Cycling Along Denmark’s West Coast
A cycling tour through the dunes, fjords, and wild beaches of Jutland
©Michael Maagaard
Duration
8 days and 7 nights
Level
Leisure
ou Fit
Departure date
From May 23rd to September 19th
Trip type
Self-guided trip
Trip type
Travelling loop
Destination
Key features
- The vast dune fields of the wild coast
- The fjord landscapes of Ringkøbing
- The ferry crossing to the Skjern Enge Nature Reserve
- The long beaches of the North Sea
- The many greenways
- The island of Fanø, a haven of peace
- Esbjerg, its port, and its city center
The story behind the trip
Valentin Chapalain, a travel consultant at Abicyclette Voyages, has been passionate about Denmark, and more broadly, all of Scandinavia, since he was 8 years old. Since 2010, he has undertaken numerous journeys to the land of the Vikings and knows every region of the country inside and out:
- Copenhagen, the capital,
- the island of Funen, Denmark’s “garden,”
- the Jutland Peninsula and its splendid and varied coastline…
With nine trips to Denmark under his belt, including several by bike, he is delighted to introduce you to and guide you through his most beautiful discoveries. He’ll share his passion for this country with you.
A two-wheeled adventure on the trails of the west coast of Jutland
Head to Denmark’s west coast. Starting from the town of Varde, cycle along a looped route to explore the west coast of the Jutland Peninsula. Enchanting dunes, rugged fjords, long sandy beaches, and historical sites will punctuate your Danish getaway.
Set off on a loop between the North Sea and Ringkøbing Fjord. The terrain is flat, making the route accessible to everyone, including families. The region’s many greenways, winding through the dunes and wetlands, ensure your Danish getaway is as safe as possible. Cycle along EuroVelo 12 and local bike routes.
The vast dune fields are characteristic of Denmark’s west coast. Covered with beachgrass that sways in the wind, the dune fields stretch as far as the eye can see along the North Sea shore. Along the way, there are opportunities to swim every day. The beaches at Lyngvig and Skodbjerge, both located in the seaside resort of Hvide Sand (which means “white sand”), offer relaxing stops between bike rides. Lighthouses such as Blåvandshuk Fyr (Denmark’s westernmost point) also mark the wild coastline.
Cycle through three stages around Ringkøbing Fjord, explore it by bike along coastal paths and rural trails. A small inland sea, the fjord is both a natural area and a popular spot for water activities (fishing, surfing, swimming, etc.).
Explore the Skjern Enge Nature Reserve, a true birdwatcher’s paradise. Bird-watching huts are available for visitors. You cross the Skjern Enge delta aboard a hand-pulled cable ferry. Flanked by typical red boathouses, the port of Ringkøbing is the perfect spot to savor local cuisine with your feet in the water on a long summer evening after enjoying the hot tub at the Fjordgaarden Hotel.
Spend two nights in Esbjerg, Denmark’s newest city, founded just 150 years ago. As soon as you arrive from the north, don’t miss the monumental sculpture *Mennesket ved Have* “Man Meets the Sea” in English. With its four nine-meter-tall white figures, the artwork gazes out over the North Sea. Esbjerg is the gateway to the small island of Fanø, located 12 minutes away by boat. This island is a natural paradise where time seems to have stood still. Bring your bike aboard and ride along the island’s paths, where thatched-roof cottages nestle among the dune ridges.
While nature is ever-present, history and cultural heritage abound during your cycling trip in Denmark. Visit numerous historic churches and discover museums such as FLUGT, dedicated to refugees during World War II. The site of Bork, on the banks of the Ringkøbing Fjord, takes you back in time to the Viking Age.
Rich in discoveries and set in an exotic setting, this trip along Denmark’s west coast promises a unique cycling adventure.
Itinerary
Leisure or Fit From VARDE to SKJERN 60km 
Leaving Varde, the route heads north along Bike Path No. 10. Beautiful churches offer stops along the way before reaching Bork, where you step back in time to the Viking era in a rugged setting. The small port of Bork Havn is ideal for a lunch break while watching local surfers on the Ringkøbing Fjord.
From there, the route heads toward Skjern Enge, the delta of Denmark’s longest river. Cross the river aboard a hand-pulled cable ferry before reaching your hotel in Skjern.
From SKJERN to RINGKØBING 30km
This is a relatively short leg of the route along the Ringkøbing Fjord. There are many sights to see along the way. Not far from Skjern lies the village of Stauning. It is home to the award-winning Stauning Whisky distillery and the Danish Aviation Museum. Later, the route takes you along the fjord before reaching the historic market town of Ringkøbing. Enjoy the harbor and visit the museum that traces the history of Denmark’s west coast before relaxing at the spa at the Fjordgården Hotel. In the evening, take a stroll along the harbor and sample the local cuisine.
