The Hjejlen is a small paddle steamer that has been sailing the Silkeborg lakes since 1861, making it the oldest operational paddle steamer in the world still running its original steam engine. In summer it makes regular trips along the Gudenå river and across the interconnected lake system, departing from the harbour near the centre of town.
The journey itself is unhurried and pleasant — the lakes are surrounded by forest and gently sloping farmland, and the pace of the steamer encourages you to sit back and look rather than rush. The most popular route goes to the Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain), a modest hill at 147 metres that was nonetheless the first spot in Denmark to become a popular tourist destination in the 19th century, precisely because it offered a panoramic view of the lakes.
Sailings run from late May through August; check the current timetable in Silkeborg. The round trip to Himmelbjerget takes around three hours.