Hiking in the Lake District Søhøjlandet
Photo: Sarah Green
Find the best hiking routes in Silkeborg in the centre of the beautiful Lake District Søhøjlandet. Walk on trails through majestic forests and rolling hills - surrounded by glassy lakes. Each hiking route has its own charm, no matter what time of year you want to go hiking.
Below you will find ...
Experience the magic of nature
Do you dream of disappearing into deep forests, climbing green-clad hills and letting the silence of mirror-like lakes fill you with peace? Then the Lake District Søhøjlandet in the heart of Jutland is the ideal place for you. Here, magnificent nature combines with unique hiking routes that take you through some of Denmark's most breathtaking landscapes.
Hiking in Søhøjlandet - Where the Forests Whisper and the Mountains Call
Søhøjlandet by Sillkeborg offers Denmark's largest continuous forest area, where dense beech and coniferous forests create an almost fairytale landscape. Here you can experience the changing face of nature all year round - from the green explosion of spring to the golden colours of autumn.
The forests around Silkeborg and Himmelbjerget are perfect for both short and long walks, where you can immerse yourself in birdsong and the scent of the forest floor.
In the midst of this forest landscape, characteristic hills and ‘mountains’ rise up - including the iconic Himmelbjerget, which at 147 metres above sea level is one of Denmark's highest natural points. The views from here are nothing short of breathtaking. Hiking trails such as the Himmelbjergruten and the routes around Slåensø and Gjern Bakker provide both challenges and nature experiences for all levels.
Lakes with Soul - Hiking along the Blue Ribbon
The Lake District Søhøjlandet is not only known for its ridges, but also for its unique lake landscape. The lakes around Silkeborg - including Silkeborg Langsø, Almind Sø and Julsø - sparkle between the trees and invite you to take peaceful walks along the water's edge.
For example, take a walk along the Trækstien trail along Gudenåen, where you follow Denmark's longest river in its gentle meanders through the green landscape. Here you can meet herons, see deer at the edge of the forest and experience nature's own rhythm.
Whether you're a beginner looking for a peaceful walk in the tranquillity of the forest, or you dream of multi-day hikes with backpack and tent, Søhøjlandet has something for you. The area has a wealth of well-marked routes, shelter sites and viewpoints that make it easy to plan your next nature experience.
Tour suggestions
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.
List
Map
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 ...
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...
03
The Silk Route through Silkeborg - 12 km
The Silk Route 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...
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...
05
Trækstien between Silkeborg and Randers - 70 km
The towpath along the Gudenåen River is the ideal hiking route for those who dream of getting close to nature. At around 70 kilometres, the trail winds its way from Silkeborg to Randers and offers uni...
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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...
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.
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.
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...
16
The Forest Walk Træturen - 3,5 km
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 ...
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...
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...
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.
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.
Lake District Søhøjlandet
Photo: Sarah Green
Tips and recommendations
Do you know the Danish nature and what to look out for? Do you have children with you and how do you make the trip fun and active? What is allowed? And where do I find the best accommodation? Get inspired below.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hiking in the Lake District
It is often the same questions you face when you land in a new place and want to go hiking. Get answers below or use the chat in the bottom left corner for quick answers based on information on our website.
Where does the Silkeruten hiking trail start in SIlkeborg?
Starting Points at Silkeruten
Silkeruten has three official starting points with parking facilities and info boards:
Is there a particularly family-friendly hiking route in the Lake District Søhøjlandet?
Yes, the trail around Almindsø is a certified family trail, and thus recognised as a quality trail by the Danish Hiking Association.
Which hiking route has the highest elevation gain in Silkeborg?
Himmelbjergruten is one of the hiking routes in Silkeborg with the largest height difference - 125 metres from the lake surface to the top of Himmelbjerget.