Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain)

Himmelbjerget - literally "the Sky Mountain" or "the Mountain of Heaven" - is a hill rising between Ry and Silkeborg in Søhøjlandet, the lake-and-hill district of central Jutland. At 147 metres it is one of the highest natural points in the famously flat Danish landscape, and for a long time it was popularly regarded as the country's highest point, a reputation that helped make it a national landmark. The hill and its surroundings have served as a gathering place for celebrations and public events for more than 200 years, and in 1875 a red-brick tower was built at the summit, still the site's most recognisable feature. From the top, the reward is a sweeping panorama over the wooded hills and the string of lakes below, at their most colourful in autumn. Reaching Himmelbjerget is part of the experience: you can drive to the car park near the top, or arrive by water across the Silkeborg Lakes. Access is free, and it makes an easy outing at any time of year, though summer suits the boat trips and autumn brings the finest colours. A local tip: take the Hjejlen, the world's oldest still-sailing paddle steamer, from Silkeborg and approach Himmelbjerget from the lakes - it turns a simple viewpoint into a memorable half-day journey through some of Denmark's prettiest inland scenery.