Bike tour in southern Jutland

The active bike tour in Southern Jutland begins in Flensburg, the northernmost port city of Germany. Flensburg used to be a trading and fishing settlement with a turbulent history. Medieval buildings, picturesque courtyards and the Nordertor stand witness to 750-years of history. The town became wealthy due to the rum trade with the Caribbean. Its history is displayed at the Rum Museum. There are still rum houses in Flensburg to this day keeping the tradition alive.

The first stage of the South Jutland tour takes you from Flensburg across the German-Danish border. Cycle along the Flensburg Fjord to Gråsten. The castle here is known as the summer residence of the Danish royal family. The decisive battle of the German-Danish War took place nearby in Dybbøl in 1864. In Sønderborg, the Sønderborg Slot is worth a visit. It houses a museum dedicated to the history of the region. Åbenrå today's destination is characterized by a closed ensemble of bourgeois and craftsmen's houses.

Today, the cycle route takes you to Haderslev. Situated on a peninsula, the old town is dominated by the Frue Domkirke. The church is considered Denmark's most beautiful place of worship. Visit the Haderslever Museum. It displays a remarkable collection of prehistoric finds. Its residential architecture is typical of Southern Jutland. The Koldinghus in Kolding will immediately catch your eye. Climb the Kæmpetårn. From the castle tower which used to be part of a fortress, you have a fabulous view over the town and Kolding Fjord.

Today you cycle from Kolding Fjord to the North Sea! You leave Kolding in a western direction crossing southern Jutland. Follow the even path until you reach Esbjerg. Founded just over 150 years ago, Esbjerg developed into the most important port city on the Danish North Sea coast. One of the town's landmarks is the Vandtårnet right by its harbor. From the top of the 33-metre-high water tower, you have a view over the town, the harbour and the Wadden Sea all the way to the island of Fanø. Make a detour to the beach at Sædding. The striking sculpture group Man by the Sea towers over the beach.

You start today's stage of your South Jutland tour with the ferry trip (not included) to the island of Fanø. In around 12 minutes, you will cross over to the second northernmost of the Danish Wadden Sea islands. Cycle around the picturesque island and explore the small towns of Nordby and Sønderho. Or how about sunbathing on the fine sandy beach on the west coast? Take the ferry (not included) back to Esbjerg. Your destination for the day is Ribe. The old town is characterized by crooked cobbled streets, crooked half-timbered houses and the strikingly uneven towers of its cathedral.

From Ribe, the first stop is the island of Mandø. The tidal island can be reached from Vester Vedsted (by tractor bus, not included) at low tide via a gravel causeway. The Koresand at the southwest of the island is impressive. Take a ride in a horse-drawn carrige to the largest sandbank in the Wadden Sea. With a bit of luck, you will find amber which washes up at the sandbanks or just observe sunbathing seals. Back on the mainland, head to the next island - Rømø.  Cycle to the island via the Rømødæmningen road causeway. Here you'll see its rich biodiversity and miles of sandy beaches. You will spend the night in the main town of Havneby.

In Havneby, you board the ferry to Sylt. Let the fresh North Sea breeze blow around your nose on the nine nautical mile crossing and enjoy the view across the Wadden Sea. You will reach List on Sylt, the northernmost municipality in Germany. Strengthen yourself with a fish sandwich at the harbor. Choose your own route on Sylt. Along the way, you will encounter wide meadows, dunes, long sandy beaches and peacefully grazing sheep - simply wonderful! From Westerland, take the train back to the mainland via the Hindenburgdamm. You will spend the night in Niebüll.

The last stage of your South Jutland tour takes you back to Denmark. A long rest Møgeltønder is worthwhile. The town boasts Denmark's most beautiful village streets. The cobbled lime avenue lined with thatched-roof houses leads to Schackenborg Castle.  The nearby town Tønder was famous for the lace-making the craft is displayed at the Drøhses Hus. You cycle briskly back to Flensburg along the border.

Your South Jutland tour ends after breakfast. We are happy to extend your stay in Flensburg with an extra night.