Getting outside for a long walk during lockdown
Photographs: Erin Gustafson
Text: Erin Gustafson
You may look outside your window at the cold and damp and deem winter in Denmark unworthy of outdoor pursuits. But as the old adage goes, there is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing. So, bundle up and bring your packed lunch or warm drinks along for a little Danish hiking inspiration.
Did you know that Denmark has thousands and thousands of kilometres of walking and trekking paths spanning different parts of the country? Come winter, the Danish landscape affords gorgeous variations with wide-open vistas through farmlands, forests and beaches right along the sea. Many of these routes were designed for multi-day trekking, and when it’s safe to do so, you can book stays along the way. Until then, why not consider tackling a section or two of these nature-filled paths.
ON ZEALAND
Amarmino
27 kilometres - Amager
One of the newest trails is the Amarmino and is a perfect example of Denmark’s nature right next door to urban settings. Right outside Copenhagen, starting points in Amager are easily accessible by public transportation. Hike through green Amager Fælled, then along the canal and out to the fort at adorable sea village of Dragør.
Tisvildevejen
77 kilometres - Esrum to Tisvildeleje
Serene scenery starts at the historic Esrum Kloster, and the first two stages take you through one of Denmark’s oldest growth forests – Gribskov. Through the trees, keep an eye out for the huge herd of Fallow Deer and look to the trees to spot the resident Osprey and Sea Eagles. The last two stages take you along the shores of the Arresø and through villages inhabited since Viking times and then ends straight in the sea at adorable Tisvildeleje on the North Zealand coast.
Camønoen
175 kilometres - Islands of Møn, Nyord and Bogo
Less than two hours south of the Danish capital brings you to the beautiful island landscape of Møn. You may know of the stunning limestone cliffs at Møns Klint, but the paths here are only part of the gorgeous Camønoen. Traipse across the small bridge to the little island of Nyord through a marshy refuge to find migrating birds. The tiny carless village of Nyord is a perfect place for a pause. When open, the Møn Museum in Stege is ideal for getting local information and planning your route.
ON FUNEN
South Funen Archipelago Trail | Øhavsstien
220 kilometres - Southern part of Funen, Tåsinge, Langeland, Ærø
One of the prettiest and most impressive trails takes you along the southern shores of Funen and potentially aboard ferries to the lovely string of islands sitting nearby in the blue Baltic sea. Along the hikers only track, you’ll find bird reserves as you pass castles and villages to get a real Danish island feel. Plan ahead to take part in the Danish Fjällräven Classic – happening this coming July 2021 along a section of the archipelago trail. Tickets and details will be available soon.
ON JUTLAND
Coast to Coast Path | Kyst til Kyst Stien
Pick one or more of the twelve sections this winter that takes you from the east coast of Jutland to the west. Begin in Vejle and pass through the hilly moraine countryside that has been shaped by the last ice age. Follow river valleys and past farms to ultimately end at the Blue Flag beach of Blåvandshuk.