From the 19th-century mill town of Silkeborg, the lakelands of the Jutland peninsula spread out like giant droplets, creating a perfect setting for kayaking, wild swimming, and leisurely summer walks.
For travelers, Denmark’s Jutland peninsula often conjures images of Legoland in Billund or, at most, the vibrant city of Aarhus. However, locals know that the true treasures of the region lie in its farmsteads, forests, and wetlands—particularly in the Lake District Søhøjlandet at its heart.
Spanning 85 square miles of forest, this area is home to around 50 freshwater lakes, many aligned along the Gudenå River that winds through the landscape. Here you’ll find Jutland’s largest lake, Mos, along with Julsø, Brassø, and Borresø on the central 18-mile stretch from the historic Klostermølle watermill to Silkeborg, Denmark’s so-called ‘outdoor capital’.
Although it’s officially Denmark’s highest region, the area is still pleasantly flat, offering expansive horizons and a relaxed, active lifestyle. From June to August, Silkeborg is an ideal base for exploration, with its lively harbor featuring music and open-air cafés, all nestled amid water and forests of pine and beech.
Day 1: Kayaking and Craft Beer
Morning Begin your adventure in Silkeborg, once a 19th-century paper mill town and now a hub for outdoor activities. From the town center, the Gudenå River flows south, linking many of the region’s major lakes. Rent a kayak from the Silkeborg Kanocenter or pick up boats and stand-up paddleboards at the self-service Kayakomat at the Ly Outdoor campground, a 25-minute walk away. Paddle for about an hour to reach Brassø, the first large lake, where you can enjoy the scent of pine and fresh rain. There are plenty of spots along the riverbank to stop and explore—grab salads and wraps from Green Habits in Silkeborg before you set off.
Afternoon Return your kayak and head to Almindsø, one of Denmark’s cleanest lakes. The Østre Søbad swimming area features curved floating walkways, providing a serene place to swim. In the colder months, brave locals dive into the icy waters, but in summer, it’s perfect for sunbathing on the sandy beach and enjoying refreshing swims with a backdrop of lush forests. Treat yourself to Danish Kastbergs Gourmet ice cream from the kiosk, or warm up in the lakeside sauna if the weather is chilly. Be sure to book the sauna in advance on the Visit Aarhus website and prepare to forgo your swimsuit.
Evening The Lake District is home to Grauballe Bryghus, one of Denmark’s oldest microbreweries, known for its unfiltered and unpasteurized hoppy beers since 2002. Sample their signature brews, such as Honey Gold and Enebær Stout, by the water. The shop on Hagemannsvej in Silkeborg is open on Fridays or by appointment. For more recent additions to the local beer scene, visit Virklund Bryghus in Silkeborg or Bøllingsø Bryghus in Engesvang, just a 12-minute train ride away. At Bøllingsø Bryghus, pair your beers with smørrebrød (open rye-bread sandwiches) or a hearty pork roast with potatoes and parsley sauce.
Day 2: Forests and Fairytales
Morning Exploring on two wheels is a breeze here, thanks to extensive bike lanes and flat trails. Rent a bike from Silkeborg Sø camping (from DKK125/£14 per day) and cycle the 7.5-mile Silk Route around the town center, or head towards Himmelbjerget, or ‘Sky Mountain.’ Despite its grand name, this hill gently rises to 482 feet in the otherwise flat landscape and was a favorite spot of Hans Christian Andersen, who once lived nearby. It’s a 50-minute bike ride to the base from Silkeborg, followed by a 15-minute hike. Alternatively, take a trip on Hjejlen, the Golden Plover, one of the world’s oldest coal-fired steamers, which operates from Silkeborg to Sky Mountain along the Gudenå River from May to September. You can hop on and off along the way—raise the pennant at the steamer jetties to signal the ferry.
Afternoon The Lake District’s dark forests inspired many of Hans Christian Andersen’s fairytales, some of which were first published at Silkeborg’s paper factory. To walk in the writer’s footsteps, explore the Douglas firs in the forest south of town, breathing in the fresh air and keeping an ear out for mythical creatures. For a more guided experience, join a ranger at Silkeborg’s Aqua Aquarium & Wildlife Park for a foraging tour. The park, showcasing the local ecosystem, is home to playful otters, sharp-toothed pike, and hardworking beavers. The surrounding woods are rich with blueberries, ground elder, nettles, and wild garlic in summer. After gathering your foraged goods, return to Aqua to make homemade pizzas using the park’s open-air oven or traditional twisted bread to toast over the firepit.
Evening Experiencing the forest at night reveals a different side, with a natural nocturnal symphony of sights and sounds emerging as the sun sets. For a true adventure, consider wild sleeping in the forest—known as fri teltning or ‘free tenting’—where you can sleep on a mat, under a tarpaulin, or in a hammock in designated areas. If you prefer a more comfortable stay, opt for a cabin at one of the campsites scattered throughout the Lake District. Facilities are basic, but you’ll often find firepits for roasting marshmallows while enjoying the forest’s evening chorus.
