The Silkeborg region makes a perfect getaway for lake enthusiasts with lots of opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing. But there's more to Silkeborg's waterways. In June, the city hosts the Riverboat Jazz Festival, which fills the area with music, and the harbor's assortment of more than 200 shops offers fun-filled expeditions for souvenirs year-round. For a true three-in-one experience, go on a trip with Hjejlen, the world's oldest coal burning paddle steamer and undoubtedly Silkeborg's greatest icon. She has sailed since 1861, from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget.
Sailing back in time onboard Hjejlen
SS Hjejlen (Danish for "the golden plover") is one of the world's oldest operational paddle steamers, built in 1861 by Baumgarten & Burmeister. The old steamer will take you for an unforgettable journey back in time, bestowing you with unique insights into historic routines, which have been upheld for more than 150 years. Watch as the stoker throws coal under the boiler, or as the engineer greases the old machine, which has served the boat continuously throughout the years, taking passengers on unique boat tours on the Silkeborg lake. Starting from the harbour, the sail goes through Remstrup stream. Admire exquisite villas with gardens down to the river, and the beautiful scenery around Lake Brassø. Further on through Sejs Snævring, you'll see more beautiful villas, then the boat takes you to Lake Borresø, and finally Lake Julsø where Himmelbjerget appears with the beautiful heather-covered hills and a brick tower. If you like, there are plenty of opportunities to get off the boat at one of the piers and eat lunch or drink coffee at one of the restaurants located by the lakes. From May to September, Hjejlen and other excursion boats from the Hjejle fleet (Hjejleselskabet) make daily trips from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget, before gliding on to the charming small station town called Laven. The sail from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. Keep your eyes out: if you're lucky, you'll observe the very beautiful and shy kingfisher.
Sailing to Himmelbjerget, the Sky Mountain
Climb on top of the 147-meter high Himmelbjerget, and enjoy the sight of gorgeous lakes and woodland, probably one of the best views in the entire kingdom of Denmark. For a long time, Himmelbjerget was thought to be the highest point in Denmark. However, it was discovered in the late part of the 19th century, that the highest locations in Denmark were in fact to be found a few kilometers south, at Ejer Bavnehøj and Yding Skovhøj. To bring the day to a spectacular close, enjoy the scenic sights of the lakes on an evening trip, as you're sailing back to Silkeborg. Furthermore, Hjejleselskabet organizes a wide range of events, from Danish food to rum or port wine tastings, as well as private meetings, conferences, anniversaries, weddings, or celebrations.
