EuroVelo route 12 brings together two of Denmark's most beautiful national cycle routes. First, upon arrival by ferry from Sweden, along the East Coast Route from Grenaa to Skagen, and then against the entire West Coast Route from Skagen to the German border. The scenery is stunning, the east coast of Jutland offers scenic fjords, peaceful bays and open water, but without the harsh winds of the North Sea. One of the highlights of the West Coast is the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Wadden Sea. Another is the dune landscape of Thy National Park and the country's oldest town, Ribe.
Highlights on the route
Grenen in Skagen
Grenen is one of Denmark's most spectacular natural experiences, where you can stand at the northernmost tip of Jutland and see the waves f…
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Points of interest
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Stage 1 / 14
Grenaa-Hadsund
93.3km
6-9hours
↗ 616m
↘ 621m
At Udbyhøj, Randers Fjord is crossed using a cable ferry. The dolmen at Hevring Å is actually one of the largest in the country. In Bønnerup, the fishing harbor is still active, and the cozy town is perfect for a lunch break. Djurs Sommerland is the largest in the Nordic region, and the roller coasters are the biggest in Denmark, so enjoy!
This stage goes through Mariagerfjord, Norddjurs and Randers municipalities.
Highlights
Huge Aqua Park in Djurs Sommerland
Show on map ↗69.7km
4-7hours
↗ 247m
↘ 245m
The moraine hills at Dokkedal offer a beautiful view of the Kattegat and Lille Vildmose, and there are marked hiking trails in the area. The ferry ride across the Limfjord takes five minutes. Tofte Lake is home to several birds, including one of the country's largest cormorant colonies. The beach meadows at Asaa and Geraa have been designated as a game reserve: a mini tidal sea with lots of migratory and breeding birds.
This stage goes through Aalborg, Brønderslev, Mariagerfjord og Rebild municipalities.
Highlights
Kutterne ved Hals
87.9km
5-8hours
↗ 255m
↘ 261m
If you like collecting amber, park your bike at Professorens Plantage between Sæby and Lyngså. If you like steep hills, you can cycle into Sæbygård Forest. The maritime centre of North Jutland is Frederikshavn, which is still a maritime town with ferries to Sweden, Norway and Læsø. Only the tower peeks up at the 'sandy church' at Skagen, and you should also visit the hiking dune Råbjerg Mile: a mini desert with 35-40 metre high dune.
This stage leads through Brønderslev and Frederikshavn municipalities
Highlights
Sæby Kirke - Monastery church
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56.0km
3-6hours
↗ 233m
↘ 223m
The church of Sct. Laurent at Skagen is almost totally covered by sand, and you should also visit the migrating dune Råbjerg Mile: a mini desert with 35-40 meters high piles of sand. Birds and fish:In Bindslev you’ll find the Eagleworld National Park and in Hirtshals The North Sea Oceanarium, Northern Europe's second largest aquarium.
This stage goes through Hjørring and Frederikshavn Municipality.
Highlights
The North Sea Oceanarium
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Råbjerg Mile
Show on map ↗61.9km
4-6hours
↗ 312m
↘ 302m
Midway on the stage is Rubjerg Knude, famous for its steep slopes and walking dunes. Rubjerg Lighthouse was moved 70 meters inland in 2019, and the view from the top is magnificent. Between Blokhus and Løkken you bike directly on the sandy beach, and in Løkken it is worth tasting the local produce.
This stage goes through Jammerbugt and Hjørring Municipality
Highlights
© Lynet, Fårup Sommerland
Fårup Sommerland – amusement park
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Rubjerg Knude
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© Løkken Turistbureau
Løkken Beach
Show on map ↗23.3km
1-3hours
↗ 65m
↘ 84m
It is easy to understand why this part of the West Coast has become a popular tourist area. The beach is one of the best in Northern Europe, and Blokhus offers a lot of good holiday experiences. Would you like to see some art? The gallery Lien in Slettestrand is very beautiful and exhibits works by Cobra painters, among others.
This stage passes through the municipality of Jammerbugt.
Highlights
Museum for Papirkunst (paper art)
Blokhus sculpture park
66.4km
4-7hours
↗ 268m
↘ 267m
At Vigsø, bunkers from the Second World War lie exposed on the beach – remember to bring your swimwear! Take time to enjoy the experience, if a few of the red deer in the dune plantation at Hjardemål suddenly appear. And to enjoy the view from Bulbjerg, a 47 meters high limestone cliff where the kittiwake breeds.
