The Hjejleskabet Foundation
BackThe Hjejleselskabet Foundation is a company steeped in tradition that has been known for its sailing trips on the Silkeborg Lakes and trips to Himmelbjerget for more than 160 years, and today it functions in practice as a specialized tourist agency -like player for experiences on the lakes. The company operates an entire fleet of historic and modern boats, the heart of which is the iconic paddle steamer Hjejlen, which is considered the world's oldest coal-fired passenger ship in regular operation. For guests seeking authentic nature and cultural experiences rather than traditional package tours, Hjejleselskabet offers an alternative to the classic travel agency with a focus on presence, slowness and views of the lake landscape.
As an experience provider, Hjejleselskabet differs significantly from many other players in the Danish tourism industry because the entire product is tied to sailing and historic vessels. Instead of selling airline tickets and hotel packages, the company offers tickets for route and theme trips with the fleet, including the classic one from Silkeborg to Himmelbjerget or routes out of Ry. For many travelers, the office on Sejsvej functions as a natural planning point in line with a local tourist information center , where you can get help putting together a day on the lakes, often combined with a hike, a stay at Himmelbjerget or corporate events. This combination of ticket office, consulting and experience design makes Hjejleselskabet relevant for both Danish and foreign guests who are looking for something more atmospheric than standardized bus tours.
Experiences and sailing trips
The core of Hjejleselskabet's offer is the routes between Silkeborg, Ry, Laven and Himmelbjerget, where the nature around the lakes becomes an integral part of the experience. A typical trip from Silkeborg harbour to Himmelbjerget takes around 75 minutes each way, with the option of getting off at various bridges along the way and combining sailing with hiking or staying in the area. From Ry harbour, a shorter, approximately 50-minute sailing is offered through, among other places, Birksø and the hilly Søhøjland, where guests often highlight the calmness of the water and the forested hills as a big plus. For many visitors, these trips function as a kind of tailor-made day trip that can match what one would otherwise expect from a nature-oriented tour operator .
Several guests describe the trip to Himmelbjerget as a holistic experience, with sailing only being the first half. Upon arrival, there is a short hike up to the top, where the view of the lakes is highly praised, and where there are small eateries, ice cream parlors and a playground, making the trip suitable for families. Guests also highlight the many individual options along the way: some choose to sail one way and walk or drive the other, others combine it with stays at hotels or events on board the various boats. In this way, Hjejleselskabet can function as a flexible tool for travelers who want to put together their own experience, rather than following a set package tour.
The historic fleet and special boats
The Hjejleselskabet has a fleet of around eight vessels, several of which have significant historical and cultural value. The Hjejlen is the best-known ship and an attraction in itself, not only for tourists interested in nature, but also for those interested in cultural heritage and classic means of transport. In addition, boats such as the Turisten, the Falken, the Mågen, the Tranen and the Hejren sail, each of which is used for routes, special events or charter trips. For potential guests, this means a wide range of experience types, from quiet cruises to more festive company trips, which are usually associated with event-oriented travel agencies .
Several reviews point out that the variety in the fleet makes it possible to match boat and event. A smaller, intimate boat like Turisten or Hejren is well suited for parties, company events or private parties, while Hjejlen and the larger boats are typically used for scheduled sailings and higher capacity. Some guests highlight the atmosphere on the older vessels as something special, where the sound of the engine or steam, the slow sailing and the view of the houses on the lakeshore create a feeling that is rarely found in more standardized tourist products. This particularly attracts travelers who are looking for experiences with a local anchorage and historical character, often at the expense of the more polished but less authentic offers that can be found with other providers.
Service, hosting and events
In many guest experiences, hospitality and personal service are a big plus. Several reviewers describe both captains and crew as welcoming, helpful and good at creating a good atmosphere on board. For larger events – for example company trips or private parties – planning and coordination with the office are often mentioned as working well, with employees helping to adapt the course, catering and route to the company's needs. Many therefore see Hjejleselskabet as an attractive alternative to more traditional event and tourist agency solutions when arranging an experience on the water.
One example is party events on the boat Hejren, where guests highlight a combination of committed staff, good food and beautiful weather as the basis for an unforgettable day. Others tell of company trips on the Falken, where tapas and relaxed sailing have given foreign colleagues a strong impression of the area. There are also praised concept trips where sailing is combined with dining – for example, evenings with roast pork and parsley sauce on board the Mågen, which several describe as tasty and plentiful. For travelers who are used to standardized sightseeing products, this combination of Danish classics, local nature and a relaxed atmosphere can be a strong reason to choose Hjejleselskabet over other experience providers.
