Culture and urban life
Silkeborg offers a rich cultural and urban life. Explore exciting attractions, cultural venues, and museums featuring world-renowned art – along with cafés, restaurants, and shops to suit every taste.
Attractions
Hjejlen
Experience the Silkeborg Lakes and Himmelbjerget from the water aboard Hjejlen, the world’s oldest coal-fired paddle steamer still in operation. Learn more about Hjejlen and its seven sisters in the Hjejleselskabet fleet below.
Himmelbjerget ("The Sky Mountain")
One of the most iconic spots in the Søhøjlandet region is Himmelbjerget. Take a trip to the top of the tower and enjoy the breathtaking views of Julsø, the forests, and the charming landscape. Dive into the fascinating history of the birthplace of democracy and discover how this site has played a significant role in Denmark's history.
AQUA
At AQUA Aquarium & Wildlife Park, Danish nature takes center stage. Meet the fish beneath the surface, watch the playful antics of the otters, visit the badger in its underground den, and peek into the stork’s nest.
Indelukkets playground and minigolf
The new playground in Indelukket is designed as a journey through Søhøjlandet, featuring play areas inspired by marshes, forests, lakes, meadows, and rolling hills. It’s well worth a visit and is just a five-minute walk from the camp.
Denmark’s oldest 18-hole mini golf course is also beautifully located in Indelukket, right next to the camp.
The Troll Strong Storm
The giant troll Strong Storm sits in the forests near Ørnsø, watching over the woodland animals. He’s a bit hidden, so you’ll need to go on an adventure to find him.
The conversation tower Vendepunkt
The conversation tower Vendepunktet at Silkeborg Højskole is artist Peter Callesen’s vision of how two people can connect through conversation, the view, and nature—each starting from their own perspective. The two staircases form a double spiral, meeting at an informal conversation space at the top of the tower.
Silkeborg Eagle Reserve, Raptor Show and Bison Farm
At Silkeborg Eagle Sanctuary, you can encounter the world’s largest birds of prey and meet the passionate falconer. The sanctuary also offers an up-close experience with the mighty American bison, and you can explore the mysterious Owl Forest.
Museums
Museum Jorn
Museum Jorn is located in Indelukket, just a five-minute walk from Ly Outdoor Camp. The museum was founded by Asger Jorn (1914–1973), one of the most significant Danish artists of the 20th century.
Museum Silkeborg
Hovedgården: Located by Silkeborg Harbour, Hovedgården houses Museum Silkeborg and is the city’s oldest building. However, the real star resident is much older. The Tollund Man, approximately 2,400 years old, makes Museum Silkeborg a world-class cultural history attraction, along with other fascinating finds from ancient times.
Papirfabrikken: The Paper Museum is a vibrant workshop that tells the story of the Papirfabrikken (Paper Factory), the history of paper, and the founding of Silkeborg. Among other things, this was where paper for Danish banknotes was produced in the 20th century.
Blicheregnen: Museum Silkeborg, Blicheregnen, focuses on the life and work of Steen Steensen Blicher and rural life in the 1800s.
Art Centre Silkeborg Bad
Here, you can experience rotating exhibitions featuring both Danish and international artists in the classic buildings that once housed the spa “Silkeborg Bad.” Outside, the beautiful park area features a large sculpture collection, perfect for enjoying during a walk. You could even combine it with the hunt for the giant troll, Stærke Storm. The park also includes a musical playground, which is always a hit with the little ones.
Silkeborg Bunker Museum
Silkeborg Bunker Museum takes you on an exciting journey back to the large military headquarters at Silkeborg Bad, led by the German General von Hanneken. The museum is housed in one of the 24 bunkers that still stand scattered throughout the forests.
Galerie Moderne Silkeborg
Experience world-class art at one of Scandinavia’s largest and leading galleries for modern art. Galerie Moderne Silkeborg features four exhibition halls and hosts six to eight exhibitions annually.
Culturan centres and venues
Jysk Musikteater
Jysk Musikteater was created with one purpose: to deliver an experience beyond the ordinary. Whether it’s performances on stage, private events, or corporate gatherings, Jysk Musikteater ensures an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the spotlight.
Rampelys
Rampelys is Silkeborg’s cozy and intimate music venue and cultural center, located right by the pedestrian streets in the city center. It’s run by dedicated volunteers who bring close and vibrant live experiences to the audience with great passion.
Silkeborg Libraries
Silkeborg Libraries are a central gathering point in Silkeborg and one of the municipality’s largest cultural institutions. The libraries offer life inspiration, fascination, surprises, insight, and new perspectives.
Gastronomy
Just around the corner:
Restaurant Orangeriet
Café Cobra på Museum Jorn
Restaurant Indelukket
By the harbour and Remstrup Å:
Stryget
Michael D
Café Evald
Café Kik
Bones
Brandt Brød
No 21 Tapas og Vinbar
In the city centre:
Panorama
Drewsens
Vivi Mad- og Vinbar
Babba
Sabel
Piaf
La Casita
Café HumleChok
Marco Polo
Woodys Street Bar
R Harn Thaikøkken
Masala Indian Take Away
Restaurant Roma
Italiano, pizzeria
Worth the drive (or paddle, ride, or sail)
Shopping
Silkeborg’s pedestrian street system includes Torvet, Østergade, Vestergade, Søndergade, Nygade, and Tværgade. The pedestrian environment is inspired by the nature of Søhøjlandet – in fact, Silkeborg boasts Denmark’s greenest pedestrian streets.