One-week cycle tour on the Kulturringen cycle route

You cycle on the signposted cycle route, Kulturringen. The route follows paved side roads and cycle paths and is well marked with large, easily recognisable signs. The cycling route is hilly and if you are not in training, you can also choose to take the tour on an electric bike.

The daily stages are organised so that you can stay overnight in a hotel, inn or similar each night. This is a do-it-yourself tour where you book your own accommodation and transport.

See an overview map of the entire Kulturringen here.

Day 0: Arrival in Aarhus

Aarhus is Denmark's second largest city. The city has a rich cultural life and accommodation options in all price ranges.

Find accommodation in Aarhus.

Day 1: Aarhus - Femmøller Strand: 62 km

You start your bike ride a few metres from Aarhus Cathedral. Follow the Kulturringen cycle route north along Aarhus' new modern harbour district. The ride is coastal and you'll have beautiful views of Aarhus Bay for most of the morning. In Rønde, which has a lively commercial life, you can have lunch. You'll then cycle into the Mols Bjerge National Park with its magnificent Ice Age landscape. You'll pass the top attraction Kalø Castle Ruins, Poskær Stone House and the viewpoints Agri Bavnehøj and Trehøje. Today's stage ends at Femmøller Strand.

Suggestions for accommodation:
Fuglsø Centre

Day 2: Femmøller Strand - Allingåbro: 35 km

Today you head north. In Rostved you can experience wooden sculptures created by artist Birger Holmgaard. The sculptures tell the story of Nordic mythology and the gods Thor and Odin. Visit the church in Thorsager. It is Jutland's only round church, the baptismal font is 800 years old, and you can climb up the church tower and enjoy the view of the area's many burial mounds.

Local wine is also grown in the area. Between Pindstrup and Allingåbro you can cycle on a car-free stretch on a disused railway. South of Allingåbro is the Gammel Estrup Manor Museum. Today's stage is short, so you'll have plenty of time to experience the nobleman's parlours and halls, get close to the history of the manor's operation and take a walk in the Baroque garden.

Suggestions for accommodation:
Allingåbro Hotel - Bed & Breakfast
Auning Inn

Day 3: Allingåbro - Nimtofte: 49 km

Today you'll enjoy views of Randers Fjord, reaching Kattegat and the coast of Norddjursland. The bike ride takes you through unique natural areas and past several manor houses and estates: Stenalt Manor was built in Italianate style in the 1700s, Hevringholm Manor dates back to the 1300s.

At Estrup Manor you can visit Estruplund Church with well-preserved frescoes and the burial place of British pilots who were shot down during World War II. In Voer is the Coast and Fjord Centre: Learn more about life by the fjord or visit the café. You'll also cycle past the stone dykes at Tustrup. It is one of Denmark's largest passage graves and most important ancient monuments.

Suggestions for accommodation:
Lübker Golf Resort

Sanggaarden

Day 4: Nimtofte - Hadsten: 58 km

Today you cycle westwards and leave Djursland. You cycle past several village churches from the Middle Ages. Approximately 8 km from the cycle route is the Scandinavian Wildlife Park. At Ryomgård, you can get an insight into railway history at the Djursland Railway Museum. At the Renaissance Rosenholm Castle you can take a guided tour and learn about the history of the noble family Rosenkranz. Clausholm Castle and its baroque park are also open to the public. The stage ends in Hadsten, which is home to Modelbane Europa.

Suggestions for accommodation:
Motel Hadsten

Day 5: Hadsten - Pøt Mølle: 55 km

Today's stage is characterised by nature and water: First you cycle along Denmark's longest river, Gudenåen. The river has played an important role in transport and fishing, and the water power has been utilised for energy production. You might see an otter, heron or kingfisher. Along the river you can experience Dannebropladsen and the Prandra Trail. You'll cycle past Ulstrup Castle and Bidstrup Manor. The last part of the tour goes through moors, forests and agricultural areas before you reach Pøt Mølle in the Frijsenborg forests. Pøt Mølle has functioned as a grain mill, water mill and is now an inn.

Suggestions for accommodation:
Pøt Mølle - Frijsenborg Slotskro

Day 6: Pøt Mølle - Alken: 47.5 km (from here train back to Aarhus)

Today you'll reach Søhøjlandet, known for its large beech forests, lakes, river valleys and Denmark's highest mountains. The stage is very hilly, so allow plenty of time! From Pøt Mølle you cycle south past the impressive Frijsenborg Castle and Wedeslund Estate and through the villages of Sjelle, Galten, Nr. Vissing and Javngyde. At Knudssø you'll find an attractive lake bath.

Continue along the lakeshore to Ry. The town is rich in artists, craftsmen and outdoor enthusiasts who use the lakes and forests for outdoor activities. If you want to visit Himmelbjerget, you can take the tour boat from Ry. From Ry, continue through the hilly forests and along Mossø. Visit Øm Monastery with ruin park, monastery garden and museum. Your cycling tour ends in Alken, where you take the regional train back to Aarhus.

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The text is produced with support from the Danish Business Promotion Board.