Silkeborg Favorites

Favorite thing: 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.