Shelterplads Østerlundvej, Silkeborg

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.

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Shelterplads

Tucked just outside Silkeborg along Østerlundvej, this simple shelter site offers a back-to-basics night in the fresh air of Søhøjlandet. Expect classic Danish shelters with a roof and three walls, a nearby firepit for cooking and evening hygge, and easy access to the surrounding forests and trails. It is an informal, year-round spot that suits hikers, cyclists and families seeking a low-key outdoor escape close to town yet surrounded by calm nature.

A brief summary to Shelterplads

Østerlundvej, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
+4572543951
Duration: 1 to 16 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 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

Bring your own stove and firewood or briquettes; firewood is not guaranteed on-site and open fires must stay within the designated fire area.
Pack a warm sleeping bag and a good sleeping mat, as shelter floors are wooden and nights can feel cool even in late spring and early autumn.
Carry enough drinking water for cooking and washing; water access may be seasonal or require a short walk to the nearest public tap or facility.
Arrive by late afternoon in high season, as shelters are usually first-come, first-served and can fill quickly in good weather.
Use a headlamp or small lantern at night; there is no fixed lighting, and it helps you move safely around the fire area and nearby paths.

Getting There

Car from central Silkeborg

From central Silkeborg, driving to Østerlundvej typically takes 10–20 minutes depending on traffic. Expect a short stretch on local roads through residential and semi-rural areas, generally well maintained and easy to navigate in all seasons. Parking is usually possible along the roadside or in small lay-bys nearby, but spaces are limited in peak summer evenings and weekends. Fuel costs are modest for such a short distance, and there are no special road tolls.
Local bus within Silkeborg area

Regional buses serving the outskirts of Silkeborg often run on weekdays and reduced schedules at weekends, connecting the town centre with stops within walking distance of Østerlundvej. Travel time is typically 15–30 minutes, with an additional walk along quiet roads or paths. A single adult ticket within the local zone usually costs around 20–30 DKK. Services may be less frequent in the evening, so check the timetable before planning a late arrival at the shelter.
Bicycle from Silkeborg centre

Cycling from Silkeborg centre to Østerlundvej generally takes 25–40 minutes, following a mix of cycle paths and calmer local roads. The route is mostly gentle, with a few rolling sections typical of the Søhøjlandet landscape, making it approachable for moderately fit cyclists. There is no dedicated bike parking infrastructure at the shelter, so bring a lock and secure your bike to a fence or tree where it does not block access. This is a cost-free and flexible way to arrive, well suited to an overnight stop on a longer ride.

Shelterplads location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Windy Conditions
Cold Weather
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about Shelterplads

A quiet corner of Silkeborg’s outdoor heartland

Shelterpladsen on Østerlundvej sits on the fringe of Silkeborg, Denmark’s self-styled outdoor capital, where forest, lakes and rolling hills blend into a patchwork of trails and viewpoints. Here the landscape opens just enough to make space for a handful of simple wooden shelters, tucked beside trees and low vegetation. The road is close enough for easy access, yet far enough that what you mainly notice is birdsong, the wind in the trees and the distant hum of everyday life. These small structures offer the essential Danish shelter experience: three solid wooden sides, a raised sleeping platform and an extended roof that keeps most rain at bay. It is minimalist accommodation by design, encouraging you to slow down, breathe in the smell of resin and wood smoke, and let the natural light dictate your rhythm.

Simple facilities, big sense of freedom

Facilities at this kind of municipal shelter site are intentionally straightforward. Expect a fire ring or shared firepit, basic seating made from logs or benches, and simple access to water and toilets via nearby public facilities or partner sites rather than on-luxury installations. You bring your own sleeping mat, bag and cooking gear, and the reward is a night that feels pleasantly stripped of distractions. The shelter place is typically free to use and open all year, fitting into the wider Silkeborg network of open-access outdoor spots. There are no formal pitches or numbered plots; instead, the ethos is first-come, first-served and considerate sharing of space. On clear nights, the relative distance from bright city lights means a surprisingly starry sky when clouds stay away.

Gateway to forests, lakes and long-distance trails

From Østerlundvej you are within easy reach of Silkeborg’s well-marked path system. Day walks can link forest tracks, lakeside paths and viewpoints without the need for complicated navigation. Cyclists using local cycle routes can treat the shelter as an overnight pause, rolling in before dusk and setting out again with the morning mist. The broader Søhøjlandet area is laced with hiking and paddling routes, and a shelter like this often functions as an informal staging post. You might combine a night here with canoeing on the nearby lakes, a longer walk in Silkeborg’s extensive woodlands, or a multi-day journey using several different shelter sites as stepping stones.

