Silkeborg Park at Silkeborg Bad Sculpture Garden

A tranquil sculpture‑studded green escape at Silkeborg Bad, where lakeside forest, gentle lawns and contemporary art meet on the edge of Denmark’s outdoor capital.

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Silkeborg park

Tucked behind the former spa complex of Silkeborg Bad, Silkeborg Park is a tranquil sculpture-filled green space on the edge of the forest and lakes south of Silkeborg. Winding paths lead you through lawns, tall trees and around more than 40 contemporary artworks, blending culture and nature in a calm, contemplative setting. It is a free, open-access park ideal for slow walks, quiet reflection and year‑round fresh air.

A brief summary to Silkeborg park

Gjessøvej 40C, Silkeborg, 8600, DK
Duration: 1 to 3 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

Allow extra time to wander beyond the main lawns into the woodland fringes, where some sculptures are partially hidden and the atmosphere becomes more secluded.
Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for softer light on the sculptures and calmer paths, especially in summer and school holiday periods.
Combine your park visit with the neighbouring art centre and bunker museum to better understand the former spa complex and the area’s wartime history.
Wear comfortable shoes; the paths are generally easy but can be uneven, damp or leaf‑covered after rain, especially under the trees.
Bring a reusable water bottle and a light picnic if the weather is good; there are pleasant spots to sit with views of both sculptures and trees.

Getting There

Local bus from Silkeborg center

From central Silkeborg and the main railway station, use a local city bus toward the Gjessøvej area; typical journey times are around 10–15 minutes with services running several times per hour on weekdays. A single adult ticket within the city zone generally costs about 20–30 DKK when bought via regional ticketing apps or machines. Buses use low‑floor vehicles, but expect a short walk on park paths from the nearest stop, which may be uneven in places.
Taxi from Silkeborg station

Taxis are readily available near Silkeborg railway station and offer the most straightforward option if you prefer direct access. The ride to Silkeborg Park by Silkeborg Bad usually takes 8–12 minutes depending on traffic and costs roughly 120–180 DKK for the vehicle, with supplements in late evening or on weekends. Drop‑off points are close to the park entrance, so walking distances are short, though surfaces vary between paved areas and compacted gravel.
Cycling from Silkeborg town center

Silkeborg’s compact size and cycling culture make the park an easy 15–25 minute bike ride from the town center, using a mix of cycle paths and quieter streets. There is no charge beyond any rental costs if you are using a hired bicycle from town. Terrain is mostly gentle with some mild inclines common to the lake‑highland landscape. Basic bike stands are typically available near the cultural buildings, but you should bring your own lock and be prepared for wet or leaf‑strewn surfaces in changeable weather.

Silkeborg park location weather suitability

Any Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures
Cold Weather
Hot Weather
Snow
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about Silkeborg park

Art and greenery on the edge of Silkeborg

Silkeborg Park unfolds around the historic Silkeborg Bad complex on Gjessøvej, just outside the centre of Denmark’s self‑proclaimed outdoor capital. Here, the town’s characteristic mix of deep forest, rolling terrain and clear lakes flows right up to the lawns and tree‑shaded paths of the park. It feels both cultivated and wild: manicured grass and planted beds gradually give way to taller trees, undergrowth and glimpses of water through the foliage. The setting makes this more than a neighbourhood park. It acts as a leafy buffer between town and nature, with easy strolls that still feel like a small escape. Birdsong, the rustle of leaves and the occasional distant splash from nearby lakes form the park’s constant soundtrack.

A sculpture garden in constant conversation

What truly defines Silkeborg Park is its role as an open‑air extension of the art centre at Silkeborg Bad. Scattered across the grounds you find a large and varied collection of sculptures, ranging from pieces that have stood here since the late 1920s to works added in recent decades. Some are figurative, others abstract; a few blend into the landscape so thoroughly that you notice them only when you are almost beside them. The works use a wide spectrum of materials, from traditional bronze and stone to more experimental media that weather and change over time. Together they trace shifting ideas in modern sculpture, turning a simple walk into a quiet lesson in contemporary art, even if you know nothing about the artists before you arrive.

Traces of a spa and wartime past

Although the lawns and artworks dominate first impressions, the park also carries layers of history. The surrounding buildings once formed a fashionable spa resort, drawing guests who came to take the waters from a nearby spring. Architectural details from that era lend the immediate surroundings a genteel, resort‑like character that contrasts with the wilder forest beyond. During the Second World War the complex served very different purposes, and today a bunker museum nearby explores that period. Even without entering any building, the juxtaposition of elegant spa architecture, wartime remnants and contemporary art gives the park an unusually rich backstory for such a peaceful corner.

Everyday escapes and slow explorations

For visitors, Silkeborg Park is above all a place to slow down. Locals use the paths for dog walks, gentle runs and pram‑friendly strolls, while benches invite you to pause and take in a particular sculpture or a framed view of trees and sky. The gently undulating terrain keeps the landscape interesting without being strenuous, making it suitable for most fitness levels. With no entrance fee for the park itself and no strict route to follow, you can wander as long or as briefly as you like. Short loops around the main lawns suit a quick breath of fresh air, while longer circuits link into surrounding woodland for a more extended outing.

