Silkeborg

Silkeborg is Central Jutland's beautiful lake town, sitting in the middle of the Jutland peninsula just west of the geographical centre of Denmark and home to around 53,000 people. It lies on the Gudenå, Denmark's longest river, in the hilly, lush landscape of Søhøjlandet, surrounded by the country's largest forest district and a great number of lakes collectively known as the Silkeborg lakes. Little wonder that Silkeborg is often called Denmark's outdoor capital. The town is divided along an east–west axis by the lake of Silkeborg Langsø, which flows into the Gudenå. From the water you can take a trip aboard the paddle steamer Hjejlen, Denmark's oldest steamship, up to Himmelbjerget, one of Denmark's most famous viewpoints. Culture runs deep here too: Silkeborg Museum is home to the world-famous Tollund Man, a remarkably preserved Iron Age bog body, while families flock to the Aqua Freshwater Aquarium. The town is also known for the Jyske Bank Boxen arena and the annual Riverboat Jazz Festival. Access to the town is free, though individual attractions charge separately, and with so much on offer it is easy to fill a full day; allow around six hours. Silkeborg is reached by train from Aarhus and Herning or by car via the motorway. Summer is the season for boat trips and nature, while July brings the jazz festival. An insider tip is to take the Hjejlen to Himmelbjerget for a classic Danish outing.