Jyderupstien (Cycle Route)

Across West Zealand's wildest nature on two wheels

The Jyderupstien stretches 52 kilometres from Svinninge Vejle in the north to Kongskilde Nature Centre at the Tystrup-Bavelse lakes in the south. The route crosses two municipalities – Holbæk and Sorø – connecting some of West Zealand's most remarkable natural areas in one long, continuous trail. A marked cycling route of nearly 20 kilometres follows parts of the path, while the rest can be covered on quiet gravel roads, forest tracks and municipal roads where car traffic is virtually absent.

The starting point at Svinninge Vejle sits at the edge of the vast lowland area that was once an arm of the Isefjord. From here the trail heads south through a landscape that changes character every few kilometres: open fields give way to dense deciduous forest, flat meadows make room for rolling moraine hills, and along the way lakes and bogs appear between the farmland.

Åmosen Nature Park and Skarresø

One of the absolute highlights of the route is the passage through Åmosen Nature Park, Northern Europe's largest continuous lowland bog. The area is home to an exceptionally rich variety of wildlife and plants, and from the trail you can experience the flat, seemingly endless bogland that has attracted humans since the Stone Age. Archaeological finds from Åmosen rank among the most important in Northern Europe, and the landscape still bears clear traces of millennia of human activity.

Further south the route passes Skarresø, one of Zealand's most beautiful forest lakes, surrounded by ancient beech forest. Large flocks of waterfowl gather here, and with a little patience you can spot white-tailed eagle, osprey and kingfisher from the path along the shore. Skarresø lies hidden behind the forests like a secret most Zealanders have never discovered – and that is precisely what makes it special for cyclists who have time to stop.

Historical traces along the way

Near Ruds Vedby the medieval castle Vedbygård rises from the landscape with its distinctive tower and surrounding moat. The estate dates back to the 14th century and is one of West Zealand's most prominent historical landmarks. A little further south, Kulebjerg Overdrev spreads across a sun-facing slope with a unique flora – orchids, thyme and bird's-foot trefoil bloom here in early summer, and the grassland is one of the most species-rich in the entire region.

The trail ends at Kongskilde Nature Centre, beautifully situated by Lake Tystrup. The centre serves as a starting point for numerous hiking and cycling routes around the Tystrup-Bavelse lakes and is an ideal place to round off the ride with a break by the water.

Practical information for cyclists

The Jyderupstien primarily follows smaller gravel roads and forest tracks, so a bicycle with wide tyres or a gravel bike is the best choice. The route is marked on parts of the stretch, and along the way you will find shelters, toilets, fishing platforms and observation towers that make it easy to take breaks or stay overnight. The terrain is predominantly flat to gently rolling, and the route can comfortably be managed by active families with children, although the full distance requires a reasonable level of fitness.

The Jyderupstien is ideal for those who want to experience West Zealand's nature away from the major cycling routes. It is quiet here, it is beautiful, and you rarely meet anyone other than locals and the most dedicated nature lovers. Find more cycling experiences in the area at destinationsjaelland.dk.