Uffe, our Radisson Blu concierge from Copenhagen grew up in Silkeborg, and he recommended three sites as ‘must see’ in the area;
1. The Kongernes Jelling Museum
2. Hotel Himmelbjerget, which sits on top of the highest ‘mountain’ in Denmark
3. Svostrup Kro, a family owned inn and restaurant that’s been in business since 1280, and owned and run by the same family since 1834
Today, we set out to visit each of the above. Our first stop is the Jelling museum, which is located inland and south of Silkeborg. Once again, we’re surprised and delighted by the rolling hills, verdant farms, and lush countryside. Everywhere we drive there are farms of every sort, dairy, vegetable, and even horses.
Gorm the Old and Harald Bluetooth created the monuments at Jelling, the first of which is enormous, ship-shaped, and built of stone. There are also several stone runes, but two depict the reigns of King Gorm and King Harald. The Jelling church was constructed after Harald Bluetooth converted to Christianity and this is also depicted on a rune stone called ‘Denmark’s Certificate of Baptism’. There are also two huge burial mounds. The museum is unique in that it’s all digital and interactive. A very interesting experience.
From Jelling we drive through the countryside to Hotel Himmelbjerget. We can’t get over how densely forested the area is and we’re both amazed that we don’t see a single car on the hour-long drive. The view is amazing. From the cafeteria we can see clear to the lake on which Silkeborg is situated.
It’s straight downhill to Svostrup Kro. The history of this little inn and restaurant dates back to 1280 when a traveler by the name of Erik Klipping records in his diary; “Tomorrow we are going north and will be crossing the Gudenå at Svostrup, there is a little resthouse.”
Talk about quaint and charming. We have lunch here and the food is scrumptious. The Viking orders a ‘Thor’ beer, which has a faint lemony aftertaste. Afterwards, we stroll the grounds, and enjoy the sunshine before heading back to Silkeborg.
When we take the elevator to our floor in the Silkeborg Radisson Blu, a new poster is hanging on the wall. I burst out laughing when I saw this as two of my sons are seriously into Crossfit. Who knew that it’s now worldwide?
For our last meal in Silkeborg, we head downtown, and eventually end up at Café Safran. OMG. First of all, a blond giant who could’ve been a SEAL he was so built sat right opposite me. It was so hard to not drool over his tanned, hard-as-rock body. Second, the ambiance, the food, and the service was nothing short of superb.
Sigh, a fabulous way to end our time in Denmark’s ‘Lake District’.
Cheers,
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