The city of Silkeborg takes its name from a lake on the Gudenå River in the Jutland Peninsular of Denmark. Visitors will find that it's unusually hilly for the country, with forests and lakes in the surrounding 'Lake Highlands', well-kept villages and expensive houses dotted amongst the trees. Look for the mansions along the lakeside at Brasso or find Denmark's third highest peak at Himmelbjerget. There are also plenty of excellent day-trip destinations further afield, so hiring a car in Silkeborg is a good idea. Attractions include the historic harbour city of Aarhus, the old seaside town of Ebeltoft and the Tropical Zoo at Randers.
The old paper mill that was once the heart of the town now houses arts venues and cafes. It makes a good starting point for a tour of the sights if you hire a car in Silkeborg. There's the 18th-century manor that now houses the city museum, where the body of the prehistoric 'Tollund Man' is the prize exhibit. Or scenic steamboat trips from the waterfront, the pretty old market square and an art gallery in the former local history museum. One of Silkeborg's most popular sights is Aqua, a family-friendly freshwater aquarium, although the enormous colourfully-illuminated fountains in the Silkeborg Langsø Lake are close behind.
