Silkeborg Lakes

Silkeborg sits at the heart of Denmark's largest connected lake system, and the lakes are the defining feature of the town's landscape. The Gudenå river links a series of lakes — Silkeborg Langsø, Brassø, Ørnsø, Julsø, and others — into a network that stretches east across central Jutland toward Randers Fjord.

For visitors, the lakes offer excellent canoeing and kayaking. Rental is available in town and along several of the lakeshores. Marked canoe routes follow the Gudenå through the system, with camping spots and shelters at regular intervals. The classic multi-day paddle from Silkeborg to Randers is a well-established Danish outdoor trip.

Cycling around the lakeshores on the signed cycle routes is another popular option. The terrain is gentle, the forest paths are good, and the views across the water are consistently pleasant. Swimming is possible at several designated spots in summer.

things to do sight
A story
The Silkeborg lakes are not a natural feature in the way mountain lakes are. They formed as the ice age glaciers melted, gouging channels in the landscape that filled with water and connected over thousands of years. The Gudenå river, which runs through them, is Denmark's longest river — at just 158 kilometres, a reminder of how small the country is. The entire lake system can be paddled end to end in two or three days.