Practicalities and space requirements
Although Hjejleselskabet generally receives a lot of positive feedback, there are also specific issues that potential guests should be aware of. A recurring theme in some critical reviews is the experience of crowding on certain departures, especially on Hjejlen at popular times. Some guests describe that there can be so many people on board that it is difficult to move, and that the view is limited for those standing at the back. This can feel unsatisfactory, especially when you have chosen the trip precisely to enjoy the view and the calm on the water, and here some travelers may find that more controlled capacity – as is often seen with larger travel agencies – could improve the impression.
There is also criticism of the seating system, where the boarding order depends on when the ticket is purchased, and not when you show up at the dock. Guests point out that everyone pays the same price, and that it can feel frustrating to arrive well in advance and still be behind those who have only booked online earlier. Other practical details, which are not outright faults, but are relevant to be aware of, include soot from the chimneys of the historic boats; some guests recommend dark clothing, as small particles of soot can settle on light dresses and be difficult to remove. This kind of information would often be expected to be clearly communicated by a professional tour operator , and this may be an area where Hjejleselskabet could benefit from communicating even more clearly to first-time visitors.
Accessibility and comfort
The Hjejleselskabet operates in a field where both historical conditions and modern comfort must go hand in hand. Some of the boats have toilets on board, while others – especially the more modern ones – do not always offer the same facilities according to descriptions, which guests should plan accordingly. On the other hand, it is emphasized that on several boats there is the opportunity to move freely, sit both outside and inside and choose the side of the ship that offers the best view. The fact that the company has a wheelchair-friendly entrance at the office helps with accessibility, but the historic boats have natural limitations, so travelers with special needs should check the options with the company's staff before departure, in the same way as one would do with an attentive travel agent.
Target groups and who the Hjejleselskabet is suitable for
The company caters to a wide range of customers, but some guest groups seem to get a lot out of a trip with the fleet. For families with children, the combination of calm sailing, the opportunity to go for walks at Himmelbjerget and several stops along the way is an obvious setting for a whole day in nature. Couples and small groups of friends often highlight the experience as relaxing, atmospheric and romantic, especially on departures with calm weather and less crowding. In addition, there is a clear attraction for foreign tourists, who, through mentions in international media and local tourist information, are recommended a sailing trip on the lakes as a highlight during a stay in the region.
The Hjejleselskabet can also be interesting for companies and larger groups that want a different setting for meetings, team building or social events. Companies that would normally turn to a classic business travel agency to arrange events can choose a locally anchored solution on the water, often combined with food and drink. The good experiences with flexibility in booking and dialogue are mentioned repeatedly, and this increases the security for organizers who are responsible for ensuring that guests from Denmark and abroad have a positive experience. Conversely, very large groups on busy days may experience limitations in space and quiet, which makes it extra important to plan the time and type of boat together with the company well in advance.
Strengths and weaknesses from a customer perspective
From a potential customer's perspective, Hjejleselskabet's greatest strength is its combination of nature, history and local roots. The fleet offers experiences that classic online travel agencies can rarely match, because the sailing itself is the product and not just transportation between two points. Guests get the calm rhythm of the water, views of forested hills, architecturally varied houses along the shore and the opportunity to extend the experience at Himmelbjerget or other stops. The consistent praise for the staff and the flexibility for special events reinforce the impression of a company that takes the hosting role seriously.
On the other hand, there are clear areas for improvement, which are particularly relevant for travelers who are used to the structure and transparency often found in larger international travel agencies. Capacity management on busy departures, clear information about the seating system and communication about practical matters such as soot, clothing and facilities on board are central themes in the critical voices. There is also a difference in the experience depending on the weather and season; a day with sun and calm weather can feel quite special, while rain, cold or crowds naturally color the impression. To get the most out of a trip with Hjejleselskabet, it is therefore recommended to research departure times, boat type and expected occupancy in advance and to be realistic about what you want: maximum tranquility, historic sailing, a social atmosphere or a combination.
Overall, Fonden Hjejleselskabet appears as a specialized, local experience player with strong roots in the area and a product that particularly appeals to travelers who prioritize nature, history and presence over standardized package tours. For guests who value flexibility and personal hospitality, the company may be an obvious choice, while those who value predictable comfort, fixed seating systems and ample space may want to consider times and routes extra carefully. Hjejleselskabet cannot be directly compared to a traditional digital travel agency , but rather functions as a strong local supplement, delivering experiences on the water that many reviews describe as memorable – when the framework and expectations match.
