Østkystruten: Bike tour on the Danish Baltic Sea

Flensburg, Germany's northernmost port city, is the starting point for your journey on the Østkystruten in Jutland. The city on the Flensburg Fjord looks back on a history of over 750 years. Part of this history is the trade in rum from the Caribbean, which helped Flensburg to prosperity in the 19th century. One of the town's landmarks is the Nordertor (North Gate). It is the last preserved city gate in Flensburg.

The first stage of your bike tour at the Danish Baltic Sea leads you first along the Flensburg Fjord. The summer residence of the Danish royal family in Gråsten is worth a first break. The castle grounds are among the most beautiful parks in Northern Europe. On the way further you pass the Nydam Mose, a bog that served as a sacrificial site in the Iron Age. In Sønderborg, whose old town lies on the island of Als, you'll find the impressive Sønderborg Slot. It dates back to a 12th-century fortress and now houses a museum. Your destination for the day, Åbenrå, impresses with a picturesque ensemble of town houses and craftsmen's houses.

On today's stage of the bike tour at the Danish Baltic Sea you first cycle to Haderslev. In the old town, located on a peninsula, is the Haderslev Domkirke – one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Denmark. In Kolding, the Koldinghus will catch your eye. From the castle's tower, the Kæmpetårn, you will have a wonderful view of the city and the Kolding Fjord.

You leave Kolding along the Kolding Fjord. Soon you will reach Gamle Lillebaeltsbro – from the bridge you have a beautiful view over the Little Belt. With a little luck you will see porpoises here. The opposite city Fredericia impresses with its special city center, which was laid out in a checkerboard pattern. On the way to Vejle, the Munkebjergsbakken awaits you, a small challenge known as the hardest hill in Denmark. But don't worry: with a maximum gradient of around 12% and a length of just over 1 km, the effort is kept within limits. Arrived in Veijle is worth to pay a visit to the windmill, the landmark of the city.

Today there are two routes to choose from: On route 5 you follow the Vejlefjord to the seaside resort Juelsminde and further near the coast to Hornes (80 km). Or you can follow route 53 a few kilometers past Vejle to the left through hilly and varied landscape characterized by forests and fields inland (45 km). In Horsens you can visit a former state prison. Vitus Bering, a celebrity in his town, sailed the Bering Strait, named after him, between America and Asia in the 18th century. Even the city park commemorates him.

On your bike tour on the Danish Baltic Sea, you will now head north. With a view of the glittering Baltic Sea and the fresh sea breeze in your nose, you will reach Norsminde. On the further way to Aarhus there are numerous possibilities for a longer break at the beach. Denmark's second largest city impresses with a variety of remarkable sights, a first-class restaurant landscape and a lively cultural scene, as well as its friendly relaxed atmosphere.

After breakfast your bike tour on the Danish Baltic Sea already ends. We are happy to extend your stay with an extra night in Aarhus.