Store Troldhøj
A cone-shaped summit offering panoramic valley views and a climbing tree in Denmark's scenic lake district.
A Landmark Hill in Denmark's Lake Country
Store Troldhøj stands as a prominent geographical feature within the Gjern Bakker, a rolling hill region situated in the heart of Central Jutland's lake district. Located between the towns of Silkeborg and Hammel, this cone-shaped elevation rises 29 metres above the surrounding terrain, making it a distinctive landmark visible across the valley. The hill's name—Store Troldhøj—translates to "Big Troll Hill," reflecting local folklore traditions that have long associated such elevated points with mythical creatures in Scandinavian culture.Panoramic Views and Natural Setting
From the summit, visitors encounter expansive panoramic views across the Gjern Å river valley, a waterway that flows through this picturesque landscape before joining the Gudenå. The surrounding terrain showcases valuable oak scrub woodland, an ecological feature of particular significance in Denmark's natural heritage. This vegetation type, characteristic of glacial moraine landscapes, creates a distinctive aesthetic that changes seasonally—verdant in summer, golden in autumn, and stark in winter. The elevation gain of 29 metres, while modest, provides sufficient height to offer genuine vistas across the undulating terrain.The Climbing Tree and Family Appeal
A notable feature at the summit is a climbing tree, ingeniously designed to enhance the experience for visitors of all ages. This addition transforms Store Troldhøj from a simple viewpoint into an interactive destination where children can engage with the landscape while adults enjoy the surrounding views. The tree serves as both a recreational element and a natural focal point, encouraging visitors to linger and explore the hilltop more thoroughly.Hiking and Access Routes
Store Troldhøj functions as a key waypoint within the broader Gjern Bakker hiking network. A popular route from the village of Gjern encompasses Store Troldhøj, Åshøj, and Krogens Gårde, covering approximately 17.24 kilometres with a total ascent of 303 metres over approximately four hours and twenty minutes. This circuit hike allows visitors to experience multiple hills and viewpoints within the region, with Store Troldhøj typically serving as a midpoint destination. The hiking infrastructure is well-established, with marked trails and accessible starting points from nearby villages.Seasonal Character and Weather Considerations
The hill's appeal varies throughout the year. Spring brings emerging vegetation and lengthening daylight, while summer offers full foliage and warm conditions ideal for extended exploration. Autumn transforms the oak scrub into warm colours, and winter provides clear sightlines across the valley, though conditions can be wet and muddy. The exposed hilltop can be windy, particularly during autumn and winter months, adding an element of dynamic weather experience to visits.Local tips
- Visit in autumn for striking golden oak scrub colours and clearer air, or in spring when wildflowers bloom across the hillside.
- Wear sturdy footwear as the terrain can be muddy, particularly after rain. The hill is exposed to wind, so bring a windproof layer.
- Combine your visit with the broader Gjern Bakker hiking circuit to experience multiple viewpoints and maximize your time in the region.
- Arrive early on weekends to secure parking near the trailhead and avoid peak-hour crowds on popular routes.
- Bring binoculars to observe the oak scrub woodland ecology and river valley wildlife from the summit vantage point.
A brief summary to Store Troldhøj
- Gjern, 8883, DK
Getting There
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Car from Silkeborg
Drive approximately 20 kilometres south from Silkeborg town centre toward Gjern village. Follow regional roads through the lake district toward the 8883 Gjern postcode area. Parking is available at the Gjern Bakker trailhead near the village. Journey time is approximately 25–35 minutes depending on traffic and exact starting point. No toll charges apply.
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Bus from Aarhus
Take regional bus services from Aarhus toward Silkeborg or Hammel, alighting at Gjern village or nearby stops. From the bus stop, the trailhead is accessible via a 10–15 minute walk through the village. Bus services operate throughout the day with reduced frequency on Sundays. Journey time from central Aarhus is approximately 60–90 minutes. Single fares typically cost 60–90 DKK.
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Walking from Gjern Village
From Gjern village centre, follow marked hiking trails toward the Gjern Bakker network. The walk to Store Troldhøj summit takes approximately 30–45 minutes depending on your chosen route and fitness level. Terrain is hilly with some muddy sections after rain. The route is well-marked with standard Danish hiking signage.
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Bicycle from Silkeborg
Cycle approximately 20 kilometres south from Silkeborg using regional cycling routes through the lake district toward Gjern. The terrain is rolling with some steep sections. Journey time is approximately 60–90 minutes. Regional cycling maps and route planning tools are available online. No rental shops are immediately adjacent to the trailhead, so arrange bike hire in Silkeborg beforehand.
