Danish Loop through the Jutland Fjords
Denmark by Bike, the Land of the Vikings
Highlights
The Horsens Fjord and the small islands of Hjarnø and Alrø
Jelling, the birthplace of the Kingdom of Denmark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The wild beaches and rugged terrain of the Vejle Fjord
The Little Belt Strait, between Funen and Jutland
Hindsgavl Dyrehave Park and its deer
Kolding and its castle
The extensive cycling infrastructure
The Story Behind the Journey
Valentin Chapalain, a travel advisor at Abicyclette Voyages, has been passionate about Denmark and, more broadly, all the Scandinavian countries since the age of eight. Since 2010, he has embarked on numerous journeys through Viking lands and knows every region of the country inside out:
- Copenhagen, the capital
- The island of Funen, the garden of Denmark
- The Jutland Peninsula with its stunning and diverse coastline
Having completed nine trips to Denmark, several of them by bike, he is delighted to present and guide you through his most remarkable discoveries, sharing his passion for this fascinating country.
Cycling from Fjord to Fjord in the Footsteps of the Vikings
Starting from Middelfart, embark on a cycling loop to explore the Danish coastline, dotted with wooded fjords, wild beaches, and rich remnants of the Viking era. Velkommen til vikingernes land! Welcome to the Land of the Vikings!
It all begins in Middelfart, a small coastal town located at the westernmost point of the island of Funen. You cross the Little Belt Strait via a bridge to reach the Jutland Peninsula, where most of your cycling journey through Denmark unfolds. This trip offers an immersion into the heart of Viking heritage, as you explore fjords and the sites where, in the early Middle Ages, they established their villages and set sail to conquer Europe and America.
Indented with wooded fjords and dotted with islands and islets, the east coast of Jutland is perfect for cycle touring. In the Horsens Fjord, the islands of Hjarnø and Alrø await discovery. Let yourself be captivated by the untamed beauty of these islands, which you reach by boat—just as the Vikings did on their majestic longships.
The Vejle Fjord is steeper and more forested. You navigate it via coastal paths and forest trails. The Vejle region is known for its rugged terrain, and each year, the queen stage of the Danmark Rundt, the Tour of Denmark, is contested here among the best climbers. But fear not, Denmark’s highest peaks are far from insurmountable, reaching just 100 meters in altitude. The effort put into climbing these slopes is rewarded with stunning fjord views and the prospect of a refreshing swim on one of its wild beaches.
Viking history plays a major role in your journey through Denmark. Along the way, you will discover numerous historical sites of interest, including the Jelling Museum, which showcases a burial mound and rune stones classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The largest of these runestones bears an inscription from the famous Viking king Harald Gormsson, known as Harald Bluetooth, marking the unification of the country—considered Denmark’s birth certificate.
Each evening, you make a stop in charming Danish towns. Nestled at the end of its narrow fjord, Kolding spreads around its 13th-century castle, a former fortress turned royal residence, now home to a museum. Vejle is renowned for its striking modern architecture, particularly Bølgen, or “The Wave.” Designed by architect Henning Larsen, its undulating form was inspired by the surrounding fjord and hills, creating a seamless blend between nature and urban development as its waves are reflected in the fjord’s waters.
Peaceful and inviting, the fjord-lined coast and rolling countryside of eastern Jutland encourage escape. Denmark is a cyclist’s paradise, and its infrastructure reflects this. You ride mostly on dedicated cycle paths, greenways, or charming country roads that form the country’s extensive cycling network. Around Jelling, you follow the Danish section of EuroVelo 3, Hærvejen, also known as the “Ox Road.”
After a week between sea and forests in this landscape that is both peaceful and wild, gentle and invigorating, you will have uncovered the secrets of the Vikings. Like them, we know that your thirst for exploration is boundless. There is no doubt that this cycling journey through Jutland will inspire you to continue exploring Denmark’s stunning fjords by bike.
From MIDDELFART to VEJLE 55km
At the start of the stage, you cross the Little Belt strait. You reach the small coastal town of Fredericia. Then you follow the coastline towards the Vejle fjord. The route is bumpy and wooded. You’re pedaling through one of Denmark’s most hilly regions. Through the beech forests, beautiful panoramas of the fjord reward your efforts. At the end of the stage, you reach the town of Vejle. Nestling deep in the fjord, Vejle is the birthplace of footballer Allan Simonsen, Denmark’s only ever winner of the Golden Ball. Vejle is also famous for its windmills and wave-shaped residential buildings: Bølgen.
