The history of Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt
Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt
Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt
The brand new spa opened in 1883 in beautiful natural surroundings, and it was the beginning of Silkeborg as a spa town. Spa guests came from all over the country, and occasionally also from the Nordic countries. Here they could enjoy a few weeks in competent hands and in relaxing surroundings.
Kurbad i 100 år
Spa for 100 years
In the city, paper manufacturer Michael Drewsen had already had an eye for the idea early on. However, after his death, a group of doctors and others followed up on the idea, and in 1883 they succeeded in opening the Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt on a piece of land that had been leased from the state for an initial 50-year period. The spa was a success from the start, and had to be expanded several times. The water from the Arnakke springs was included in the bath treatments that spa guests could undergo. In 1919, the name was changed to Silkeborg Bad. Guests with "lifestyle diseases" were received, in addition to guests with less dangerous illnesses and a convalescent center. The spa managed to operate for 100 years before it finally closed in 1983.
Der er flere muligheder for at opleve stedets historie:
There are several ways to experience the history of the spa:
Documentary exhibition about Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt
In Skovvilla there is a large, permanent exhibition about the history of the spa. Here you can gain insight into topics such as the Arnakkekilden spring, the area's layout, the bath treatments, the doctors, the spa guests, the staff, and the spa water. The texts are in both Danish and English. Tickets can be purchased in the Spa Building and are valid for both the art exhibitions and the exhibition about the history.
Walk around and experience the area
The five buildings Søvilla, Societetsbygningen, Kurbygningen, Skovvilla and Villa Granly are located in a common park area. The park was also central during the spa era. Today, the buildings have been renovated so that they appear as they did during the spa era. Just by walking around and looking at the buildings, you can get a sense of the history of the place. You can also visit Arnakkekilden, which was one of the reasons why the spa was established at this very location.
Read more about the history of the spa
Visitors can borrow information sheets at the reception about the history of Silkeborg Bad, the architects, Anton Rosen, the park, etc.
The Silkeborg Bad Art Centre has also published two books:
- Iben From: "Silkeborg Vandkuranstalt" 1883-1983. Published in 2013 - and in English translation in 2019. Price DKK 95
- Tove Hansen: "Silkeborg Bad. History". 32 pages, illustrated. Price DKK 25.
Both books can be purchased on site or ordered by calling 86 81 63 29 or email: reception@silkeborgbad.dk
If you want to know more about the time when there were several spas in Silkeborg, please refer to the anniversary book Silkeborg 1846-1996, Silkeborg Biblioteks forlag, 1996.
Wartime
During the period 1943-1947, the operation of the spa was at a standstill. First, the German occupation forces occupied the area as a military headquarters. When the war ended, the site was used for a few years to house German civilian refugees. The spa was then renovated and reopened to spa guests in 1951. You can see more about this period in the Silkeborg Bunker Museum, which is housed in a personnel bunker from World War II. It is run by a private interest group, which keeps the museum open on Sundays from 1-4 pm and by appointment. See www.bumus.dk
