Restaurant Skovbakken, Silkeborg

Hilltop pavilion above the water

Restaurant Skovbakken occupies a historic building on Sejsvej, perched just above the river and harbor in central Silkeborg. From its large windows and terrace, you look straight down on the town’s waterfront, the Hjejlen paddle steamer fleet and the compact city center spread along the banks. The setting feels slightly removed from the bustle below, yet the main square is only a short walk away, so you have both a sense of retreat and an easy link to urban life. The restaurant takes its name from the slope it stands on, with Denmark’s largest connected forest area rising behind the building. This green backdrop creates a natural amphitheater of trees framing the white pavilion, especially striking in spring greens and autumn colors.

Classic Danish venue for big occasions

Skovbakken is designed first and foremost as a place to gather. Inside, the building is divided into a large hall and a smaller dining room, giving flexibility for everything from intimate family milestones to sizeable banquets. The largest space can accommodate around 150 seated guests depending on the table layout, making it a popular choice for weddings, confirmations and round-number birthdays. The style is understated rather than flashy: white walls, large windows and simple furnishings that let flowers, table settings and the view do most of the talking. A built-in stage at the end of the main hall makes it easy to host speeches, live bands or presentations during conferences and corporate events.

From party menus to seasonal Danish flavors

The kitchen focuses on Danish and Nordic-leaning fare tailored to groups, with multi-course menus built around seasonal produce and classic combinations. Expect dishes like slow-roasted meats, rich sauces, local vegetables and elegant desserts designed for sharing across large tables. For many events, the team works with fixed party menus rather than an everyday à la carte card, planning courses in advance with the host. Catering for celebrations also extends to buffets, receptions and themed evenings at selected times of year. Traditional favorites such as pork dishes, festive roasts and generous cold tables feature regularly, matched with wines, beers and non-alcoholic options arranged as part of the package.

Terrace life and views over Silkeborg

Step out from the dining rooms and you reach the terrace, one of Skovbakken’s great assets. Here you stand above the river with wide views of the harbor, boats and town roofs, while the woods climb away behind you. On bright days it is a natural place for welcome drinks, group photos or a pause between courses, and in the evening the lights of Silkeborg flicker below. Even when you remain indoors, the wall of windows keeps the landscape close. The changing light over the water, passing tour boats and seasonal shifts in the forest create a constantly moving backdrop, adding a sense of occasion to meetings and private events alike.

Silkeborg’s green and cultural neighborhood

Skovbakken’s nearest neighbor is the harbor district and the redeveloped Papirfabrikken area, now home to housing, cafés and cultural venues. This gives the restaurant a foot in two worlds: the calm of the hillside and the energy of a riverside quarter that draws both locals and visitors. Just beyond, forest trails invite a quiet walk before or after a meal, while the hilltop position keeps the river always in sight. Practical touches support its role as an event venue. There is free parking along Sejsvej and on a larger parking area in Iskælderdalen below, and the building’s location close to the center means guests arriving from within Silkeborg or further afield can connect easily with local transport and accommodation options in town.

Occasion-focused rather than everyday dining

Unlike a traditional street restaurant with continuous opening hours, Skovbakken often works by arrangement, opening primarily for pre-booked parties, seasonal functions and special dates in the local calendar. Hosts typically coordinate menus, timings and room setups directly with the team, tailoring the experience to the character of the gathering. For travelers, this means it is a place to consider if you are organizing a celebration or participating in an event rather than dropping by spontaneously for a casual meal. When you do step inside, the combination of hillside setting, river views and flexible historic interiors offers a distinctly Silkeborg frame for marking life’s bigger moments.