Hiking in the Silkeborg Forests in Denmark

Hiking in the Lake District

Photo: Sarah Green

Put on your hiking boots and explore the Lake District Søhøjlandet! Follow trails through ancient moorland, majestic forests and rolling hills - surrounded by glassy lakes. Here you'll quickly realise that the nature in Søhøjlandet is different from the rest of Denmark.

Our best recommendations

Many of the hiking and walking routes in the Lake District Søhøjlandet are child-friendly and perfect for exploring with the family.

Whether the routes are signposted or not, they take you through the beautiful and varied nature that characterises Søhøjlandet - Denmark's highest area, stretching from Silkeborg and Skanderborg to Hammel and all the way to Horsens.

Here you'll find our top recommendations for hikes and walks in nature - perfect for family outings, cosy walks with friends or quiet contemplation and mindfulness on your own.

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01

Almindsø Lake – Certified Family Trail - 4 km

The hiking trail around Almindsø is 4 kilometres long and is one of the few trails in Denmark that is certified as a Family Trail by the Danish Hiking Association. Here you are guaranteed a beautiful ...

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02

The blue hiking trail in Vesterskov

The blue hiking trail follows firm forest roads and can be walked in all kinds of weather. The tracks are not so visible, but if you look closely, you can catch a glimpse of the small field boundaries...

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03

The Silk Route through Silkeborg - 12 km

Silkeruten is a 12 km path encircling the central part of Silkeborg, along which you will see lovely scenery and cultural experiences. Walking along Silkeruten gives you a broad glimpse of what the Si...

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04

The hiking trail Østerskov in Silkeborg

There are countless opportunities to have a beautiful experience on a hiking trip in Østerskoven by Silkeborg. From here, you can also take a very beautiful detour to the nearby Avnsø, which the route...

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05

Trækstien between Silkeborg and Randers - 12 km

Experience nature first-hand on the towpath (approx. 70 km) along the Gudenå River between Silkeborg and Randers. This charming hiking trail takes you closer to the Gudenå River than ever before and o...

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06

Hiking route between Silkeborg and Aarhus - 80 km

If you love hiking, a hike through the Lake District Søhøjlandet around Silkeborg, the Outdoor Capital of Denmark and Aarhus is an absolute delight. Enjoy the forests, river valleys and many lakes tha...

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07

The Rail Trail from Lysbro to Lemming

On the western side of Silkeborg, you can ride your bike the 11 km down Kjellerupstien – a recreational trail running along a beautiful, closed down railway track.

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08

Hiking and cycling on Hærvejen around Viborg and Silkeborg

Hærvejen is probably Denmark's best-known cycling and hiking route and runs down through Jutland and further down through Germany. In the Aarhus Region, Hærvejen passes close to Viborg and Silkeborg a...

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Krabbes Grønne Ring - 10 km
Photo: VisitSilkeborg
09

Krabbes Grønne Ring - 10 km

Krabbes Grønne Ring is a park around Kjellerup, where you can walk or run on nice paths. It is named after Christopher Krabbe (1833–1913), who was the town bailiff and district bailiff in Kjellerup.

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Odden forest and park - 2 km
Photo: Carsten Dall
10

Odden forest and park - 2 km

"The Odden" is a forest and park area that is perfect for a cozy hike in the Søhøjlandet area by the Silkeborg Langsø lake. The area has always been one of the favorite recreational areas of the peopl...

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11

Around the Slåensø Lake – 3 km

Slåensø is a small lake embedded in the lovely woodland around Silkeborg. The route around Slåensø is ideal for everyone who loves the outdoors, the serenity, and a brisk walk.

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Odden forest and park - 2 km
Photo: Carsten Dall
12

Odden forest and park - 2 km

"The Odden" is a forest and park area that is perfect for a cozy hike in the Søhøjlandet area by the Silkeborg Langsø lake. The area has always been one of the favorite recreational areas of the peopl...

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13

The forest Nordskoven by Silkeborg

The location of Nordskoven near Silkeborg in the Lake District, with its hilly and beautiful terrain, is a popular destination for hikers, runners, and mountain bikers.

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14

Around the Slåensø Lake – 3 km

Slåensø is a small lake embedded in the lovely woodland around Silkeborg. The route around Slåensø is ideal for everyone who loves the outdoors, the serenity, and a brisk walk.

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15

Around Ørnsø Lake in Silkeborg

Enjoy a child-friendly and cozy hike of approximately 3.5 km around the Ørnsø lake in Silkeborg. Along the way through the varied nature of the area, you will pass through natural forests, meadows, an...

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The Forest Walk Træturen
Photo: KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad
16

The Forest Walk Træturen

The forest walk Træturen goes through the forest of KunstCentret Silkeborg Bad, where you will pass by more than 40 different tree species. See if you can find some of the thickest ones, which have a ...

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17

The hilly hike through the Silkeborg forests

The hilly hike through the Silkeborg forests is a trek for those who love to challenge themselves and get their heart rate up, passing by some of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Nordskoven near S...

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18

Hiking and cycling on Hærvejen around Viborg and Silkeborg

Hærvejen is probably Denmark's best-known cycling and hiking route and runs down through Jutland and further down through Germany. In the Aarhus Region, Hærvejen passes close to Viborg and Silkeborg a...

Info
19

Path around Silkeborg Langsø - 6 km

In the eastern part of Silkeborg Langsø, close to the area around the old paper mill and Nordskoven.

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20

The Nature Trail from Silkeborg to Horsens - 60 km

The closed down railway trail stretching 61 km between Silkeborg and Horsens today takes cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders through luxuriant river valleys, old beech forests, and the hilly Lake D...

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The Lake District Søhøjlandet

Søhøjlandet, also known as Denmark's Lake District, is located around Silkeborg - Denmark's Outdoor Capital - and is a true paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here you'll find some of the most beautiful nature in Denmark, ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and angling.

Whether you're looking for an active holiday or just want to relax and enjoy the rich animal and bird life, Søhøjlandet is the perfect place to experience true Danish nature.

Bakkelandet i Søhøjlandet

Lake District Søhøjlandet

Photo: Sarah Green

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