Explore Jutland by bike

Aarhus has been named European Capital of Culture 2017 - and not without reason.

It boasts of cozy cobble-stone streets, charming squares, many cafes and trendy shops.

The city is surrounded by forests and beaches. A mere 10-15 minutes cycle ride will bring you to peaceful bike tracks in the beautiful countryside.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Aarhus

The hotel is situated in Aarhus city centre. It is within walking distance of most of the main sights: The Old Town, the Cathedral, the Latin Quarter, the Marina, the Aros art museum; famous for its Olafur Eliasson rainbow panorama, the Music House and the cafés down by the river.

Overnight stay in Aarhus.

Day 2: Aarhus to Ry - 41 km, 340 m. ascent

Bikes are delivered to the hotel. We start with an easy days cycling.

You leave the city by the cycle path along the stream “Aarhus Aa”. After a couple of kilometers you have left the city noise, cycling through wetlands and along lakes, before reaching a hilly stretch of road. On friendly roads you continue down and westward into the diverse, rich Danish countryside reaching the small provincial village Ry located on the banks of Gudenaaen – the only real river in Denmark.

Overnight stay in Ry.

Day 3: Free day in Ry – Enjoy a day in the lake district. Optional bike tour.

Today you have different options.

You can take the boat “Himmelbjergbaaden” from Ry to ”Himmelbjerget” and walk from the lakeside to the top, take a canoe trip on the lakes or you can cycle around the area.

On bike: Ry to Silkeborg. 51 km/300 m. ascent

Biking today will take you through some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countrysides in the Central Jutland Region, as you cross from the hilly moraine terrain into a flatter landscape.

First you ride north around one of the many lakes Salten Langsø through clearings in the woodlands replete with blueberries, junipers and heather. Then the track follows an ancient railway track passing by Vrads Station with vintage trains and a café. Finally you reach Vrads Sande, a unique landscape of inland sand dunes.

The stage ends in Silkeborg – the capital of the Lake District.

Art enthusiasts should also be sure to visit the museum of one of Denmark’s major painters, Asger Jorn.

From Silkeborg you can take the train back to Ry or you can bike along the northern bank of the river Gudenaaen back to Ry. A nice tour in a hilly woodland with beautiful sights. Extra 19 km/145 m. ascent.

Or you can take the shorter and more direct way to Silkeborg along the northern bank of Gudenaaen, and take the train back if you want to spend more time in Silkeborg.

Overnight stay in Ry.

Day 4: Ry to Odder - 41 og 51 km  / 230-300 m. ascent

Today you cycle along some of the nicest lakes in Denmark with beautiful views to the highest ”mountains” in Denmark – all less than 200 m above sea level.

Burial mounds, the monastery of Øm and the many archaeological finds indicate the old history in the area.

Skanderborg is one of the exciting places to visit today and it fits well with a lunch break here in this charming lakeside town.

After Skanderborg you cycle past Stilling Lake and then back into the hills, where you have a view of the sea, before you reach Odder.

Overnight stay in Odder.

Day 5:  Free day in Odder. Optional bike trip to the cycle friendly island of Samsø.

50–69 km, 250 m. ascent.

We recommend a visit to Denmark’s renewable energy island, known for its microclimate and organic farming.

Bring the bike along on a ferry trip of one hour to Kolby Kaas (the fare is not included). The planned bike tour will take you around the northern part of Samso with its very unique hilly seaside landscape.

Everything on Samsø is small and very pretty, untouched beaches and peaceful villages with cafés and markets where they sell local products. Even a Danish wine production has found its way to Samsø.

Overnight stay in Odder.

Day 6: Odder to Aarhus. 33 km. 280 m. ascent

From Odder you cycle to the east coast where you find attractive areas for holiday homes and you will have a view of the many wind turbines.

Very few places in Europe you can find beaches and nice cycle routes this close to a city like Aarhus.

You will pass Norsminde Fjord where you find the lock that divides the sea from the lake. It is very popular for fishing and it is a very nice place for a picnic.

Hereafter you cycle through Marselisborg Forest to Aarhus Bay. Then you leave the coast line to cycle past the summer residence of the Danish Queen before arriving in the city centre.

Overnight stay in Aarhus.

Day 7: Departure

Check out and departure.

You can choose, and you should give yourself the treat, to extend your stay in Aarhus to explore the museums, the cozy atmosphere, the forests and beaches.

Season 2023

Sundays (day of arrival):

From Sun 21 May 2023 - Sun 10 Sept. 2023

(last departure)

Departures are available on other dates for parties of minimum 8 persons.

Please note that the price might then be higher.

Accommodation:

Accommodation in comfortable rooms in

3-4* hotels, incl. breakfast buffet

All rooms with private facilities.