Himmelbjerget ("The Sky Mountain" or "The Mountain of Heaven") is a hill located between Ry and Silkeborg, Denmark in the area known as Søhøjlandet. With a height of 147 m (482 ft), Himmelbjerget is one of the highest natural points in the Danish landscape. The hill and surrounding area has been a centre for various gatherings and celebrations for more than 200 years and in 1875, a red brick tower was erected at the top.

Height and prominence

Himmelbjerget was believed to be the highest natural point in Denmark until 1847, when Ejer Bavnehøj was measured as the highest point. Following a scientific survey in 2005, Møllehøj was established as the highest natural point, at 170.86 m; Himmelbjerget is now ranked fourth-highest behind Møllehøj, Yding Skovhøj and Ejer Bavnehøj. However, when it comes to the size of the slope and the topographical prominence (aka peak factor), Himmelbjerget is much more impressive than the other three: there is a height difference of 121 m from the lake below to the top of the hill, which is remarkable by Danish standards. An amusing detail is the sign "to the boat" at the peak.

Historic importance

Himmelbjerget grew to fame in Denmark during the 19th century, as people gathered here to admire the magnificent views and celebrate the birth of the Danish nation. On top of the hill is a 25.1 m tall tower, that was erected in 1875 to honour King Frederik VII and his role in giving the Danish people the country's first constitution in 1849, thereby ending the preceding era of absolute monarchy. Close to the top are more monuments, most honouring individuals, but also one to commemorate women's right to vote in 1915. In those days, several

steamboat A steamboat is a boat that is marine propulsion, propelled primarily by marine steam engine, steam power, typically driving propellers or Paddle steamer, paddlewheels. Steamboats sometimes use the ship prefix, prefix designation SS, S.S. or S/S ...

s began ferrying visitors back and forth to Himmelbjerget, from various destinations across Julsø and The Silkeborg Lakes. This tradition is still alive and the historic

steamship A steamship, often referred to as a steamer, is a type of steam-powered vessel, typically ocean-faring and seaworthy, that is propelled by one or more steam engines that typically move (turn) propellers or paddlewheels. The first steamships ...

'' Hjejlen'' ("The Golden Plover"), carries passengers here from the towns of Ry and Silkeborg.

Hiking

There are several hiking routes in the larger area of Søhøjlandet and the major route of Hiking Route Aarhus-Silkeborg, is passing through the area of Himmelbjerget. There are also plenty of opportunity to small scale hiking experiences on and around the hill itself.Himmelbjerget, Sletten and Slåensø
The Nature Agency. A pamphlet on hiking in the area. File:Himmerbjerget ved Silkeborg.JPG, The red brick tower on the hill top. Image:Lake Julsø from Himmelbjerget 2017-08-19 1.jpg, The view from Himmelbjerget to Julsø. Image:Himmelbjerget 2005 (edit).jpg, Himmelbjerget with the steam ship Hjejlen in the foreground.

References

Sources

Himmelbjerget
Tårnkomitéen (English: ''the tower committee''). Official homepage in English.
Himmelbjerget - not the tallest but the most beautiful
The Nature Agency.

External links

Danskebjerge.dk
Himmelbjerget
Tårnkomitéen.
Hiking Route Aarhus-Silkeborg
Århus Amt
Himmelbjerget, Sletten and Slåensø
The Nature Agency. A pamphlet on hiking in the area. {{Authority control Skanderborg Municipality Hills of Denmark