Ulvehoved Viewpoint, Silkeborg Nordskov

A forested hill above Denmark’s lake highlands

Ulvehoved is one of the low but characterful hills in Silkeborg’s Nordskov, the extensive woodland that blankets the northern side of the town and its lakes. Here, the landscape rises into a series of rounded ridges, and Ulvehoved stands among them as a gentle summit rather than a dramatic peak. Its modest height, around 70–75 metres above sea level, is enough to lift you above the surrounding trees and offer a sense of the terrain that has earned this region a reputation as Denmark’s outdoor capital. From the crest, the forest falls away in soft folds, revealing layers of green in spring and summer, warm gold and copper in autumn, and bare-branched silhouettes in winter. On clear days you can glimpse the waters of nearby Brassø and the broader Søhøjlandet lake system through breaks in the trees, giving you a quiet reminder that this is both a woodland and a water landscape.

Ulvehoved on the hilly Nordskov trail

Ulvehoved forms part of a classic hilly route through Nordskoven, often walked as a roughly 7 km circuit linking Dronningestolen, Langdalsåsen, Birkehøj, Ulvehoved and Lovisehøj. The path undulates continuously, making this a favourite for walkers who want a bit of effort without venturing into anything extreme. The ascent to Ulvehoved typically follows soft forest tracks and narrow dirt paths, with roots, occasional exposed stones and short, steeper ramps. Along the way, the tree cover shifts between stands of spruce and pine and airy beech forest. One moment you are under dark conifers with a springy carpet of needles, the next you step into filtered green light beneath smooth, pale trunks. Clearings and small viewpoints appear where the hillside drops away, and Ulvehoved itself is often experienced as one of a series of viewpoints rather than an isolated destination.

A landscape shaped for walkers, runners and riders

The broader Nordskov area around Ulvehoved is criss-crossed by waymarked hiking routes, forest roads and purpose-built singletrack. Some trails are designed as blue-grade multi-use tracks, welcoming both mountain bikers and trail runners, while others are quieter walking paths that wind more gently across the contours. This mix means that Ulvehoved appeals to different kinds of visitors, from families out for a short woodland stroll to fitness-focused locals stringing the hills together into a longer loop. Despite its accessibility, the character of the hill remains natural and low-key. Expect waymarkers, trodden paths and information boards at key junctions rather than heavy infrastructure. The appeal lies in the rhythm of short climbs and descents, glimpses of water between trunks, the smell of moss and leaf litter, and the occasional burst of birdsong or rustle of wildlife in the undergrowth.

Seasonal moods in Silkeborg’s northern forest

Ulvehoved is an all-season destination, but each time of year brings a different feel. In spring, beech leaves unfurl into a bright, almost neon canopy, and the forest floor comes alive with fresh undergrowth. Summer is lush and shaded, offering a cool refuge on hot days, with longer daylight hours making evening hikes particularly appealing. Autumn transforms the hillside into a patchwork of yellows and oranges, and the views from the ridge gain extra depth as the leaves start to fall. In winter, the hill can be muddy or lightly frosted, and occasional snow turns roots and steps into something more slippery, rewarding sturdy footwear. The bare branches open up broader views across Nordskov and the Silkeborg lakes, and the forest quiets, amplifying the crunch of your boots and the distant call of birds. Whenever you visit, the experience is more about immersion in a working, living forest than ticking off a single, signposted lookout.

Quiet moments above the Silkeborg lakes

Although Ulvehoved sits close to town, it retains a feeling of being tucked away from everyday bustle. Many visitors pause here to catch their breath between hills, sip from a water bottle, or sit briefly on a convenient rock or fallen trunk. It is a natural place to slow down, listen to the wind in the canopy and trace the line of the horizon through the gaps in the trees. The hill also works well as a waypoint in a longer day exploring Nordskov. Combined with neighbouring heights and a lakeside path along Brassø, it forms part of a varied circuit that showcases much of what makes the Silkeborg area distinctive: forested slopes, clear lakes, rolling horizons and a network of trails that invite you to keep going just a little further before turning back toward the town below.