Bikepacking Denmark
Introduction
I've been bikepacking and gravel cycling in Denmark since around 2010, much before gravel bikes were a "thing". Over that time I've travelled thousands of km both locally and nationally. I think the routes I've taken fall into three main categories.
Firstly there are the "Routes across Denmark". I think that the most “logical” way across Denmark is to start in Esbjerg and get to Copenhagen. This is where Denmark is at its widest so it feels most like you’re crossing the country. The other advantage to doing it West to East is due to the usual conversation with Danish cyclists… “You don’t have any hills”, with the response being “True, but we have the wind”. Denmark is a windy place, with the wind coming mainly from the West. If you were a sadist you’d consider East to West I guess.
Secondly are what I'd call the "Iconic routes", including Bikepacking the North West Coast and The Four Ferries route on Sjælland.
Lastly are the "Local routes" that I've taken hundreds of times around and near Copenhagen. Over time I'll add more here.
Off-road routes across Denmark
The “Northern” route via Aarhus
Crossing Jutland to Denmark’s second city, Aarhus, on some well known off-road trails e.g. Hærvejen. Then the boat to Odsherred and on to Copenhagen. I did this route in 2021.
The “Southern” route across the islands
The longest route taking in mulitple islands splashed across the South of the country. Plenty of island hopping on ferries and fairly tale towns such as Ærøskøbing. We did the Zealand part of this route as a family in 2020 and the Islands part of this route in 2022.
Iconic gravel routes in Denmark
Struer to Skagen along the wildest (and windiest) part of Denmark. This is almost 300km of pretty flat terrain through forests, beaches and quiet lanes. Eat some of the best food Denmark has to offer and stay in the wild or at high end hotels and everything in between.
The Manor House Route on Funen
Touring the grand old houses of Southern Funen. A slight reworking of the official "Herregaardsruten" with more gravel and the chance to actually see some of the manor houses.
The Four Ferries route around Isefjord
A wonderful 2 day route on Sjælland using ferries to connect islands and peninsulas. Food, forests, ice cream, wild camping and lots of off-road.