This stage goes through Thisted and Jammerbugt Municipality.
Highlights
© Destination Nordvestkysten
Bulbjerg
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© Jakob Kusk
Vigsø WWII Battery
Show on map ↗11.5km
1-2hours
↗ 30m
↘ 30m
The stage is short, but rich in the very special nature experiences of National Park Thy. Nors and Vandet are, for example, two of the country's cleanest lakes, more than 20 meters deep. For early risers the fish auction in Hanstholm is a fun experience and If you are into water sports, the fishing village Klitmøller is the right place to choose.
This stage goes through Thisted Municipality.
Highlights
© Thy Billeder ved Kristian Amby
Lake Angling in Nors Sø and Vandet Sø in Thy National Park
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Cycling at Hanstholm
61.6km
4-6hours
↗ 169m
↘ 177m
The 35-meter high Lodbjerg Lighthouse is placed in the middle of a large heath and plantation area. You can spend the night in shelters close to the lighthouse, and if you want to go hiking, there are many marked trails in the area. In Torup Klitplantage you may be lucky to see deer and roe deer. The stage includes a 14-minute sailing trip with the ferry between Agger and Thyborøn.
This stage goes through Thisted and Lemvig Municipality.
Highlights
The coffee shop at Lodbjerg Lighthouse
Show on map ↗78.5km
5-8hours
↗ 202m
↘ 199m
A varied stage with two very bird-rich fjords, a 12th century church on the cliff and the fishing villages of Thyborøn and Thorsminde. In the first, you can pet fish at JyllandsAkvariet, go on a seal safari and enjoy a dip from one of the country's best beaches. The second is known for the exciting Strandingsmuseum St. George, among other things
This stage goes through Ringkøbing-Skjern, Lemvig and Holstebro Municipality.
Highlights
Bird life in Stadil Fjord
Ferring Church
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© Destination Nordvestkysten
Bovbjerg Lighthouse
Show on map ↗42.3km
2-4hours
↗ 138m
↘ 133m
On the beach at Søndervig you can see concrete bunkers from the Second World War, and you have plenty of opportunities for water sports here and in Hvide Sande. Abeline's Farm near Hvide Sande was a lifeguard's farm in the 19th century, and you can join in when rescue drills are held in the old lifeguard station. Have a look at the old rooms, where you will find a shop with a café.
This stage goes through Varde and Ringkøbing-Skjern Municipality
Highlights
"Esehusene" in Nymindegab
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Abeline's farm
Hikers at Hvide Sande
61.6km
4-6hours
↗ 239m
↘ 233m
You can go for a swim along the stage, and the view is magnificent from the 67 meter high migrating dune Blåbjerg.The cultural and natural history of the sea is tied together at The Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg, which also houses fish and seals. Oksbøl is known for the refugee camp that housed up to 35,000 Germans following World War II, and the FLUGT – Refugee Museum tells the story.
This stage goes through Esbjerg and Varde Municipality.
Highlights
The Fisheries and Maritime Museum in Esbjerg
Mountainbikere at Blåbjerg Klit Plantage
59.4km
3-6hours
↗ 138m
↘ 152m
From the fishing port in Esbjerg, the ferry sails out into the Wadden Sea National Park and to Fanø island in 12 minutes. The Wadden Sea Center is an architectural masterpiece, and it tells the story of the UNESCO world heritage and the life of migratory birds in an elegant way. The medieval town of Ribe is Denmark's oldest, and the cathedral from the beginning of the 12th century is open to visitors all year round.
This stage goes through Esbjerg and Tønder Municipality.
Highlights
The Wadden Sea Center in Vester Vedsted
© Ribe Domkirke
Ribe Cathedral Museum
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Men at sea in Esbjerg
42.1km
2-4hours
↗ 78m
↘ 77m
Part of the stage runs through Tøndermarsken: a unique man-made marshland, which is one of the country's richest bird areas. Perhaps you have heard about the ‘Black Sun’ phenomenon, where thousands of starlings gather in fantastic formations? You will also bike on country roads and along the dike facing the North Sea.
This stage goes through the municipality of Tønder.
Highlights
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Højer Mølle Rudbøl
Ballum Sluse
Tips & how-to
