The paddle steamer Hjejlen

The paddle steamer Hjejlen is described as the world’s oldest operating coal-fired paddle steamer and is based in Silkeborg in East Jutland. From here it sails on the Silkeborg Lakes in the heart of the Søhøjlandet lake district. A trip on Hjejlen, or on one of the Hjejle Company’s other eight vessels, gives you a different view of the landscape, with wooded shores and calm water unfolding around you. For drivers on the Margueritruten, it offers a change from the road and an easy way to experience the local nature from the water rather than the roadside.

Visit Hjejlen if you want to experience the Silkeborg Lakes and Søhøjlandet from the water rather than just from viewpoints on land. Sailing on a historic coal-fired paddle steamer is a simple way to slow down your road trip for a couple of hours and see how the landscape, forests and lakes connect around Silkeborg.

A good stop in Silkeborg if you want to combine the Margueritruten with time on the water and views of Søhøjlandet from a historic vessel.

Planning your visit

How long to stay

Allow 1.5–3 hours if you plan to go on a lake cruise, including time to board and wait at the quay. If you only want a quick look at the vessel from the waterfront, 15–20 minutes is enough.

Best time to visit

Sailings are generally most frequent in the warmer months, when the weather makes time on deck more comfortable and the surrounding landscape is green. On fine, calm days you get clearer views across the lakes. In cooler or wet weather, services may be more limited, so it is sensible to check current timetables before you build a visit into your day.

Around here

Nearby on the Margueritruten

• 

  Silkeborg Harbour

  Attraction · 2 m

• Faunapassagen

  Attraction · 94 m

• Silkeborg Paper Mill Papirfabrikken

  Attraction · 164 m

• The Tollund Man - a more than 2,200-year-old well-preserved bog body

  Attraction · 191 m

• Museum Silkeborg - A Journey Through Time

  Museum · 226 m

• 

  Silkeborg Church

  Church · 297 m

Frequently asked

What is special about the paddle steamer Hjejlen in Silkeborg?

Hjejlen is described as the world’s oldest operating coal-fired paddle steamer, which makes it unusual even by European standards. It sails on the Silkeborg Lakes in the Søhøjlandet lake district, so a trip combines historical transport with lake and forest scenery. For many visitors driving through Silkeborg, this mix of heritage vessel and calm landscape is the main reason to add it to their route.

Where does Hjejlen sail, and what can I see from on board?

Hjejlen sails on the Silkeborg Lakes in the heart of Søhøjlandet. From on board you see the landscape from the water, rather than from viewpoints on land. Expect a sequence of lake views, wooded shores and low hills, with the impression of moving through a linked chain of lakes. It is a quiet way to understand how water and forest shape the Silkeborg area around the town centre.

How long should I plan for a visit to Hjejlen during a road trip?

If you want to go on an actual sailing, it is sensible to allow a couple of hours for the whole experience, including waiting time, boarding and the cruise itself. This fits into a half-day in Silkeborg together with a walk around Silkeborg Harbour or a museum visit. If you only wish to see the vessel at the quay and take photos, you can keep the stop very short.

Is a cruise on Hjejlen suitable for families and mixed-age groups?

A cruise on Hjejlen is a simple activity that generally suits most ages, because you are seated and the focus is on looking at the lakes and landscape. Families and mixed-age groups often appreciate that it requires little effort compared with a long hike, but still gives an outdoor experience. As with any boat trip, it is worth considering weather, mobility and how long younger children are happy to sit.

Can I enjoy the Silkeborg Lakes if I do not want to sail on Hjejlen?

Yes. Even if you decide not to board Hjejlen, being in Silkeborg still allows you to experience the lakes from the shore. The waterfront at Silkeborg Harbour and the surrounding streets give views of the water and the boats. You can watch Hjejlen and the other vessels come and go, and still get a feel for how the lakes shape the town and the wider Søhøjlandet landscape.

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