Silkeborg Forests is the collective name for Denmark's largest forest, a continuous stretch of woodland south and east of the town covering over 6,000 hectares. The forest is predominantly planted — most of Denmark's forests are — but it has been managed for over a century and has the feel of established woodland rather than plantation. Beech, spruce, and oak are the dominant species.
Within the forest there are hundreds of kilometres of marked walking and cycling trails, ranging from short lakeside loops to full-day routes through the interior. The Himmelbjerget — at 147 metres Denmark's first tourist mountain, popular since the 1840s — is accessible on foot or by the Hjejlen steamer through the forest. The views from the top take in the full lake system.
Several forest car parks give access to the trail network. The area is popular year-round, particularly in autumn when the beech forest turns gold and copper.