Skanderborg Amt
Skanderborg Amt, an administrative county in central Denmark that existed until the municipal reform of 2007, once encompassed a picturesque and historically rich region on the Jutland peninsula. This area, now largely integrated into Skanderborg Municipality and parts of neighboring municipalities, offers a blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strategic proximity to modern urban life. Here, we explore its defining features, from the historic town of Skanderborg to the serene Søhøjlandet lakes, its connection to Aarhus, and the striking Horsens Fjord.
History of Skanderborg City
Skanderborg city, the former administrative heart of Skanderborg Amt, has roots stretching back to prehistoric times, with archaeological finds like a seasonal camp from the Ertebølle culture (circa 5,000 BCE) near Skanderborg Lake attesting to its ancient habitation. The town’s name derives from the nearby Skanderup village, mentioned in a 1176 gift letter from King Valdemar the Great, and later tied to the castle Skanderborg Slot, built in the Middle Ages. This castle, initially a fortress and later a royal residence, gave the town its identity, though only its chapel remains today after fires and neglect reduced its grandeur. Skanderborg grew slowly, gaining market town status in 1600, but remained modest until the 19th century when railway connections spurred development. During the German occupation in World War II, the area saw military activity, and post-war growth solidified its role as a regional hub. Today, with a population of around 20,000, Skanderborg thrives as a vibrant town closely linked to its historical past.
The Søhøjlandet Region: Ry to Silkeborg
The Søhøjlandet, or Lake Highlands, is a stunning natural expanse stretching from Ry in the south to Silkeborg in the northwest, much of which fell within Skanderborg Amt. This region is defined by rolling hills, dense forests, and a network of lakes connected by the Gudenå River, Denmark’s longest waterway. Ry, a charming small town, sits near Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain), a 147-meter hill offering panoramic views of the lakeland—a modest peak by global standards but a beloved landmark in Denmark’s flatter landscape. Heading northwest toward Silkeborg, the terrain becomes even more dramatic, with Silkeborg’s forests and lakes earning it the title of Denmark’s “Outdoor Capital.” The Gudenå flows through this area, linking serene bodies of water like Mossø and Skanderborg Sø, creating a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Historically, monks from the Cistercian Order briefly settled on Kalvø islet in Skanderborg Lake in the 12th century before moving to Ry, illustrating the region’s long-standing human connection to its natural bounty.
Link to the Aarhus Metro Area
Skanderborg Amt sat just southwest of Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city and a major economic and cultural hub with a population exceeding 280,000. Skanderborg city itself is only about 25 kilometers from Aarhus centrum—a 20-minute train ride—making it an integral part of the East Jutland metropolitan area, which boasts over 1.3 million people. This proximity shaped the region’s development, with Skanderborg evolving into a suburban extension of Aarhus, connected by urban corridors like Stilling and Hørning. The railway lines from Skanderborg to Aarhus, part of the broader Fredericia-Aarhus route, have long facilitated this relationship, offering frequent services and fostering low unemployment in Skanderborg due to access to Aarhus’s job market and educational institutions. The former Skanderborg Amt thus balanced rural tranquility with urban accessibility, a dynamic that remains a hallmark of the area.
Horsens Fjord
On the southeastern edge of what was once Skanderborg Amt lies the Horsens Fjord, a narrow, shallow inlet of the Kattegat Sea extending about 20 kilometers inland. While technically part of Horsens Municipality today, its proximity tied it closely to Skanderborg Amt’s geography and identity. The fjord’s calm waters and surrounding woodlands create a striking contrast to the inland lakes, offering a coastal dimension to the region’s natural diversity. Historically, it supported fishing and small-scale trade, while today it’s a haven for birdwatchers and kayakers, with its estuaries hosting rich wildlife. The fjord’s western shores brush against areas once under Skanderborg Amt, linking it culturally and geographically to the region’s heritage.
Top 3 Points of Interest in the revived Skanderborg Amt
- Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain)
Located near Ry in the Søhøjlandet, Himmelbjerget stands at 147 meters, one of Denmark’s highest natural points. Though surpassed by nearby Møllehøj (170.86 meters) and Ejer Bavnehøj (170.35 meters), its accessibility and breathtaking views over the lakes and forests make it a standout. A historic steamship, Hjejlen, sails from Silkeborg to its base in summer, enhancing its allure. - Skanderborg Slot and Lake
The remnants of Skanderborg Castle, now just a chapel, sit by Skanderborg Sø, a lake surrounded by smaller ponds like Lillesø and Sortesø. The site reflects centuries of royal and regional history, while the lake itself is a scenic gem, ideal for boating or strolling, with the annual Skanderborg Festival nearby adding cultural vibrancy. - Illerup Ådal Archaeological Site
Just north of Skanderborg city, across the E45 expressway, lies Illerup Ådal, a bog where Iron Age artifacts, including weapons and offerings from the 3rd century CE, were discovered. This site offers a tangible link to Denmark’s ancient past, showcasing the region’s significance beyond its natural beauty.