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Denmark’s National Route No. 8 - Rudbøl-Møn
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The route starts at Rudbøl in the west on the Danish-German border and crosses Denmark to the island of Møn on Sealand – known for its fabulous white chalk cliffs.
The first part of the route is characterised by the borderland and its history, which both unites and divides the two cultures. The rest of the route is characterised by the sea, the fjords, the many islands and the small ferries. You could almost describe the route as an island-hopping tour, as you will be crossing no fewer than 9 islands.
The route, which is 360km long, is fairly flat and includes several cosy ferry trips. Only 5% is unmetalled, and you may go in either direction. It follows small county roads, forest roads and lanes, tracks and cycle tracks. You need these country maps to cover the entire route: Sønderjyllands Amt, Fyns Amt and Storstrøms Amt.
A good place to start is Rudbøl Grænsekro. This inn serves good regional dishes from South Jutland. This is an interesting area for dining, and a lot of the old dishes and specialities may still be had, making meals a pleasant treat.
Once you have decided to leave Rudbøl, the next stop will be Møgeltønder and Schackenborg, where the very popular Danish Prince Joachim lives with his wife, Princess Alexandra, and their son, Nicolai. The palace garden may be visited by guided tour on certain days. Møgeltønder is a charming little town, whose main street is protected from development.
The next stop is Tønder, an extremely cosy town with an adorable centre and fine shopping opportunities. From Tønder, the route takes you to Padborg, where you will be cycling on the Gendarmestien to Hørup Hav, a little distance from Sønderborg. The track follows Flensborg fjord so closely that you feel you are almost going in the water. At Dybbøl Banke you will see the redoubts, Historiecenter Dybbøl Banke and Dybbøl Mølle, relics of the Danish-German wars of 1864.
Once in Sønderborg, you will be captivated by the lovely situation of the town on the seaside and the beautiful Sønderborg slot, which is now a museum and a natural starting point for exploring the plentiful sights of this small town.
The route passes Als and continues on to Fynshav, where you may go by ferry to Bøjden on the island of Funen. The southern part of Funen is a lovely cycling area. The route runs along the coast and one fabulous view after another reveal the numerous small islands scattered across the waters. Fåborg and Svendborg are another two gems, both with well-preserved urban environments and exquisite cultural sights, including the Danish COBRA artists at Fåborg Museum or the Maritim Center in Svendborg, from where you may go on a day trip on an old wooden ship. There is a bridge between Fyn and Tåsinge, where you proceed through the town of Troense. Valdemarslot is certain to take your breath away.
Another bridge leads from Tåsinge to Langeland. Here there is ample opportunity to make a detour either to the northern or southern part of the island before going by ferry to Lolland.
If you like flowers and parks, an interesting small detour takes you to Frederiksdal Naturcenter and Købelevhaven to the north of the route. Otherwise, just continue to Nakskov, which is a well-preserved, 700-year old little town. You may take the mail boat from Nakskov around Nakskov fjord, go on a trip to the fjord with a ranger or visit the Whiskey class U359 Russian submarine, where modern technology allows you to sense what it must have been like during the cold war.
The Pederstrup manor, the setting of Rewentlovmuseet, Søholt Park and the romantic manor park at Fuglsang provide an introduction to the country-house ambiance of these islands.The small harbours at Bandholm and Kragenæs offer excellent opportunities to take a trip to one of the small islands, such as Femø or Fejø, where you can feel what it is like to live on a desert island.
Probably the greatest attraction in Lolland is the impressive Knuthenborg Safari Park. Designed in the English style, the park has a miniature castle, typical houses, a bird park and a swan lake surrounded by trees and flowerbeds. You will meet exotic and wild animals from all over the globe in the huge open areas. Cyclists need to take the bus through those areas where vehicles are required.
Leaving Nykøbing F, the route winds north to Stubbekøbing where there is a ferry to Bogø. Cross the dam from Bogø to Møn, which is a gem in the Baltic and offers many wonderful sights. Klintholm Gods and Liselund Slot with their beautiful parks make you feel like going on a picnic or excursion.
Møns Klint is one of the most characteristic sceneries in Denmark. The cliff, almost 8km long and made of chalk, is about 100m high at its peak. Whether you are standing on the beach looking up or you are on the top looking down, you are bound to get a sinking feeling. Not only is the dramatic cliff a sight in itself, but the nearby forest and the open landscape is also very interesting. The legend of the cliff king will no doubt excite the imagination of children. The beach is rather stony and the strong current makes the sea unsuitable for swimming.
Search for accommodation and attractions along the route. LINK TIL GUIDEDK
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