A captivating blend of natural wonders, historic towns and watersports awaits in Søhøjlandet (Lake District or Lakelands). Spread around over 50 lakes, gently rolling countryside and endless miles of pristine forest in Central Jutland, Søhøjlandet is among the county’s biggest nature areas. It’s home to Denmark’s longest river and tallest point. Visit Søhøjlandet and delight in a picture-perfect setting on biking, boating and walking tours.
The Gudenå, which is Denmark’s longest river, meanders through the heart of Silkeborg. Tour one of the town’s six sparkling lakes by rented kayak and on ferries. See prehistoric mummies at the Museum Silkeborg, browse art Museum Jorn and spot fish through lake windows at the AQUA Aquarium. Discover World War II history at the Silkeborg Bunker Museum, on Ørnsø Lake, and swim in the crystalline waters of Almindsø Lake.
In summer, the 150-year-old SS Hjejlen paddle steamer is one of several boats that embark on scenic journeys from Silkeborg to Ry. Climb to the top of Himmelbjerget hill for views of a spectacular green and watery landscape. See how monks lived at Øm Abbey Museum and stroll around the banks of Mossø Lake, the largest in Jutland.
Nearby Skanderborg sits between a namesake lake, Mossø Lake and many ponds. Here you can hike to Denmark’s highest hill, the 561-feet (171-meter) tall Møllehøj. Head to fjord-side Vejle for interactive fun at the Økolariet science museum and admire vintage cars at Gjern’s Jytlandic Automobile Museum.
Jump on a bike and pedal along miles of scenic cycling routes through forested countryside and along riverbanks. The Silkeborg-Randers Towpath takes cyclists and pedestrians on a 33-mile (53-kilometer) route on a former railway line between Silkeborg and Randers. The old towpaths follow the course of the Gudenå river.
The attractions of Søhøjlandet are easily accessible from the international airports located in Aarhus and Billund. Trains travel direct from Copenhagen to Skanderborg. Quiet in the cold Danish winters, the region springs to life during the long days of summer.
