Today, my host here in Silkeborg, took me for a long walk, in and around town. What is most impressive about Silkeborg, is that within one or two minutes, you can go from the heart of the city, and find yourself in the forest, by the water.
Welcome to my quiet neighbourhood, in Silkeborg!
Silkeborg is not a very touristic destination. If you are looking into spending some time in Denmark, it certainly wasn’t in your top ten list of must-see cities. I won’t blame you, this is my fourth visit to Vikingland, and Silkeborg was a surprise in my improvised tour!
To say the truth, it wasn’t even my idea… Not long before I flew over from Canada, I had posted an ad on the CouchSurfing site, stating that I would soon be in Denmark, and would appreciate if people offered to host me for a couple of days, to discover new places!
And that’s how I found my room in the middle of Jutland.
When I told my Helsingør host that I was moving to Silkeborg, she assured me I would enjoy my stay… It was all about nature. Luscious forests and lakes all around. And she was absolutely right.
But first, a little walk downtown!
In every city in Denmark, you’ll find at least a torv, or torvet, which means “square”. And it is the place to start, if you want to take the city’s beat. During my stay, there was a market at torvet… International delicacies from around the world, people selling all kinds of craftings…
Right across torvet, you can find a building I assume to be the late city hall. It is now a restaurant, but the building still looks stunning.
And I’d like to tell you more about the cute small statue surounded with fountains, that is sitting just in front of it, but all I found online was its name…
Drengen og skidpadden (simply “The boy and the turtle”)
Two churches can be found right in the heart of Silkeborg too. Silkeborgs Kirke is a Lutherian Church…
A mothers/toddlers meeting was taking place when we walked in… And I didn’t want to disturb anyone, so these are the only pictures I got the chance to take.
Silkeborg’s Catholic Church
I can’t help but light a candle whenever I can…
Impressive organ, given the size of the town…
This picture doesn’t do justice to the beautiful stained-glass windows… Sorry!
We then walked through Kulturhusets most colorful backyard. Hosting different live shows, artistic exhibitions and popular gatherings, I could easily understand why the locals enjoyed getting together in this very special place!
Kærlighed, litterally “Love” tagged on one of Kulturhusets walls.
Just a couple of minutes of walk, away from Kulturhuset, we walked out of the city, and into the woods.
I must say, one of the most memorable things I’ll take with me from the Silkeborg area, is the constant singing of the birds, at all times of day (and night). If you don’t manage to relax, sitting by the water, enjoying this view… Well, you need professional help, my friend!
Just like anywhere else, in Denmark, design, and art in general is omnipresent. Danes like pretty things (don’t we all?) and they make sure to suround themselves with them, in the privacy of their homes, and in public areas… Here are a couple of examples.
Pretty hand painted rocks on sale!
Camel sculpture at the public library.
Amazing mural overlooking a hot dog stand… Hmmm Hot dogs!
View from the heart of Silkeborg to the lake…
Another thing I love about Danes is their very particular humor. Unless they are drunk, most Danes don’t give the impression of being very expressive people. But Danish humor is very straight forward and playful. The contrast makes if really funny… At least to me!
Knock knock? Or not… LOL (Danes are very welcoming people, just sayin’)
Stress reliever poo-poo anyone?
Translation: ”Grrr no poo-poo here!” You’ve been warned!
One last stop on our way back home… Not an unusual sight, but it is still surprising to see the quality of some of the furniture left on the side of the road, for the taking.
Translation ”Free! Take what you can use”
And tomorrow… We’re going to the top of Denmark! At long last…
The Turtle's Journey... 