Across West Zealand on two wheels

National cycle route N4 connects the dune landscapes of West Jutland with the capital on a 310-kilometre stretch, and as the route passes through Holbæk Municipality, it opens up to one of Zealand's most varied landscapes. Here you encounter the rolling moraine terrain shaped by the Ice Age thousands of years ago, rewarding you with panoramic views over the Isefjord, fertile farmland, and quiet villages where time seems to move a little slower than elsewhere.

From Kalundborg towards Holbæk

The route enters Holbæk Municipality from the west, leaving the Kalundborg area and heading east through the hilly landscape around Jyderup and Mørkøv. This section is characterised by small country roads winding between hills and valleys, with views of fields and forests. In Jyderup you can take a break in the old railway town and enjoy a cup of coffee before continuing towards Holbæk along quiet back roads that keep you well away from the major traffic arteries.

Holbæk – a fjord town with maritime roots

When you reach Holbæk, the fjord opens up before you. Holbæk is one of West Zealand's oldest market towns, with a well-maintained harbour where pleasure boats and traditional wooden vessels lie side by side. The town has a vibrant cultural scene with galleries, cafés, and the historic Holbæk Museum, which tells the story of life by the fjord. From the harbour you can gaze across the Isefjord towards Hornsherred on the other side – a sight that reminds you this was an important seafaring town long before the age of the automobile.

The Isefjord and the moraine landscape

The landscape around Holbæk was shaped by the last Ice Age, and you feel it in your legs. The route offers regular climbs and descents, but the reward is views you won't find in many other places on Zealand. The Isefjord is never far away, and on clear days you can make out the many inlets and headlands stretching into the calm water. Birdlife along the fjord is rich – keep an eye out for white-tailed eagles circling above the water and wading birds foraging on the shallow mudflats.

Combining with local routes

One of the strengths of the N4 route through Holbæk Municipality is the many opportunities to combine it with local cycling and walking trails. The Ice Age Route crosses the area and leads through Naturpark Åmosen, one of Northern Europe's largest bog areas with rich wildlife. The Jyderupstien connects Kongskilde with Svinninge and offers a peaceful ride through forests and along lakes. You can also branch off towards Tuse Næs, where Stiernes Sti leads you to the outermost tip of the fjord with wonderful views.

Practical information

The full N4 route from Søndervig to Copenhagen is 310 kilometres long, and approximately 90 per cent of the surface is asphalt. The section through Holbæk Municipality is suitable for regular bicycles and e-bikes. The route is marked with national cycle route signs and easy to follow. Holbæk has good train connections, so you can combine cycling and rail if you want to ride just one stage at a time. Start from Holbæk Station, for example, and head west towards Kalundborg or east towards Lejre and Roskilde.

Experiences nearby

Holbæk Municipality offers far more than the cycle route itself. Visit Brorfelde Observatory for stargazing and walks in the surrounding forests, or take a detour to Maglesø, nestled like a gem in the West Zealand woodland. Naturpark Åmosen invites you for birdwatching and nature walks, and along the Isefjord you'll find beaches and shelters for overnight stays in the open. For even more experiences in the area, visit destinationsjaelland.dk and let yourself be inspired for your next adventure on two wheels.