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PS Hjejlen
Operating Area : Inland rivers and lakes around Silkeborg, Denmark

Above : Hjejlen on 6th July 2011. Photo by kind courtesy of Chris Allen

Built in 1861 by Baumgarten & Baumeister at Copenhagen, Denmark
Engines : 2 cylinder Oscillating (2 x 10 inch cylinders, stroke 16 inches).  Go to engine
Boiler : Installed 2005. Coal fired
Length : 29.6 metres
Max service speed - 8 knots

Built to the order of local paper mill owner Michael Drewsen for excursion services from Silkeborg
Reboilered in 1900 and 1947
Engine fully refurbished in 1979
Makes two daily return trips from Silkeborg to the Himmelbjerget, Denmark's highest point, in late June and July
** The oldest paddle steamer in continuous operation in the world **


Above : It is not everywhere in the world that you can see a paddle steamer clearly from its country's highest point. Although named Himmelbjerget (Sky Mountain), Denmark's highest point is little more than a hill. Hjejlen is seen from this elevated vantage point in July 2024 in a photo kindly sent in by Phil Barnes

Above : Hjejlen at Himmelbergjet in a photo in the 1974 calendar of Danish British Steel  (Gordon Stewart collection)
Internet Links
PS Hjejlen - Official Site

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