Atmosphere from afternoon fire to early-morning dew

Arrive in the late afternoon and there is a pleasant rhythm to setting up: choosing a bay in the shelter, gathering kindling, and laying out gear while the light shifts through the trees. As the fire catches, the smell of smoke mingles with pine and damp earth. Cooking is slow and social; pots of stew and coffee sit over the flames while the last cyclists pass along the road. By night the shelter feels cocoon-like, with the open side framing the darkness outside. You hear branches creak, an occasional vehicle in the distance, maybe an owl. Morning brings cool air and a thin layer of dew on the grass. With minimal packing to do, you can be walking the nearby paths or back in town within minutes, feeling like you have been much farther away than a short journey would suggest.

Respecting the site and the surrounding nature

Shelterplads Østerlundvej forms part of a wider web of municipally supported outdoor facilities in Silkeborg, created to make nature easy to enjoy yet still protected. The expectation is that visitors leave no trace: fires stay in designated spots, ash is handled responsibly and rubbish travels back out with you. This light footprint keeps the place pleasant for the next overnight guests and protects the plants and wildlife that share the space. Used thoughtfully, the shelter becomes more than just a free bed for the night. It is a tiny, practical example of how Danish outdoor culture balances access and care: modest infrastructure, generous freedom and a shared responsibility to keep these low-key places worth returning to.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lovisehøj

1.7 km

A 73-meter forest hill with royal heritage and sweeping views across Danish lakes and woodlands.

Silkeborg Water Tower

4.1 km

A heritage-listed industrial landmark symbolising Silkeborg's textile manufacturing legacy.

silkeborg

4.4 km

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

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

4.6 km

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

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

6.7 km

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

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

7.0 km

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

Randershøj

10.9 km

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

Store Troldhøj

11.1 km

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

Landal Søhøjlandet

12.6 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.

Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten

12.8 km

A hidden memorial stone honoring a master mason's legacy in Silkeborg's quiet forest.

Øm Klostermuseum

13.6 km

Discover Denmark's medieval monastic life at Øm Klostermuseum near Ry: Explore ruins, gardens, and artifacts revealing centuries of history and brewing traditions.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

13.9 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.

Bølling Lake

13.9 km

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

Mossø

16.2 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.

The Uncovered Bridge

19.2 km

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

Unmissable attractions to see

De Små Fisk

1.0 km

Lakeside lawns, calm bathing water and simple shelters make this Silkeborg green space a relaxed gateway to the forests and waterways of the Silkeborg Lakes.

Ulvehoved

2.1 km

A gentle hilltop in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, Ulvehoved offers forest trails, soft climbs and tranquil views across Denmark’s hilly lake highlands.

Kongestolen

2.2 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.

Aboretet Silkeborg

2.2 km

A quiet world of global trees in a 200‑year‑old Silkeborg forest, where wetlands, wildlife and easy woodland paths create a free, low‑key escape close to town.

Odderpassager

2.6 km

A low wooden boardwalk skimming Almindsø’s surface, Odderpassager lets you drift between forest and lake at Østre Søbad, half pier, half tranquil nature trail.

Birkehøj Silkeborg

2.6 km

A modest Silkeborg hilltop with wide woodland views, Birkehøj offers a simple, quiet pause above town for walkers, cyclists and anyone craving a breath of open sky.

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

2.7 km

Freshwater worlds, playful otters and splash-filled playgrounds come together in Silkeborg’s lake-district aquarium and Danish wildlife park.

Indelukkets Friluftsscene

2.9 km

Historic open-air theatre hosting rock festivals, concerts, and cultural events in scenic Silkeborg parkland.

Kroghs Bænk

2.9 km

Central Jutland’s award-winning safari and wildlife park, where visitors can encounter exotic animals, participate in immersive experiences, and explore vast open landscapes.

Duedal Bjerg

3.0 km

Experience historic steam boat journeys on Julsø and Silkeborg lakes, arriving at Denmark’s Himmelbjerget, surrounded by scenery and nostalgia.

Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg

3.0 km

A powerful World War II memorial in Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where Knud Nellemose’s bronze freedom fighter rises from granite reliefs of occupation, resistance and liberation.

Labyrinthia

3.4 km

A countryside maze and puzzle park near Them, where 3D labyrinths, water mazes, dog-friendly challenges, and an indoor Puzzle Center turn getting lost into pure family fun.

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

3.4 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.

Dronningestolen

3.5 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.

Høgdal

3.6 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.

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt

1.8 km

Destination dining in the woods near Silkeborg, where seasonal Danish menus, thoughtful wine pairings and a calm, intimate room turn dinner into an evening-long occasion.

Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt

Orangeriet

3.1 km

Seasonal Nordic cuisine in a historic orangery surrounded by gardens and natural light.

Gl. Skovridergaard

3.1 km

Historic forester’s lodge turned serene hotel, restaurant and conference haven, wrapped in parkland with forests, lakes and Silkeborg’s cultural life close at hand.

Resturant indelukket

3.2 km

Modern Danish comfort food on the edge of Silkeborg’s Indelukket park, where classic flavors, fresh ingredients and riverside greenery create an easygoing dining escape.