Hygge Local Dining Spots
1. Brandt Brød
Start your day at this modern waterside café in Silkeborg, characterized by its crisp white, blue, and red decor. Tables fill up quickly, so arrive early—by 10 a.m., it’s often full. Enjoy a cinnamon snurre pastry or warm rolls with butter. If you’re inspired, check out the bakery’s sourdough bread-making courses available in the adjacent workshop.
2. Drewsens Spisehus
Located in Silkeborg’s old Town Hall, this lively café offers a breakfast and brunch menu featuring everything from poke bowls to charcuterie and rye-bread toasties. From June to August, snag a table outside to enjoy live jazz performances in the town square.
3. Ny Hattenæs
Situated on the edge of Silkeborg, this lake house hotel provides stunning views of Brassø. Indulge in breakfast spreads featuring cheese platters and homemade pastries. Even if you’re not a guest, you can savor modern Danish cuisine in the candlelit restaurant or on the outdoor terrace—reservations are recommended.
4. Svostrup Kro
On the Gudenå River north of Silkeborg, this historic spot has hosted a waterside restaurant for 200 years. Enjoy hearty dishes in cozy dining rooms surrounding a cobbled courtyard. If you’ve arrived by kayak, try the bargeman’s stew with pork, bacon, and sausage. The restaurant also has 16 upstairs bedrooms.
5. Orangeriet
Experience eclectic, often experimental Danish cuisine in this dining room with large windows and a relaxed ambiance. The frequently changing menu features tasting plates that highlight seasonal ingredients, enriched with local forest flavors like woodruff and wild garlic.
Three Lake District Museums to Visit
1. Silkeborg Museum
Housed in an 18th-century mansion, this museum is rich in history, but the main attraction is the Tollund Man. Discovered in the Bjældskovdal bog near Silkeborg in 1950, this perfectly preserved Iron Age corpse offers a haunting glimpse into the past. Although it feels almost intrusive to view Tollund Man’s time-traveling remains, it’s a compelling sight you won’t be able to look away from.
2. Jorn Museum
The Jorn Museum in Silkeborg showcases the extensive collection of Expressionist artist Asger Jorn, who left behind 5,000 works including bold abstract paintings and tapestries. Jorn, who believed in the artistic potential of everyone, is honored through a vibrant program of art workshops that reflect his inclusive vision.
3. Memphis Museum
Located in the fjord city of Randers, this replica of Graceland is a tribute to Elvis Presley, created by superfan Henrik Knudsen. With one of the world’s largest private collections of Elvis memorabilia, the museum often features Knudsen himself engaging with visitors, including notable fans like Elvis Costello and Van Morrison.
Best Swimming Lakes to Try
1. Schoubyes
Though not exactly warm, Schoubyes is one of the region’s warmer lakes due to its lower water levels. An artificial lake created in the 1960s, it blends seamlessly into its wooded surroundings, with lush foliage concealing it from the outside world. The lake features numerous small sandy beaches perfect for lounging. It’s an excellent choice for wild-swimming beginners and is known for its cleanliness, making it a popular spot for families and a bustling summer destination.
2. Lyngsø
Formed by an Ice Age depression, Lyngsø lies on the northern edge of Silkeborg, adjacent to Kobskov forest. It’s a short 20-minute walk from town. While not the most picturesque lake in the area, it’s a convenient place for a quick swim in the warmer months, with several nearby cafes for post-swim refreshments. You can also enjoy the 1.5-mile Lyngsø Loop trail, which circles the lake and takes about half an hour to walk.
3. Slåensø
Located south of Borresø in the Sønderskov wood, Slåensø is nestled in one of Denmark’s hilliest regions and boasts exceptionally clean water. The lake is set between the 269-foot-high viewpoint of Kongestolen (‘King’s Seat’) and the tallest tree in the Nordic region, a 170-foot Oregon pine. The south side features a red swamp, colored by natural ochre from spring water. Even in peak summer, you can often find a secluded sandy spot, accompanied only by dragonflies and brown trout.
How to Do It:
Aarhus and Billund international airports are both approximately an hour’s drive from Silkeborg. British Airways offers flights to Billund from Heathrow and Manchester, while Ryanair operates flights to Billund from Edinburgh, Manchester, and Stansted, as well as to Aarhus from Stansted. The average flight time is 1 hour and 35 minutes.
For ground transportation, the direct 113 bus service from Aarhus to Silkeborg takes about an hour, with one-way tickets priced at DKK75 (£8.60).
For accommodation, consider staying at the boutique lakeside Ny Hattenæs, located on the outskirts of town with views overl.