So this sounds more ambitious than it is, since the highest point of Denmark is actually only 170 meters, but it makes for a nice tagline right? We decided to cycle up this point while we were visiting Thomas´ dad in the municipality of Horsens, eastern Jutland.
Møllehøj…
The highest point of Denmark is called Møllehøj and is located in the Ejerbjerge hills within the Skanderborg municipality. The summit is marked with a millstone, which used to be part of the Ejer mill that was standing on the hill from 1838 to 1917. Only in 2005 had Møllehøj been officially recognised as Denmark’s highest point. Honestly, the point is nothing very special. You can cycle up, taking both a paved road or a little backcountry road. On top is a little shop selling some drinks, which might, or might not be open.
Versus Himmelbjerget
However, what I dó recommend is the area of Himmelbjerget, which quite cutely means “The Sky Mountain” or “The Mountain of Heaven”, a little exaggerated with a 147 meters high. This ´mountain´ is located between Ry and Silkeborg, in the area known as Søhøjlandet.
Actually, this was thought to be the highest point of Denmark, until, exactly, it turned out that it was actually Møllehøj. Though the summit might not be impressive, the surroundings are. Especially in the summer and fall it is a beautiful area to go for a walk, admire the forests and the lake. The hight differences between the lake Julsø below to the top of the hill is 121 meters. Indeed, almost the entire hight of the mountain. This might also be one of the only places on earth where you can find a sign “to the boat” at the peak of the mountain.
Other than natural beauty, the Himmelbjerget also became famous during the 19th century, as people came here to enjoy of the great viewes and celebrate the birth of the Danish nation. In fact, on top of the hill is a 25.1 m tall tower which was built in 1875 in honour of King Frederik VII and his role in giving the Danish people the country’s first constitution in 1849. However, feminist oriented as Scandinavia is, close to the top are other monuments, such as one to commemorate women´s right to vote in 1915.
It was also in the 19th century that steamboats started making the trip back and forth to Himmelbjerget. When you are here in the summer you can still catch the historic steamship of Hjejlen, which can take you to and from the towns of Ry and Silkeborg.
And when you are visiting this area, you might as well combine it with exploring the lovely city of Aarhus. More to come on that one soon.
