In Svejbæk, the landscape by Julsø, hiking trails near Ludvigslyst and cultural attractions in the surrounding area come together. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the different connections to water and land: there are trails through a protected meadow landscape, a seasonal ferry service and designated bathing areas here.
Julsø, Ludvigslyst and the Meadow Landscape
Julsø stretches from Laven to Svejbæk. Ludvigslyst is located immediately east of Svejbæk, in the northwestern corner of the lake. The Ludvigslyst hiking route runs around or through the protected meadows there. Its connection to other trails can also be understood in relation to the Himmelbjergruten: a section of the Ludvigslyst route marked in yellow is a small part of this hiking route.
The meadows are not only protected as a landscape, but are also grazed by livestock belonging to the Sejs-Svejbæk Kogræsserlaug. Nearby, Sejs Hede preserves the last remnant of the heath-covered hills that once defined the Sejs-Svejbæk area. This was before the hills were planted with trees and the flat meltwater terraces were developed for urban use. The meadows, heath-covered hills and terraces thus represent different aspects of the landscape history around Svejbæk.
Hiking Route, Ferry and Bathing Spots
Near Svejbæk, you can cross the Himmelbjergruten using the solar-powered Søhøjlandet ferry. The ferry runs seasonally on a scheduled service between Skyttehuset and Ålekroen in Svejbæk and has been powered by solar energy since 2015. If you plan to include the crossing in your trip, check the timetable and operating days in advance. This will help you take the seasonal nature of the service into account when choosing your hiking days.
The excursion boats of Himmelbjergsøerne are also part of Ludvigslyst’s connection to the water: the location serves mainly as a boarding and disembarking point for these boats and is listed as stop I by Hjejleselskabet. This is a different role from that of Søhøjlandet, which connects the aforementioned ferry points on a scheduled service.
For swimming in Julsø, the public bathing area at Ludvigslyst in Svejbæk is recommended. Another place to swim is De Små Fisk by Brassø: this outdoor area is a popular spot for locals and tourists who spend time on and along the Gudenå; there is a bathing jetty there. The two spots therefore differ in their location, by Julsø and by Brassø respectively. As bathing conditions and facilities can change, it is worth checking the current situation before your visit.
Culture and History Nearby
Nearby, Sejs-Svejbæk Church combines modern church architecture with art by Mogens Andersen. Several concerts are also held there throughout the year. If you would like to take in the surrounding landscape, Himmelbjerget has a 25-metre-high tower offering good views of the area, particularly the hills north of Julsø.
Svejbæk developed as a railway town: the Skanderborg–Silkeborg railway line opened on 2 May 1871, and a station was built in Svejbæk at the same time. This is a historical point of reference for the town, not a statement about current train services. Ludvigslyst also offers a culinary connection: the kitchen at Traktørstedet Ludvigslyst uses organic and local ingredients. The Svejbæk Grundejerforening also hosts a Sankt Hans evening there every year.
The activities have different schedules: the ferry service is seasonal, while the church holds several concerts throughout the year and the Sankt Hans evening is an annual event. If a ferry crossing or a visit to a bathing area is important to you, check the relevant details before your trip. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can then choose your focus—perhaps hiking trails and meadows, water or cultural attractions.
Discover more destinations: Fårvang, Skygge, Kongensbro, Funder, Linå, Ry, Ans, Vrads.
For the main travel overview: Silkeborg Municipality.
