Tucked away in the heart of Jutland, Silkeborg is one of Denmark’s best-kept secrets—a town where fairytale forests meet still waters, and where ancient history dances with modern art and cozy street life. If you’ve never been, let me take you on a virtual walk through the lakeside streets, mossy trails, and museums filled with tales older than kingdoms.

Let’s embark on a journey to discover the wonders of Silkeborg.

A Town Rooted in Story

Silkeborg’s story begins in the 15th century, when a castle and monastery were founded near the Gudenå River. By the 1840s, it had evolved into a bustling trading hub thanks to its thriving paper mill, and just a few decades later, the arrival of the railway in 1871 connected it to the rest of Denmark. Surrounded by lakes, rivers, and rolling forests, Silkeborg grew into what it is now: The Outdoor Capital of Denmark.

And despite all the adventure outside, don’t be fooled, it also has a vibrant downtown filled with colorful buildings, cozy cafés, and walking streets perfect for a slow stroll with a coffee in hand.

Museums and Cultural Attractions

Museum Silkeborg & The Tollund Man

A visit to Silkeborg wouldn’t be complete without delving into its rich history, and the Silkeborg Museum is the perfect place to start.
Housed in an elegant historic building, this museum showcases exhibitions spanning from prehistoric times to modern-day, offering insights into the region’s archaeology, natural history, and cultural heritage.

Silkeborg might be most well-known for Museum Silkeborg and the Tollund Man. The Tollund Man is a famous mummified body that was preserved in a bog since the 4th century BC.

In May 1950, a body was uncovered in a peat bog around 10 km west of Silkeborg. Since it was barely decomposed, it was assumed that it was the remains of a murder victim, and the first theory was that it could be a schoolboy who had gone missing in Jutland.
Only the head is the original, and the rest of the body has since disintegrated, so the body is a replica.

However, when the police heard that the remains were deep in the bog and there were no signs of recent digging, they realized that the corpse must have been there for some time.

The body was curled up like it was sleeping and had a rope around its neck. It turned out he had indeed been killed – but about 2300 years ago. At this time, human sacrifice was a fairly common occurrence in Denmark, and the care and respect afforded to the body after death were in line with the fact that it then belonged to the gods. Others had taken the trouble to close his eyes and mouth and place him in the grave. We now know that Tollund Man was between 30 and 40 years old when he died – and he provides a timely reminder that man has been killing man in the name of religion for a very, very long time…

The Hjejlen Museum

Home to Hjejlen, the world’s oldest operating paddle steamer, this museum is a love letter to Silkeborg’s relationship with water. Learn how these boats shaped local life, then book a ride on Hjejlen herself and cruise the peaceful lakes just like they did back in the 1800s.

The Paper Museum

Housed in the town’s original paper mill, Paper Museum (Papirmuseet) offers hands-on insight into the art of papermaking. You can even try making your own sheet of paper using traditional techniques. It’s earthy, messy, and magical—perfect for families or curious creatives.

KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad

KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad, a former sanatorium-turned-art center, is surrounded by forest trails, ponds, and sculpture gardens. Inside, rotating exhibitions spotlight everything from experimental installations to classic oil paintings. It’s a serene blend of art and nature, and one of my favorite places to just breathe and reflect.

Natural Wonders

River cruise to Himmelbjerget

If you’re chasing that moment of awe, this is where it lives.

Denmark’s landscape may be mostly flat, but Himmelbjerget (literally Sky Mountain) is one of the highest natural points in the country. You can reach it on foot, by bike, or by sailing there on the Hjejlen paddle steamer for a more poetic journey. The view from the top is jaw-dropping in that quiet, soul-nourishing way—rolling hills, glistening lakes, and forest stretching for miles.

The Silkeborg Lakes

The town is cradled by a network of lakes: Langsø, Ørnsø, Almind Sø, and more, each with its own mood. Rent a kayak, take a slow rowboat, or just walk the shores and let nature do its thing.

Almind Sø in particular is known for its elegant circular bridges that blend art and architecture.
It’s also home to one of Denmark’s Quality Trails, perfect for scenic hikes that don’t feel like workouts but more like walking meditations.

The Gudenå River

Flowing like a gentle thread through Silkeborg, the Gudenå River is Denmark’s longest river and a lifeline for all things outdoorsy. Paddle down its winding waters, rent a canoe for a day-long adventure, or bike alongside its banks. Birdsong, wildflowers, and stillness, it’s all there.

Silkeborg Events

Silkeborg Regatta

Held every four years, this massive celebration began in 1899 and has become one of Denmark’s most magical festivals. The town lights up with floating lanterns, glowing boats, street music, and fireworks bursting over the water.

🗓️ Next one: 13 Aug 26 / 15 Aug 26
Think: water, fire, music, laughter, and a little chaos in the best way.

Festival of Wonder – Puppet Theatre Festival

You can experience over 100 different events with theaters from Denmark, Norway, France, the USA, Israel, England, the Netherlands, and the Czech Republic.

The Puppet Theater Festival is one of Europe’s leading and most significant theater festivals within puppetry, animation, and visual theatre.

🗓️ Next event: 05 Nov 26 / 08 Nov 26

Denmark’s Outdoor Festival

Denmark’s Outdoor Festival – A playground for adventure seekers! From paddleboarding and yoga on the lake to ziplining through trees and hiking across Søhøjlandet—this festival is a celebration of movement, nature, and community.

🗓️ 12 Sep 25 / 14 Sep 25

Perfect for families, nature lovers, or anyone who just wants to run barefoot in the grass.

Whether you’re drawn to ancient mysteries, lush landscapes, or artistic spaces tucked between trees, Silkeborg is more than just a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s the hush of the forest, the ripple of the lake, the whisper of time preserved in peat bogs. It’s where Denmark lets her hair down.

So if you’re ever wandering through Jutland and craving a place that’s both peaceful and alive with story, come find Silkeborg. And bring your hiking boots. And your camera. And maybe a little notebook, you’ll want to remember it all.

Sources: Guide to Silkeborg
Featured Photo by Tomasz Anusiewicz on Unsplash