Denmark by road
There’s plenty to do and see in Denmark, whether on two wheels or four


THE CYCLING ROUTE
The ancient cattle and trade route of Hærvejen that runs along the Jutland peninsula, from Viborg to the German region of Schleswig-Holstein, is a cyclist’s dream. With undulating terrain – heaths, plains and forested hills – and a smattering of old churches, retro hotels and berry fields, you’ll have enough blogging material for a long time to come.
DAY 1 BILLUND – VRADS (56.8 km)
Carlsberg factory – Take a boozy tour of the world’s largest collection of beer bottles, and drink some too, at the original Carlsberg brewery. Visit Legoland – an amusement park filled with rides and activities based on the interlocking plastic bricks of childhood.
DAY 2 VRADS – VIBORG (59 km)
Silkeborg Bunkermuseum – Catch German war weaponry on display at a two-room bunker-turned-museum. SilkeborgKirke – Admire the beautiful gold-plated wooden communion table at a lovely 17th century church. Daugbjerg – these ancient limestone mines are the largest wintering grounds for bats in Scandinavia.
DAY 3 VIBORG – ULBJERG (29 km)
Simested Creek – Go canoeing or fish for self-reproducing sea trout in the spring’s stream.
DAY 4 ULBJERG – LØGSTØR (67 km)
Vitskøl Abbey – Built as a memorial to King Valdemar of Denmark, the monastery complex boasts a herb garden that still bears medicines planted by 10th-century monks. The moors of Himmerland – some 1,300 hectares of untouched moorland that turn into a purple carpet of heather blooms in summer. Waarhovedgaard – Surrounded by the famous Var Forest, this manor-turned-hotel has its own tower, moat and drawbridge.
DAY 5 LØGSTØR – ALLABOURG (49 km)
Limfjorden – Cycle through Limfjorden’s beautiful bays, where blues and greens blend together against a canvas of hill lakes, magnificent heaths, deep gorges, bird protection areas and high cliffs.
Click on the gallery above for more

THE CAR ROUTE
COPENHAGEN: MODERN DESIGN MEETS ANCIENT LEGEND
Amalienborg – The winter home of the Danish Royal family has beautiful rococo interiors. Rosenborg – Marvel at the Danish crown jewels at this Renaissance castle.Strøget – The longest shopping street in Europe – local legends include design store Illums Bolighus and Royal Copenhagen Porcelain.
FUNEN: ISLAND OF CASTLES
Egeskov – Cross the drawbridge and picnic at the picturesque 14th-century water castle built on oaken rafts. Cycling and kayaking – Funen has1,175 km of marked trails and rolling pastures to pedal in; kayakers can paddle around the flat salt marshes. Hans Christian AndersenMuseum – explore the life and work of the legendary poet-author at this cheerful fairy-tale cottage.
AARHUS: SMALL BUT SWEET
Jelling Stones – In the little town of Jelling, you’ll find haunting 10th century rune stones. Aarhus Kunst Museum – The museum cuts a striking figure with its rainbow-coloured circular skywalk, and features the best of Danish art from the 16th century onwards. Mønsted – The world’s largest limestone mine is 60 km of labyrinthine caves. You do not want to get lost here.
AALBORG: INDUSTRIAL GEM
RoldSkov – Take in the scenery and eerie silences in Denmark’s largest forest. Aalborgtarnet – This tall, lattice-steel observation tower offers panoramic views of the city. Nordjyllands Kunstmuseum –The formidable marble and glass museum of modern art was designed by iconic Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, his wife, Elissa, and Danish architect Jean-Jacques Baruël.
SKAGEN: GOLD BEACHES AND KILLER SEAFOOD
Den TilsandedeKirke –A historic14th-century church that was closed down in 1795 after sandy winds built up dunes around it. Grenen – The northernmost tip of Denmark, where the waters of the two seas, Kattegat and Skagerrak, meet. Råbjerg Mile – Feel the earth move (literally) under your feet at these migrating coastal dunes.
FAROE ISLANDS: FLY INTO AN ARCHIPELAGO
Sandoy – Book a mountain cabin in the largest of the Faroe Islands, well known for its bird cliffs. Vestmanna – A boat tour to the Vestmanna Birdcliffs and Grottos takes you into deep grottos carved by the sea. Vagar – Immortalised in countless landscape paintings, it lends itself to long walks and some excellent diving.