Through Sorø's Lake District on Two Wheels

National Cycling Route N6 connects Esbjerg with Copenhagen across Denmark, and on the stretch through Sorø Municipality, the route passes through one of Zealand's most distinctive lake landscapes. Here, wooded hills, quiet lakes and an academy town with nearly a thousand years of history come together.

Arriving from the West

Coming along the route from the Slagelse side, the landscape gradually changes character as you approach Sorø. The flat fields give way to a more undulating terrain with deciduous forest and rolling hills. Even before reaching the town, you sense the special atmosphere created by the large forests and lakes — a feeling of cycling into a nature reserve in the middle of Zealand.

Sorø — Academy Town by the Lake

Sorø grew up around Sorø Academy, founded by Absalon in the 12th century. The monastery church from that period remains the town's defining landmark, standing just a few hundred metres from the lakeshore. The town radiates a calm, almost contemplative mood that fits perfectly with a rest stop in the middle of the cycling route. Paths along Sorø Lake let locals and visitors enjoy views across the water.

The Lakes Around Sorø

The municipality holds a remarkable network of lakes. Sorø Sø, Pedersborg Sø and Tuel Sø sit like pearls on a string in the landscape south of town. Between the lakes stretch woodland areas such as Alsted Skov and Bromme Plantage, which together form one of Central Zealand's largest continuous nature areas. The cycling route passes close to several of these lakes, and the views alternate between water surfaces, treetops and open meadows.

The England Route — Historical Connection

The N6 also carries the nickname the England Route, because it follows ancient trade roads between Jutland's west coast and Zealand. Trade with England shaped the towns along the route for centuries. Sorø, with its position in the middle of Zealand, was a natural hub — the monastery attracted pilgrims, and the academy became a centre of Danish learning. This historical dimension gives the route an extra layer of storytelling.

Landscape and Surface

The stretch through Sorø Municipality offers varied terrain. The hilly landscape around the lakes provides short but noticeable climbs, followed by pleasant descents with views. The surface is predominantly asphalt on quiet municipal roads and cycle paths, with some passages on well-maintained gravel tracks through the woodland areas. The route suits both regular bikes and e-bikes.

Practical Information

Sorø Station sits directly on the route and offers train connections to Copenhagen and Ringsted. The route is consistently signed as National Cycling Route N6 with blue signs. Detailed maps and GPS tracks are available on the official route website.

Experiences in the Area

Sorø Municipality offers far more than the cycling route itself. Sorø Art Museum by the lakeshore, the hiking trails at the Tystrup-Bavelse lakes and the many forest paths invite day trips. The Academy Garden behind the monastery church is one of Zealand's most beautiful park grounds, freely accessible all year round. For more experiences and inspiration for activities in West Zealand, visit destinationsjaelland.dk — here you will find current tips on nature, culture and attractions in the region.