Ice Age Route - cycling route
The Ice Age Route is a journey through Denmark’s earliest history, set against a stunning landscape that evokes a deep sense of freedom and connection to nature. Cycle down to the coast across meadows and marshes or through quiet woodlands, and visit the many charming towns that offer both welcome breaks and cultural experiences.
You can embrace the full route with overnight stays along the way – or enjoy a day trip along the circular trail through Lejre.
The Ice Age Route offers a unique journey through time, where the glacial shaping of the landscape tells a remarkable story – all connected by a 390-kilometre cycling route. Ride along ancient tracks from when Denmark was little more than gravel and stones carried by ice from the far north. The Ice Age Route is perfect for a cycling holiday, a day trip, or an evening ride – all year round.
A landscape that tells its own story
Experience first-hand how, around 20,000 years ago, the Ice Age shaped the landscapes of Fjordlandet – the fjord country. Follow the unique geological traces left behind when the land was shaped by retreating glaciers. Along the way, you’ll pass monasteries, historic towns, manor houses, cultural sites and ancient monuments.
Nature and cultural experiences for everyone
The Ice Age Route is full of sights and experiences. No matter where you are on the trail, you are never far from information and opportunities to explore the natural and cultural heritage that defines the area.
Two of the route's stages pass through Fjordlandet and offer highlights like Lejre Land of Legends – an open-air museum and immersive experience for the whole family. It features reconstructed houses and environments from the Stone Age, Iron Age, Viking Age and the 1800s, as well as working workshops and traditional Danish livestock breeds – all set in 43 hectares of rolling countryside, forests, lakes and meadows.
A thousand years of human presence
You’ll also travel through the Skjoldungernes Land National Park , where people have lived since prehistoric times and left their mark. It’s no wonder – the park offers some of Denmark’s most scenic landscapes, rich in natural beauty and cultural heritage. Visit the great deciduous forests of central Zealand, with winding trails and well-equipped campsites inviting you to linger.
Even more to discover
Don't miss Tempelkrogen, where an award-winning nature restoration project has re-established the original water levels in part of the historic valley; Elverdamsdalen. The area is now a haven for birdlife. Also, make sure to visit Tadre Mill – the last functioning watermill in Elverdamsdalen. Take a walk around the mill pond and see the historic limestone quarry.
Other attractions along the route include Denmark’s first UNESCO-certified geopark – Geopark Odsherred – as well as the Åmosen Nature Park, Brorfelde Observatory and Museum Vestsjælland (Museum of West Zealand).
Wonderful Art and Delicious Local Produce
As you travel through Lejre, you’ll come across a number of small places where you can enjoy great experiences and have a friendly chat with passionate locals. On the edge of Bidstrup Forests, you’ll find Overdrevet Art/ Atelier HeNoChBa — a home, studio, gallery, and sculpture garden run by two professional artists: Christella Bamford and Helge Nordstrøm.
Along the stream that flows from Lejre Station to Osted, you’ll also find Hegnsholt Farm Shop, where you can enjoy a good cup of coffee, a bun, and delicious organic vegetables grown locally. You can even take a walk by the animal enclosures and greet the animals.
Stages through Fjordlandet
The route is divided into “A-to-B” stages, with several loops and circular trails along the way. For example, you can enjoy a scenic round tour through the glacial landscape around Lejre. The loop begins and ends at Lejre Station – making it easy to bring your bike on the train.