From VEJLE to HORSENS 45km
The ride out of Vejle is a sporty one, with a nice climb to get you going. The rest of the stage takes you through the countryside, between forest and fields. The slightly undulating profile offers views of the sea, which is never far away.
Today’s cycle path, inland, is partly undulating and surrounded by forest.
Vitus Bering is the celebrity of the town of Horsens where you’re staying tonight. In the 18th century, he sailed across the Bering Strait, which bears his name, between North America and Asia. The Horsens municipal park pays tribute to him.
HORSENS, HORSENS FJORD LOOP 52km
From Horsens, set off on a beautiful loop to explore the Horsens Fjord and its islands. In the morning, cycle along the southern shore of the fjord to the charming town of Snaptun. First, visit the picturesque island of Hjarnø, home to a quaint church and Viking ruins. Then, take a second ferry to reach the idyllic island of Alrø. Take the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the fjord before heading back to Horsens, this time along the northern shore.
From HORSENS to VEJLE 49km
From Horsens, set off on a beautiful loop to explore the Horsens Fjord and its islands. In the morning, cycle along the southern shore of the fjord to the charming town of Snaptun. First, visit the picturesque island of Hjarnø, home to a quaint church and Viking ruins. Then, take a second ferry to reach the idyllic island of Alrø. Take the opportunity for a refreshing swim in the fjord before heading back to Horsens, this time along the northern shore.
From VEJLE to KOLDING 56km
The stage begins gently with a ride along the Bindeballe Greenway, a former railway line that winds through the valley of the Vejle River. A stop at the old Ravning Station offers the chance to visit an interesting local museum. You will also see the Ravning Bridge, which once spanned the river a thousand years ago. The impressive structure still leaves its mark on the landscape.
Continuing up the Vejle River Valley, discover the Egtved Girl’s Tomb, one of the most remarkable Bronze Age finds in Europe.
The day’s journey concludes in Kolding, a city of 60,000 inhabitants nestled at the end of its fjord and built around its historic castle.
From KOLDING to MIDDELFART 30km
Before heading to Middelfart, take the time to explore Koldinghus, the Kolding Castle, which is over 750 years old and was for centuries one of the most important royal castles in Denmark.
On the way to Middelfart, stop by the village of Skærbæk, nestled along the Kolding Fjord. It’s a perfect place for a break before crossing the historic Little Belt Bridge.
Once on the island of Funen, don’t miss Hindsgavl Park, where you can observe herds of deer and stags in their natural habitat.
MIDDELFART
End of your stay in Denmark after breakfast. Safe travels! Vi ses i Danmark !
Comfort Range
Our quality standard at Abicyclette. This type of accommodation includes 2 and 3 stars hotels. Depending on the itinerary, you might spend some nights in approved guesthouses. You enjoy a double bedroom with private bathroom and toilet and adapted welcome for you and your bikes.
Starting from 1245€/participant in Self Guided option | See detailed prices
Essential Range
You want to enjoy your itinerary without anything fancy. Our ”essential” range offers a simple accommodation for a good night’s rest in a simple hotel, guesthouse, rest house or hostel.
Quote on request | Contact us
Privilege Range
Opt for total comfort in charming 3 and 4 star hotels which offer all the services you need and a special welcome for you and your bikes.
Quote on request | Contact us
Price includes
- Accommodation: 7 nights in a Double room
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer
- Phone assistance 24/7
- Application fee
- The routes described on the following media:
- Tracking app
- Route maps
- A descriptive road book
Price does not include
- bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Tourist taxes
- Drinks, tours and other personal expenses
A “homemade” stay made by a local partner, specialist in Jutland and the Funen Island
- Routes picked with the Abicyclette team for their tourist & cycling interests, fully marked, removed from traffic
- Accommodation offered for the quality of their welcome, atmosphere, services and gastronomy
- A great flexibility of organization which adapts to your needs and desires: you leave on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your departure.
Local support :
- Telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
- Local telephone assistance 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Luggage transfer service
A simplified route tracking:
- A tracking app with all your routes
- A road book to find all the useful addresses and tourist information, maps and a description of the circuit km by km.