Changing seasons in a Danish lake district park

Because Silkeborg sits in Denmark’s lake highlands, the seasons feel pronounced, and the park reflects this beautifully. Spring brings fresh leaves and softer light on the sculptures; in summer the grass is at its greenest and the shade under mature trees is welcome. Autumn transforms the park into a tapestry of yellows and reds, with artworks partly veiled by fallen leaves. Even on crisp winter days the park has appeal, especially when frost or snow settles on metal and stone surfaces. The combination of art, history and lake‑district nature ensures that Silkeborg Park rewards repeat visits at different times of year, each revealing new details in both the landscape and the sculpture collection.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

1.3 km

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

Silkeborg Water Tower

2.2 km

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

silkeborg

2.9 km

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

Lovisehøj

4.0 km

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

Bølling Lake

9.6 km

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

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

11.1 km

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

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

11.4 km

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

Store Troldhøj

12.7 km

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

Randershøj

13.1 km

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

Landal Søhøjlandet

14.7 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.

Jutland's Automobile Museum

15.9 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.

Abbey Mill

16.3 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.

Jutland

18.0 km

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

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.

Unmissable attractions to see

Silkeborg Bunkermuseum

0.1 km

Step into an original German WWII bunker in Silkeborg and discover how a quiet Jutland hillside became the nerve centre of Denmark’s wartime occupation.

Silkebog skulpturpark

0.1 km

A quiet corner of Silkeborg where contemporary sculptures and woodland paths blend into an open-air gallery, inviting slow walks, reflection and relaxed art encounters.

Art Center

0.1 km

Contemporary art and nature converge in a historic health resort transformed into Denmark's most distinctive sculpture park experience.

Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo

0.4 km

A towering recycled-wood troll by Thomas Dambo, hidden in Silkeborg’s lakeside forest, where fairytale art, playful exploration and peaceful nature meet.

Kroghs Bænk

1.5 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.

Odderpassager

1.9 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.

MOSES

2.0 km

Discover leading Danish and international contemporary art in the heart of Silkeborg, with exhibitions, events, and a welcoming, creative atmosphere at Galerie Moderne.

Knagerne Silkeborg

2.0 km

A small, protected pocket of old-growth woodland in Silkeborg Vesterskov, where crooked beeches, fallen trunks and deep quiet create an evocative forest escape.

Badeanstalten

2.0 km

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

Silkeborg Archive

2.1 km

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

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

2.1 km

One of Scandinavia’s largest modern art galleries, blending CoBrA masterpieces, contemporary works and a welcoming, free-to-enter space in central Silkeborg.

Scandic Silkeborg

2.2 km

Scandinavian comfort by the lake: a pool, forest paths and flexible spaces on Silkeborg’s tranquil green edge.

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

2.2 km

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

Vægmaleri

2.2 km

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

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

2.3 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.

Authentic Italian and Brazilian cuisine in cozy Silkeborg surroundings.

A contemporary Danish womenswear boutique in central Silkeborg, offering accessible Scandinavian style, versatile outfits and relaxed, easy-going browsing.

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.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

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Silkeborg Park at Silkeborg Bad Sculpture Garden

A brief summary to Silkeborg park

Local tips

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

Getting There

Local bus from Silkeborg center

Taxi from Silkeborg station

Cycling from Silkeborg town center

Silkeborg park location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of Silkeborg park

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about Silkeborg park

Art and greenery on the edge of Silkeborg

A sculpture garden in constant conversation

Traces of a spa and wartime past

Everyday escapes and slow explorations

Changing seasons in a Danish lake district park

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

Silkeborg Vesterskov mindesten

Silkeborg Water Tower

silkeborg

Lovisehøj

Bølling Lake

Himmelbjerget rutebåd

Folkemøde Mindesten anno 1839

Store Troldhøj

Randershøj

Landal Søhøjlandet

Jutland's Automobile Museum

Abbey Mill

Øm Klostermuseum

Jutland

Mossø

Unmissable attractions to see

Silkeborg Bunkermuseum

Silkebog skulpturpark

Art Center

Stærke Storm af Thomas Dambo

Kroghs Bænk

Odderpassager

MOSES

Knagerne Silkeborg

Badeanstalten

Silkeborg Archive

Galerie Moderne Silkeborg

Scandic Silkeborg

AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park

Vægmaleri

Museum Jorn, Silkeborg

Essential places to dine

Restaurant Spyd

Ristorante Pizzeria Roma

Burger Beast Silkeborg

Orangeriet

Gl. Skovridergaard

Green Habits

Sabel - Restaurant og Bar

Flamingo Pizza V/Aydin Wahab

Restaurant Piaf

Okkels Silkeborg ApS

La Casita

VIVI Mad- & Vinbar

Gusto Silkeborg

Joci Sushi

Marco Polo - Silkeborg

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Pindhus.dk

Flying Tiger Copenhagen

Fair Retro

Børnenes Kartel Silkeborg

Boemo

Mr Silkeborg A / S

Huset Lene Bak Silkeborg

t.i.n.g.

Companys Silkeborg

Bog & idé - Silkeborg Vestergade

Tenna Og Jens Kristian I/S

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