Pedalling and simply being free - South Danish North Sea.
Are you looking for fresh sea air, endless expanses and cycling experiences for young and old? Then go on holiday to the South Danish North Sea! Whether on family outings, action-packed mountain bike trails or long journeys along the North Sea Cycle Route - the region always offers an absolute feeling of freedom! Exploring the Wadden Sea coast by bike is the perfect way to experience the area. A large part of the area is a national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site, so it's a very special place.
A highlight in the region is the national cycle route, the North Sea Coast Cycle Route, which runs for 560 kilometres from the German border to the northern tip of Denmark, Skagen. Along the route, you cycle close to the coast with views of the Wadden Sea, among other things, through the unique nature with its unmistakable heath and dune landscape.
South Danish North Sea - between the Vikings and the Wadden Sea
In Esbjerg, it is possible to combine cycling in the city and in nature. The city itself is well equipped with cycle paths, making it safe and easy to get around Esbjerg. The 27 km long "Ho Bay Route" takes you past the beautiful Marbæk Plantation and along the northernmost and quietest part of the Wadden Sea.
To the south-west of Esbjerg lies the island of Fanø with its fine sandy beaches and exciting cycle tours.
Fanø is a small island that is very easy to explore. There are only 12 kilometres between Nordby in the north and Sønderho in the south. There are cycle paths between all the inhabited areas and the North Sea beach is excellent for cycling, it is smooth and hard. There are 5 different cycle routes on Fanø, including the panoramic route "Air under the wings", which takes you 26 kilometres around Fanø, and the "Big Five Route", which takes you to five dune tops and rewards you with a fantastic view over Fanø. You can experience a slightly different, slower-paced world on Mandø, the neighbouring Wadden Sea island. The tidal island can only be reached at low tide, which is somewhat adventurous and worth a trip for that reason alone.
You can also follow in the footsteps of the Vikings by bike, which will take you to the oldest town in Denmark, Ribe. With its many traces from the Viking Age, the town is the ideal starting point for excursions into the flat landscape of the Wadden Sea.
Here, for example, the 56 km long "Storm Surge Route" leads through the low, rough marshland and behind the sea dyke, which today protects us all from the powerful forces of the sea that have claimed so many lives in the past.
The panoramic route "Vikings and the Wadden Sea" is a 28 km long route around Ribe, passing the Wadden Sea Centre and the Ribe Viking Centre. Here you can follow in the footsteps of the Vikings. Excursion tip: Learn more about the history of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the Wadden Sea Centre near Ribe.
Mountain bikers also get their money's worth in these extensive and beautiful natural areas.
There are 2 urban trails in Esbjerg and a very nice trail in the Marbæk plantation north of Esbjerg. Further inland, near the villages of Bramming and Gørding, there are 4 more mountain bike trails. And last but not least, the 7 km long mountain bike trail in the dune plantation on Fanø.
More information at: www.vadehavskysten.de/ribe-esbjerg-fano/verschiedenes/fahrrad
Endless expanses and refreshing westerly winds - the Danish North Sea coast
Along the Danish North Sea coast, from Blåvand via Henne Strand and Hvide Sande to Søndervig, you can cycle along over 1,000 kilometres of well-maintained cycle paths through unspoilt and diverse flora and fauna - or, with a bit of luck, be pushed a little by the west wind at your back. Be adventurous and turn off the main paths that run along the North Sea and around Rinkøbing Fjord. The side paths take you through unique plantations and distinctive dune and heathland landscapes past red deer, sea eagles, lakes and streams. You can either experience the whole thing on your own bike or hire one directly on site from one of the many local bike hire shops. You're ready to go!
Cycling around the fjord
The cycle tour around Ringkøbing Fjord offers you many different experiences. It is therefore best to plan a whole day for the cycle tour.
The 100-kilometre tour starts in Hvide Sande and heads north on the nature trail, which runs along the foot of the dunes through fragrant heathland with heather, blueberries, pine trees and birdsong. On the way, you pass the beautiful lighthouse Lyngvig Fyr Denmark's highest lighthouse. The tour continues past the many different holiday homes and ends in the cosy coastal town of Søndervig.
From Søndervig, you can choose to cycle along the road to Ringkøbing or alternatively take the beautiful tour along the fjord on Denmark's oldest cycle path. From Ringkøbing, the route continues along the east side of the fjord through Velling, past Denmark's Aircraft MuseumStauning Havn and even one of the few whisky distilleries, Stauning Whiskyover.
After a short breather, the route continues through one of the most beautiful natural areas in the country, along the river valley Skjern Enge and the river Skjern Å. Here you will find several birdwatching towers and hand cable ferries. Continue to Lønborg Church on the Borgbanken hill, past Lønborggård - an old bishop's seat - and on to Bork Havn and Bork Vikingehavn (Viking harbour).
The route continues through Nymindegab and over the Gl. Gab watercourse, which used to be the only connection between the sea and the fjord at Holmsland Klit. The route then runs along the coast, again on a nature trail that winds its way through the holiday home areas, protected heathland and up onto the dunes. Prick up your ears: because here you can hear the roar of the sea behind the dunes while you enjoy the view of the dunes and the sea markers on the dune tops. On the horizon you can also see the wind turbines at the entrance to Hvide Sande harbour.
It's high time for a break: enjoy lunch at Ringkøbing harbour, a cup of coffee at Stauning harbour, an ice cream in Bork Havn and finish off with a glass of beer or wine at Hvide Sande harbour. Alternatively, you can simply take a picnic basket with you and take short breaks for refreshments in the midst of nature.
If you prefer a little more action, you can also get on your mountain bike and let off steam in one of the destination's many plantations. The Danish North Sea is home to some of the best and most challenging mountain bike routes in Denmark. So if you like it fast off-road, you should try out the MTB trails in the southern part of the destination, for example Blåbjerg Klitplantage, Bordrup Klitplantage or Søndre Plantage.
All cycle routes and more information about the destination can be found at www.visitvesterhavet.de or in the new "Vestkysten" app. You can also use the app to easily navigate your cycle tour on the move.
In this series of articles, we introduce you to the following regions and partners, which you can also find in the list to the right of and below the article:
- South Danish North Sea and Danish North Sea coast
- North Jutland's Baltic coast and the Aarhus coast
- Explore the landscape of Sønderjylland and the Baltic Sea island of Fyn
- The west coast of Zealand and the fjord country
- The Danish Baltic Sea islands of Lolland-Falster with the Scandlines ferries
- FERIEPARTNER DANMARK - Where even the Tour de France is on the road
