Himmelbjerget is one of the highest points in Denmark. You will find the hill near Ry, located between Silkeborg and Skanderborg. The hill is one of the top attractions in Silkeborg. The area is known as Søhøjlandet, where you can truly immerse yourself in the nature surrounding Silkeborgsøerne and enjoy a wonderful trip to the summit.
You can park close to the tower, arrive by the paddle steamer Hjejlen, or follow the trails of Himmelbjergruten to get there. Click 'Show route' on this page to get directions sent to Google Maps or similar, or check the digital maps further down the page to view hiking trails and the landing stages for Hjejlen.
Sail with the paddle steamer Hjejlen
There are several ways to reach Himmelbjerget, but if you ask us at OpdagDanmark, one of the most magical parts of the experience is sailing to the foot of Himmelbjerget across Silkeborgsøerne. We highly recommend taking a cruise aboard Hjejlen, one of the world's oldest paddle steamers, and then walking the 15 minutes (just over 1 km) to the summit. It is this journey that makes Himmelbjerget truly special.
Hiking trails and maps
You can drive almost all the way up to Himmelbjerget and park right next to it, but for the ultimate experience, leave your car in Ry or Silkeborg and arrive by other means.
Our absolute favourite option is boarding the paddle steamer Hjejlen from one of the piers, as the world's oldest operating paddle steamer is a truly unique experience.
That said, hiking along Himmelbjergruten is (almost) just as wonderful. The entire route spans 51 km, but you can easily choose to walk smaller sections, for instance from the car park in Ry to the hill (approx. 12 km).
A shorter walk to Himmelbjerget
50 km is quite a challenge even for experienced hikers, so if you fancy a shorter walk, we recommend driving to the car park in Ry (see map above) and setting out on foot from there. This makes for a round trip of about 12 km, and after your hike, there are plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat in Ry.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Himmelbjerget located?
By Silkeborgsøerne between Silkeborg and Ry in Central Jutland.
What is the address?
The address is Himmelbjergvej 22, 8680 Ry
How high is Himmelbjerget?
The hill itself stands 147 metres tall.
How tall is the tower?
25 metres tall.
Is there disabled access?
There is parking, an accessible toilet, and wide paths, but the terrain is hilly and therefore demanding for people with reduced mobility.
How far is it to the tower (arriving with Hjejlen)?
The shortest path is just over 1 kilometre.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but they must be kept on a leash.
