Fodsporet: Næstved–Dalmose (Cycle Route)

From Herlufsholm to Dalmose along the old railway

Fodsporet between Næstved and Dalmose is the longest and southernmost of the three stages on the 48 km nature trail that follows the disused railway line between Næstved, Slagelse and Skælskør. At 23.4 km, this stage offers a peaceful and varied cycling experience through the landscape of southwestern Zealand, where the flat railway bed makes the route accessible to everyone – including families with small children in bike seats.

A route with railway history in the asphalt

The railway between Næstved and Slagelse was built in 1892 and closed in 1971 when car traffic took over. Today the rails are long gone, but the course of the track can still be read in the landscape. The route starts at Herlufsholm Allé in Næstved, close to the historic Herlufsholm School with its parklands and the old monastery church. From here the trail leads westward through the gently rolling moraine landscape that characterises this part of Zealand.

Through villages and open countryside

Along the way the route passes through a series of small station villages that still bear the marks of the railway era. The old Fodby station is an ideal spot for a short break, and a little further on lies Hyllinge, where the landscape opens up with wide views across fields and meadows. The maximum gradient on the route is just 9.1 per cent, making it manageable even on a heavily loaded bicycle. QR codes are placed along the entire stretch, giving smartphone access to stories about the local nature, cultural history and the people who once lived along the railway line.

Facilities along the route

Fodsporet is equipped with good infrastructure for day trips or overnight cycling tours. There are shelters and barbecue huts along the way, and at several points you will find playgrounds, fitness stations, toilets and drinking water taps. Parking is available at Herlufsholm, the old Fodby station, Hyllinge and Sandved, so you can choose to cycle shorter sections if you prefer. The route is maintained by the Danish Nature Agency Storstrøm and is suitable for both regular bicycles and e-bikes.

The landscape between Næstved and Slagelse

The terrain along this part of Fodsporet is shaped by ice age deposits – flat moraine plains broken up by low-lying meadow areas where streams wind through the landscape. In spring, anemones bloom in the small patches of woodland along the route, and in summer insects hum over the wild flower meadows that have been allowed to spread along the old railway bed. It is a landscape that invites you to slow down and simply enjoy the ride.

Experiences in the area

From Fodsporet there is good access to a range of experiences in both Næstved and Slagelse municipalities. At the eastern starting point of the route lies Herlufsholm with its historic buildings and the beautiful parkland stretching down to the River Suså. To the west, from Dalmose you can continue along the two other stages of Fodsporet towards Slagelse and Skælskør respectively. In Sandved you will find the charming Sandved Kro, and the whole area offers farm shops and local experiences close to nature. Visit destinationsjaelland.dk for even more experiences in the area.