Restaurant Aalekroen

3.2 km

Classic Danish kro-style restaurant on the shores of Julsø, pairing hearty traditional dishes and fried eel with sweeping lakeside views near Silkeborg.

Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst

3.3 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.

Skovbakken Silkeborg

4.1 km

Hilltop event restaurant with sweeping river and harbor views, hosting weddings, celebrations and meetings above Silkeborg’s green waterfront.

Ristorante Pizzeria Roma

4.1 km

Unpretentious Italian comfort in central Silkeborg, with stone-oven pizzas, generous pasta plates and a cosy, family-friendly dining room ideal for relaxed evenings.

Restaurant Spyd

4.1 km

Charcoal-grilled Turkish kebabs and Middle Eastern specialties in casual Silkeborg dining.

Tin's

4.2 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.

Regatta Sandwich

4.2 km

Freshly baked Italian sandwiches in the heart of Silkeborg—quality ingredients, casual charm.

La Casita

4.3 km

Colorful Mexican comfort food, tequila and hygge in a cozy, rustic cantina right on Bindslevs Plads in the heart of Silkeborg.

Asian Restaurant & Café

4.3 km

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

Madkassen V/allan Petersen

4.3 km

Casual Silkeborg sandwich and tapas kitchen serving generous box lunches, easygoing takeaway and tailored catering from a friendly Tværgade storefront.

Daruma Ramen

4.3 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.

Family-run multibrand womenswear house in central Silkeborg, combining 400 m² of contemporary fashion, personal styling and Scandinavian labels on lively Vestergade.

Bustedwoman.com

4.5 km

Curated European fashion and personalized styling in Silkeborg's premier women's boutique.

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.

Nightclubs & after hour spots

B'sharp - Silkeborg Rhythm Og Blues Association

4.3 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

23.8 km

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

Scandic Opus Horsens

32.8 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.

Sölibat Natklub

34.2 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.

PDD

34.6 km

Compact, no-frills nightclub on Lindvigsvej in Horsens, offering late-night dancing, simple drinks and an intimate, local-party atmosphere on weekends.

Oskar hossman

34.6 km

Compact, high-energy nightclub in central Horsens, where pulsing beats, colourful lights and a sociable crowd define the city’s after-hours heartbeat.

Klodshans Horsens ApS

34.7 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.

Horsens New Style Dance Club

36.6 km

Horsens' premier line dancing venue where beginners and advanced dancers unite in movement and community.

Restaurant Latinerly

36.6 km

A vibrant culinary and nightlife landmark in Viborg, Restaurant Latinerly blends Nordic dining, creative cocktails, and festive energy in a historic setting.

Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.

36.8 km

Lively, affordable bar at Viborg’s historic center—Terminalen offers all-day drinks, local vibes, and Danish hygge for city explorers and socializers.

Terminalen I/S v/Carl Erik Agnskov M.Fl.

Vesterbro Pub

36.8 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.

Luksusmassage Århus

37.0 km

Experience Aarhus's dynamic nightlife at Luksusmassage, where music and energy blend for an unforgettable evening.

KLUB22

37.0 km

Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at KLUB22 in Aarhus, where electrifying music and vibrant atmosphere await.

Piano Herning

37.8 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

37.8 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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Shelterplads Østerlundvej, Silkeborg

A brief summary to Shelterplads

Local tips

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

Getting There

Car from central Silkeborg

Local bus within Silkeborg area

Bicycle from Silkeborg centre

Shelterplads location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Shelterplads

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Shelterplads

A quiet corner of Silkeborg’s outdoor heartland

Simple facilities, big sense of freedom

Gateway to forests, lakes and long-distance trails

Atmosphere from afternoon fire to early-morning dew

Respecting the site and the surrounding nature

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Lovisehøj

Silkeborg Water Tower

silkeborg

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Randershøj

Store Troldhøj

Landal Søhøjlandet

Murermester Rasmus Nielsens Mindesten

Øm Klostermuseum

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Bølling Lake

Mossø

The Uncovered Bridge

Unmissable attractions to see

De Små Fisk

Ulvehoved

Kongestolen

Aboretet Silkeborg

Odderpassager

Birkehøj Silkeborg

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Indelukkets Friluftsscene

Kroghs Bænk

Duedal Bjerg

Befrielsesmonument i Silkeborg

Labyrinthia

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Dronningestolen

Høgdal

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Karoline Amalie v/Rikke Brockstedt

Orangeriet

Gl. Skovridergaard

Resturant indelukket

Restaurant Aalekroen

Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst

Skovbakken Silkeborg

Ristorante Pizzeria Roma

Restaurant Spyd

Tin's

Regatta Sandwich

La Casita

Asian Restaurant & Café

Madkassen V/allan Petersen

Daruma Ramen

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pindhus.dk

t.i.n.g.

Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg

Fair Retro

Buksecompagniet

Femilet

Bivs.dk

TOFT SHOP

Christoffersen Silkeborg A/S

Normal

b.young Silkeborg

Companys Silkeborg