East Jutland

Aarhus was named European Capital of Culture 2017, and understandably so. The city is enclosed by forests and beaches and a mere 10 to 15 minute bike ride will bring you to peaceful bike tracks in the beautiful countryside. Enjoy a week with sandy beaches, wind in your hair, salt on your skin, fairy-tale views, idyllic rural life, fascinating museums, Nordic cuisine, romantic villages and peaceful bike paths.

 If you come to Billund by plane or by car, we recommend a visit to LEGOLAND in Billund on your way.

• The charming city of Aarhus with cafés and museums
• Sandy beaches, green forests and blue sea
• Some of the highest points in Denmark
• The beautiful Lake District with 'The Sky Mountain'
• Samsø - This beautiful island is known as Denmark’s 'renewable energy island'

Day 1. Arrival in Aarhus
Today you arrive in the beautiful city of Aarhus. The hotel is situated in Aarhus city centre within walking distance of the main sights: The Old Town, the Cathedral, the Marina, the art museum Aros (famous for Your Rainbow Panorama by Olafur Eliasson), the Concert Hall, the Latin Quarter and the cosy cafés along the river. 

Overnight stay in Aarhus.

Day 2. Aarhus to Ry (approx. 41 km / 25 miles)
We start with an easy day’s cycling. You leave the city by the cycle path along the stream “Aarhus Å”. After a couple of km you are away from the noisy city, and 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 Gudenåen – the only real river in Denmark.

Overnight stay in Ry.

Day 3. Ry to Silkeborg and back (approx. 69 km / 43miles)
Today you have different options. You can take the boat 'Hjejlen' from Ry to ”Himmelbjerget” and walk from the lakeside to the top, take a canoe trip on the lakes or cycle around the area.

Your other option today is going to Silkeborg by bike: From Ry to Silkeborg, the 51 km route, with a 300 m ascent, 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.
In Silkeborg, 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 Gudenåen back to Ry. With this extra 19 km/145 m ascent, you get a nice tour through hilly woodlands and with beautiful sights along the way. If you want to spend more time in Silkeborg, you can take the shorter and more direct route to Silkeborg along the northern bank of Gudenåen, and take the train back.

Overnight stay in Ry.

Day 4. Ry to Odder via Skanderborg (approx. 43 km / 27 miles)
Today you cycle along some of the nicest lakes in Denmark with beautiful views to the highest ”mountains” in the country - all less than 200 m above sea level. Burial mounds, the Øm Monastery and the many archaeological finds indicate the old history of the area. Skanderborg is one of the exciting places to visit today and today's stage fits well with a lunch break here in this charming lakeside town. After Skanderborg you continue past Stilling Lake and back into the hills, where you'll have a view of the sea before you reach Odder.

Overnight stay in Odder.

Day 5. Visiting Samsø (approx. 70 km / 43 miles)
Visit Denmark’s renewable energy island known for its microclimate and organic farming. A one-hour ferry trip takes you to Sælvig (the fare is not included) and the planned tour takes you around the northern part of Samsø with its very unique hilly seaside landscape. Everything on Samsø is small and very pretty, with 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 (approx. 34 km / 21 miles)
When you arrive in Odder again, you have the opportunity to cycle past Fru Møllers Mølleri, which serves as a farm shop, restaurant, ice cream parlor and butchery at the same time. From Odder you cycle to the east coast where you'll find attractive areas with holiday homes and you will have a view of the many wind turbines. In very few places in Europe you can find beaches and great cycle routes as close to a city as is the case with 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. On the way to Aarhus, we also recommend a stop at Moesgaard Museum, which is a modern special museum for archeology and ethnography. Hereafter you cycle through Marselisborg Forest to Aarhus Bay, where you can visit The Infinite Bridge on the road - A circular bathing bridge and work of art that extends into Aarhus Bay. Then you leave the coastline to cycle past the summer residence of the Danish Queen, Marselisborg Palace, before arriving at the city centre.

Overnight stay in Aarhus.

Day 7. Last day in Aarhus
Checkout and departure. You can also choose to treat yourself by extending your stay in Aarhus, so you can explore the museums, soak up the cosy atmosphere and enjoy the many forests and beaches.

Degree of difficulty
The terrain is flat with occasional small hills. It's a leisurely tour and is suited for cyclists in average physical condition. You ride along bike paths and minor roads. We will provide GPS tracks and a road book with day descriptions and highlights. It is possible to download the route to a GPS or your smartphone.

More about Denmark
Biking in Denmark is something special compared to other countries. First of all, you will enjoy how the attractive landscapes invite cyclists to easy and safe stages. Cyclists are given very high priority in Denmark. In the cities you will find cycle paths, and at the coastline, along the lakes, in the forests and through the green fields you will find peaceful lanes and paths specially designed for cyclists. In Denmark, you will meet picturesque villages, a countryside that varies all the time, well-preserved castles and manor houses, clean and sandy beaches, and you will enjoy the clear, fresh air.

You can rent comfortable bicycles with adjustable bicycle handlebars, hydraulic brakes and large tires that ensure you a safer ride. Equipped with an ergonomically designed saddle, handles and pedals, you are ready for any kind of bike ride. It's also possible to rent an e-bike with gears, a mid-drive motor and puncture-proof tires. The e-bikes can reach a speed of 25 km/h (approx. 15.5 miles per hour)

All bikes come with a waterproof saddle cover, a bell, a bottle holder, a bicycle computer, a saddlebag and a lock. Always remember to lock your bike! In addition, it's also possible to rent a kids bicycle, a child seat, tag-a-long bicycles for children, Burley bike trailers and helmets.

The models may vary, it will be this type or similar:
   

Read more here about the bikes and cycling equipment.

Biking in Denmark is perfect from end of May until mid-September. You will enjoy comfortable weather and daylight from very early morning until late evening.