National Cycle Route N7 – Around Zealand via Sorø (Cycle Route)

National Cycle Route N7 – Around Zealand through Sorø

Between Ringsted and Slagelse, National Cycle Route N7 – Sjælland Rundt passes through some of the most beautiful inland scenery in West Zealand. The route, which stretches a total of 231 kilometres around the entire island of Zealand, crosses through Sorø Municipality with its deep forests, clear lakes and historic cultural landscape. This is a stretch where the bicycle almost glides on its own, and where you are constantly tempted to stop and take in the view.

Through the academy town of Sorø

The route leads directly through Sorø, the old academy town on the shores of Sorø Lake. Here stands Sorø Academy with roots dating back to the Middle Ages, and Absalon's burial site in the adjacent monastery church still draws visitors. Sorø is one of those towns on Zealand where history literally grows out of the walls, and as a cyclist you can feel the town's calm, academic atmosphere as you roll through its old streets. Along Sorø Lake, the lakeside path invites a short detour, and in summer you can take a dip from the public bathing jetties.

Kongskilde and the Suså River

South of Sorø, the route passes Kongskilde Nature Centre, which is an obvious spot for a break. The centre sits by the upper reaches of the Suså River, where the waterway meanders quietly through the meadows, and it is one of those places where you truly sense West Zealand's undisturbed nature. The landscape around Kongskilde is characterised by old commons and open woodland, and the birdlife along the river is rich – it is not uncommon to spot kingfishers along the banks in the early morning hours.

Forests and hills west of Sorø

West of Sorø, the route offers a rolling moraine landscape of fields, hedgerows and scattered farms. The terrain is gently undulating but never steep enough to feel heavy on the pedals. The large forest areas at Bromme Plantage and Broby Vesterskov lie close to the route, and a detour along the forest paths rewards with silence and the distinctive scent of beech forest and damp earth that belongs to the West Zealand inland.

From Alsted towards Slagelse

Continuing westward, the route passes the small villages of Alsted and Lynge, where thatched farms and old village ponds bear witness to a community that has preserved its character through centuries. From here it is a peaceful ride into Slagelse, where N7 connects with other national and regional cycle routes. The stretch between Alsted and Slagelse offers open views across flat West Zealand, and on clear days you can glimpse the coast at the Great Belt on the horizon.

Practical information

N7 is signposted with blue route numbers, and the stretch through Sorø Municipality is approximately 40 kilometres long. The surface alternates between paved country roads and quiet gravel paths, and the route is suitable for both road bikes and hybrid bicycles. Along the way there are several accommodation options, from shelters in nature to bed and breakfasts in the small towns. Sorø town also has supermarkets, cafés and bicycle services, making it a natural place to stop and restock.

Experiences in the area

Sorø Municipality offers much more than the cycle route itself. The Tystrup-Bavelse Lakes south of town are one of Zealand's largest connected lake areas and a protected nature paradise with hiking trails and bird watching towers. The Suså River can be explored by canoe, and the many forests in the municipality have marked hiking routes for all levels. Culturally, there is the Sorø Art Museum, summer concerts at the academy and local farm shops with fresh produce. For even more experiences in West Zealand, visit destinationsjaelland.dk.