French bistro style meets Danish hygge in lakeside boutique hotel in rural Jylland
Ny Hattenæs / Silkeborg / Jylland / Denmark
The Danes have a long tradition when it comes to running countryside inns and also badehotell, bathing hotels. Ny Hattenæs combines both those two in the most fantastic way, located just outside the town of Silkeborg in what is know as the highlands of Denmark.
The story of Ny Hattenæs begun in 1896 when the first summer retreat was established on this site but it wasn’t until the year of 1900 when local entrepreneur, Matinius Didrik Fuglesang, turned it into a hotel and restaurant. During the 20th century the hotel passed through different ownership until the city council of SIlkeborg decided to buy the property to secure that the surrounding forests would be accessible to all. In 2009 they sold the hotel and it was run as a training facility until the siblings Gitte, Rikke and Klaus bought the hotel in 2020 and they are the ones that have created what Ny Hattenæs is today, a cute 14-key countryside inn, right by a lake with a lot of Danish hygge.
There is something that feels very French about some of the design elements, with black and white floor tiles, Thonet chairs and tiled walls in French bistro pattern. When you enter the room, the look is very soft. Soft and warm, with half of the walls painted in gentle grey tones and the other in a creamy white. This is combined with subtle lighting and painting of flowers. And no TV. This is a hint, that when you come to Ny Hattenæs one should take the opportunity to go out and explore. And if you do, you will not be disappointed. This is an area with deep forests, (Danish) mountains, lakes and endless hiking- or biking trails. And all of these activities are a great way to build up an appetite for the gastro splendor that the hotel offers. And just a piece of advice, don’t eat too much for dinner so you will not be hungry by breakfast, because it is something extra.
Welcome to Ny Hattenæs!
Such a treat to step in from the chilly, damp Danish Winter into this warm, welcoming space.
I must admit, I am a sucker for hotels that still have real keys. There is something so retro and authentic about that.
Next to the reception there is a turntable and some records that you can bring up to your room.
Our room is designed with the same color palette as the rest of the hotel, sombre and elegant but still warm and cozy.
One of my favorite design elements in our room is the tiles in the bathroom. I love when there is a splash of color instead of the classic white.
Morning has broken. Another feature I really like, the striped bed linen. Adds to the cozy.
Heading down to the bar/restaurant for breakfast. The space was fully decorated for new year.
Everywhere you turn there are these lovely vintage still life paintings. They add a great contrast to the otherwise soft and discreet design.
The Danes know how to do breakfast and the one at Ny Hattenæs does not disappoint.
M is out hiking in the forests surrounding the hotel and the town of Silkeborg. This is the best area in Denmark for outdoor sports like trail running, cycling and kayaking.
Down the road from the hotel there is this great modern lake side bathhouse where you can go for a sauna and a dip in the cold water.
Next to the bathhouse there is a coffee cart that is open all days and they serve a mean cappuccino.
I am heading out to check the temperature in the water.
The hotel is located a couple of kilometers from the cute little town of Silkeborg. One of my favorite places that is well worth a visit is the bakery called Brandt Brød.
The looks almost too delicious!
Around new year the Danes eat kransekage and we didn’t want to be any different.
RG inside info
This place is perfect if you…
…are looking for a romantic getaway where you have lakes and forests right at your doorstep. If you are a fan of Danish ”hygge” and good food, you are going to enjoy your stay at Ny Hattenæs.
My favorite thing about this place…
…is the breakfast. The Danes are great lovers of breakfast and the one at Ny Hattenæs is no exception. It is served á la carte style so you just sit at your table and the good stuff just keeps on coming.
What not to miss when staying here…
…is to bring some sturdy boots and clothes for the season so you can go for long hikes in the rolling hills of the Danish highlands. And since this is Denmark, a watering hole is never too far away.
If you like this hotel you might also like…
Hornbækhus, Hornbæk, Denmark
Glebe House, Southleigh, Great Britain
The Star, Alfriston, Great Britain