From RINGKØBING to NYMINDEGAB 50km
The stage begins at the water’s edge, following Denmark’s oldest bike path as it winds along the northern part of Ringkøbing Fjord. Watch the kitesurfers at Kloster Surfspot before crossing Bagges Damn, “Denmark’s longest wooden boardwalk.”
You now cycle along EuroVelo 12 through the dune fields. The Lyngvig Lighthouse, near the charming seaside resort of Hvide Sande, is a major landmark. It’s the perfect spot for a lunch break. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the harbor and the unique setting between the fjord and the sea, with its large locks, fishing boats, and shipyard. The route continues through an enchanting dune landscape.
You can take the opportunity to go for a swim in the North Sea.
At the southern end of the fjord lies Nymindegab, a former fishing village that is now your destination.
If you still have some energy left, consider a detour to Værnengene, one of Europe’s most important breeding grounds for wading birds and a vital resting place for migratory birds.
From NYMINDEGAB to ESBJERG 60km
You continue south along EuroVelo 12 through the dune fields of Blåbjerg Klit, created 150 years ago to prevent sand drift. You reach Filsø, one of Denmark’s largest lakes, rich in flora and fauna. At Vejers Strand, briefly leave the North Sea behind as you head toward Oksbøl.
A visit to FLUGT, the Danish Refugee Museum, provides food for thought about the refugees who arrived in Denmark after World War II. The route continues through open landscapes before returning to the sea and following the coast southward to Esbjerg.
ESBJERG, FANØ ISLAND LOOP 20km
Just 12 minutes from Esbjerg, Fanø is an island in the Wadden Sea where nature meets simplicity.
Picturesque with its expanses of dunes and colorful thatched-roof cottages, the island of Fanø is known for its strong maritime traditions, folk music, and wild landscapes. By bike, you can pedal along its quiet trails and easily circle the island. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. Fanø’s long sandy beach is perfect for a break by the sea.
From ESBJERG to VARDE 25km
Today’s stage is short, giving you more time in Esbjerg if you didn’t get to see everything the day before. Esbjerg is a young city, and it’s fascinating to see how it has developed around its port. As you leave the city heading north, you come across the famous sculpture *Man Meets the Sea* (*mennesket ved havet* in Danish). Soon, open landscapes dotted with dunes guide you toward Varde.
VARDE
Your stay on the Danish west coast ends after breakfast. Have a safe trip home!
They travelled with us
Practical information
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 1380€/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 7/7
- Application fee
- The routes described on the following media:
- Tracking app
- A descriptive road book
Price does not include
- Bike rental (see option)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Lunches
- Dinners not included in "Price includes"
- Drinks, tours and other personal expenses
- The ferry from Esbjerg à Fanø (around 7 euros per person)
A “homemade” trip by a local partner specializing in Jutland:
- Routes selected in collaboration with the Abicyclette Voyages team for their tourist and cycling appeal, fully mapped out, and away from traffic
- Accommodations chosen for the quality of their hospitality, atmosphere, services, and cuisine
- Great flexibility in planning to suit your needs and preferences: you can depart on the date of your choice! We check accommodation availability to ensure your trip goes ahead.
Local support:
- Phone support 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. from the ABICYCLETTE VOYAGES team
- Local phone support 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- A luggage transfer service
Easy itinerary tracking:
- A tracking app with all your itineraries
- A printed roadbook containing all useful addresses and tourist information, maps, and a kilometer-by-kilometer description of the route.
And also:
- Rental of comfortable bikes, ideal for this route.
- The option to purchase cancellation and comprehensive insurance to cover you in case of problems or unforeseen events
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 : VARDE
Coming by car
- at 9h from BRUXELLES
- at 12h from PARIS
- at 14h from GENEVE
Coming by train
- Varde train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Aéroport de Billund
1h30 by train - Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)
4h00 by train
Arrival city : VARDE
Coming by car
- at 9h from BRUXELLES
- at 12h from PARIS
- at 14h from GENEVE
Coming by train
- Varde train station - More than 12h from Paris
Coming by plane
- Aéroport de Billund
1h30 by train - Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup)
4h00 by train
*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 carrier bag supplied with bike rental)
- 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
- Electrical plug adapter (compliant with local standards)
Terms of payment and cancellation
The full terms and conditions of sale are available here: https://www.abicyclette-voyages.com/en/general-terms-and-conditions/
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
|
| 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 |
| Between 9 and 7 days before departure or on the 1st day of the programme | 45% of the total cost of the trip (including options) |
| Between 6 and 3 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 |
Custom made trips
You want a custom made cycling tour, or you’ve spotted one of our trips and would like to adapt it ? Tell us a bit about your project and we’ll help you prepare a trip that suits you best.
Starting from 1380€
Book your trip
VARDE
Arrive at your convenience in Varde. Take some time to explore the town center.