Dania Hotel

Hjejlen

by elsebeth

The paddle steamer Hjejlen

For season number 141 the Hjejle Company still runs "Hjejlen" and beside this 6 other charming excursion boats.
"Hjejlen" is the oldest operative paddle steamer in the world.

In the summer the boats run on the river Gudenå and on the lakes between Silkeborg, Himmelbjerget and Laven.

Hjejlen - the oldest operative paddle steamer in the world


Enjoy the spectacular trip along the lakes from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget (the Sky Mountain).

You can embark in several places along the route - simply hoist the flag on the jetty to hail the boat.

Evening trips available at the height of the season.

Guinness Book of Records:
The oldest steamship still in operation in her original form is "Hjejlen" which has been plying the lakes at Silkeborg in Jutland, Denmark since the 18th of June 1861.
The Swedish-built steamship "Skibladner" is admittedly 5 years older, but she has been extended and has twice received a new motor, whereas "Hjejlen" remains unchanged after 120 years during which she has carried over 1 million passengers.
The first steamship ever to sail in Danish waters was the British-built "Caledonia" which started on this route in 1819.



The worlds oldest coalburning paddle steamer has sailed the Silkeborg lakes since 1861.

Comprehensive information about "Hjejlen" can be found in the old archives.

To sense the atmosphere when you cruise the river onboard this old paddle steamer we would like to invite you on a Hjejlen-tour along the Silkeborg lakes.

Center of the Danish Lake District

by Roeffie

Silkeborg lies between the danish hills at the river Gudenåen.

The legend of the birth of Silkeborg tells us the next story:

Once a bishop named Peder travelled here and decided to build a farm. The problem was he had no idea where he should build it.

One time he sailed on the river Gudenåen. He took his silk hat and threw it in the river and said: Wherever my hat comes a shore, ther I will build my farm.

He built the farm on the exact spot and called it Silkeborg.

Silke = danish for silk.
Borg = danish for farm.

One of the most beautiful places in Silkeborg is without doubt the Sejsvej, which is next to the Guden?en river. There is a good footpath along the river, that gives you great views on the lovely houses across the river. The steamboat Hjejlen starts at the beginning of the Sejsvej and brings you for example to Himmelbjeget across the river and lake.

Visit the Silkeborg Turistbureau
Havnen, Ahavevej 2a, Silkeborg
Tel.+45 86 82 19 11

Actually not in but near Silkeborg is the Himmelbjerget. The hill is not more then 147 m high, but since there is not a much higher point around the views are great. It is possible to climb the towe on top of Himmelbjerget to have an even nicer view.