Although we can never resist the charms of the Tollund Man, the greatest adventure for us is to sail aboard the world's last coal-fired paddle steamer, the Hjejlen, which has been sailing since 1861. It follows the route of the Gudenå River, going along a waterway of about 150km (100 miles) through Jutland's lake district. Himmelbjerget, or "Sky Mountain", is the major attraction along the route. Departures are daily from Silkeborg harbor at 10am and again at 2pm from mid-June to mid-August. With a round-trip costing 117DKK ($20/£11) for adults or half-price for children 3 to 12. For schedules and more information, call Hjejlen Co., Ltd., Havnen (tel. 86-82-07-66).
The Riverboat Jazz Festival
In late June of every year you'd think you were in pre-Katrina New Orleans. For 4 days, the sound of jazz music -- Dixieland, swing, gospel, big band, street parades, and jam sessions fill the air. The festival takes place on the town squares, in the streets, and on the lakes, but most of all in four great tents erected for the occasion, two at the harbor, one on Bindslevs Plads, and another on Torvet (the main square). Concerts at these tents are always free. Jazz lovers from all over Europe flock here. For more information, contact the Turistbureau or log onto www.riverboat.dk.
