Fodsporet: Dalmose – Slagelse (Cycle Route)

Cycling route along the disused railway between Dalmose and Slagelse

Imagine a stretch where trains once ran and where the tracks have long since been replaced by a wide, level path surrounded by greenery. The Fodsporet between Dalmose and Slagelse is exactly that – a 14.2 kilometre cycling route along the old railway bed that once connected the villages of southwest Zealand with the town of Slagelse. Today the former railway has been transformed into one of the best-maintained and most family-friendly cycling routes in Slagelse Municipality, offering a distinctive blend of nature, cultural history and outdoor activity.

A path with railway history beneath your wheels

The disused railway between Næstved and Slagelse via Dalmose was once a vital transport artery for agriculture and the small station towns of West Zealand. When train services ceased, the railway bed was preserved as a nature trail, and you can still feel it as you cycle along the flat, virtually gradient-free stretch. The surface is firm and suitable for both bicycles and pushchairs, and the wide verges make it safe to ride with children. Along the route you pass through the old station villages, where you can still sense the era when the platforms were full of travellers and freight wagons.

Pockets of nature between the fields

Although the path runs through a predominantly agricultural landscape, the railway bed itself is a narrow green sanctuary of wild vegetation, shrubs and scattered clusters of trees. Birdlife is abundant – particularly in spring you can hear skylarks over the open fields and see buzzards circling above the hills near Flakkebjerg. The level terrain makes the route ideal for longer family outings, and there are good opportunities to rest at the exercise stations and playgrounds scattered along the trail. Shelters along the way invite overnight stays under the open sky, should you wish to turn the ride into a little two-day adventure.

QR codes and stories along the way

One of the route's special qualities is the QR codes found at selected points along the path. Scan them with your phone and you will receive short stories about the local nature, cultural history and the people who lived and worked here. This gives the cycling route an extra dimension – particularly for families with curious children who want to learn more about the places they are riding through. The stories cover everything from geology and local wildlife to the history of the railway and its importance for the small communities along the route.

Practical and easily accessible

The starting point at Stationsvej in Dalmose is easy to find, and there is good parking both here and at Flakkebjerg as well as Skalsbjerg and Sludsstrup along the way. The route ends at Slagelse Station, which makes it possible to combine the cycle ride with train transport in one direction – a practical solution for families who prefer not to cycle the same way back. The Fodsporet is part of a larger trail network totalling 48 kilometres that connects Næstved, Dalmose, Slagelse and Skælskør, so you can extend the trip according to inclination and fitness.

Experiences nearby

Slagelse offers a wealth of possibilities once the cycling tour is over. The Viking fortress Trelleborg lies just a few kilometres south of the town and is an obvious destination for the whole family. In Slagelse itself you will find cosy pedestrian streets, cafés and the historic town centre with St Michael's Church. To the west you can continue to Korsør and the beautiful waterfront overlooking the Great Belt. If you wish to explore more of the West Zealand landscape, the area around Skælskør offers coastal scenery and charming small towns. Visit destinationsjaelland.dk for more experiences and inspiration for your visit to West Zealand.