Restaurant „ Cafe Perle ”

Sunset Boulevard

Skovbakken Silkeborg

Torvets Kebab & Pizza

Underhuset

Jensens Bøfhus

Panorama Mad & Vin

Restaurant King Buffet (Ansvej)

Drewsens Spisehus Silkeborg

Daruma Ramen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Leather by Corium

Skovs Antik - Silkeborg

Kop & Kande Silkeborg

Søstrene Grene

HAUS · FRAU

Elkjær Lingerie

Imerco

DressLab

Helm

Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S