And also:
- Rental of comfortable bikes, ideal for this route.
- The possibility of taking out a cancellation & multi-risk insurance covering you in the event of a problem or unforeseen event
We offer a high-end bike rental service. Our bikes are suited for road and gravel road long-distance cycling. Fully equipped and highly reliable, they are faithful travel companions.
Our rentals include a "breakage and theft guarantee" for peace of mind when travelling. Information and details from your advisor.
Trekking bikeSupplied equipment per bike
| |
EbikeSupplied equipment per bike
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Child Bike |
Getting here
Departure city : MIDDELFART
Coming by car
- at 13h from PARIS
- at 9h from BRUXELLES
- at 14h from GENEVE
Coming by train
- Gare de Middelfart - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)
- Aéroport de Billund
Arrival city : MIDDELFART
Coming by car
- at 13h from PARIS
- at 9h from BRUXELLES
- at 14h from GENEVE
Coming by train
- Gare de Middelfart - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)
- Aéroport de Billund
*Parking: Since many of our clients travel by train or plane, we do not include parking in our packages. In addition, many accommodations don’t have the capacity to park a vehicle for the duration of your cycling vacation. So if you’re planning to arrive by car, we suggest you check parking options when you make your reservation. If you reserve a parking space at the first or last accommodation of your stay, you must pay the accommodation provider on site.
* Abicyclette Voyages accompanies you on demand, including transportation solutions.
Recommended equipment
Bike
- Hybrid Bike or Touring Bike or Gravel Bike
- 18 to 30-speed transmission
- 26- to 29-inch wheels
- Tires: 35 to 42 section, reinforced against punctures
- Disc brakes recommended
- 2 bottle cages
- Bell
- Front and rear lighting
Clothing and equipment
- Helmet (supplied with bike rental unless otherwise specified locally)
- 1 bike mount for smartphone to use the mobile route planner application
- Suitable cycling clothing:
- bib, shorts or tights: elastic and breathable, to facilitate movement and wick away perspiration
- Breathable T-shirts, synthetic or merino wool
- Breathable windbreaker
- Thermal or fleece jacket
- Waterproof jacket
- 1 pair of sunglasses
- 1 pair of cycling shoes
- 1 backpack or 1 or 2 carrier bags
- 1 or 2 water bottles (supplied with bike rental in France)
- 1 lock (supplied with bike rental)
- Technical details, recommended by the team for optimum comfort:
- 1 pair of gloves or mittens, depending on season and destination
- Padded bib (chamois)
- High-visibility vest or fluorescent belt
- Neck warmer and cap
Bike maintenance
- Emergency repair kit: 2 or 3 inner tubes, patches, pump, tire levers, multi-tools
- Maintenance kit: rag, oil, brake pads
Other
- A suitcase for your belongings carried in the vehicle (limited to one per person)
- Street clothes
- 1 pair of evening shoes
- Fleece jacket for the evening
- Toiletry bag
- Telephone and charger
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/conditions-generales-de-vente/
Booking and payment
- Departure more than 30 days before your booking: payment of a deposit of 30%, excluding insurance, at the time of booking. If you have taken out travel insurance, it must be paid in full at the time of booking to guarantee its validity.
- Departure within 30 days of your booking: payment of the total cost of your stay. Or payment of the balance of the holiday if you have already paid a deposit.
Cancellation of the Contract
You may cancel the Contract at any time before the start of the Tour, subject to payment of a cancellation fee. Any total or partial cancellation will incur the following costs per participant:
Cancellation period | Fees |
From the date of Booking to 60 days or more before departure or the 1st day of the programme | 5% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 100 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
Between 59 and 30 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 10% of the total cost of the Tour (including options); a minimum of 120 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer
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Between 29 and 10 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 30% of the total amount of the Tour (including options) a minimum of 150 euros including VAT will be charged to the Customer |
Entre 9 à 7 jours avant le départ ou le 1er jour du programme | 45% du montant total du Voyage (options incluses) |
Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 75% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
Less than 3 days to the day of departure or the 1st day of the programme | 100% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
No show on day of departure or 1st day of programme |
MIDDELFART
Arrive in Middelfart. Enjoy the evening discovering this charming seaside town.