Surfer Klitmøller

Adventure sports in Denmark

Photo: Mette Johnsen

Daredevils and adrenaline junkies, this one's for you! Don't let Denmark's peaceful landscapes fool you: this flat and windswept country is made for adventure. Whether you're into mountain biking, kite surfing, kayaking or climbing, there are plenty of places to get your pulse pumping...

Let the extreme sports and adventure begin!

If your idea of a good time is trying something new that takes physical challenges to the limit, we've got a few of those right here, ready to show you just how wild and adventurous Denmark can be. Just think to yourself: what would a Viking do?

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Mountain biking

Silkeborg in the centre of Jutland is a special area for mountain bikers. The highest point, ‘Himmelbjerget’, is 147 metres above sea level and provides the surrounding forest areas with hilly, challenging, and entertaining tracks in lush green surroundings. Nearby you will also find Silkeborg BikePark, which has tracks for both beginners and hardy MTB bikers looking to put their nerves to the test.

Kitesurfing and surfing

Yes, Denmark is windy. That's good news for kite surfers, surfers and wind turbine operators alike. Cold Hawaii in Klitmøller, North Jutland, is the centre of extreme watersports in Denmark, where you can tumble around in the powerful ocean streams of the North Sea, ride mighty waves, and taste and feel the salt on your skin. You can also windsurf and kitesurf in destinations close to Copenhagen, including Amager and Ishøj, and enjoy SUP, kayaking and more at Lynæs in North Zealand.

Treeclimbing

Camp Adventure is known for its tower that takes you above the lush treetops, and is also a great place to climb trees. Buckle up and climb your way through the forest – jumping, leaping and gliding from treetop to treetop on its tricky high ropes course. Challenge your balancing skills and revel in the birds-eye view while enjoying the fresh breeze. It is a guaranteed hit with the kids, and the perfect city break activity, just an hour from Copenhagen.

Sea kayaking

Denmark is surrounded by sea so it's a perfect spot for sea kayaking. In fact, there are at least 27 sea kayaking routes in South Jutland alone! Whether you take a day trip, an afternoon's kayaking in a green kayak , or challenge yourself to a longer route (maybe the full 110 km route around Bornholm ?), there are plenty of ways to tackle sea kayaking in Denmark. The archipelago routes around Fyn are super fun, and you can combine kayak travel with a stay in a wild shelter to complete the trip.

Skateboarding

Copenhagen is in love with skateboarding, with a very warm and welcoming scene centring around Fælledparken's excellent outdoor skatepark in the summer and CPH Skatepark in the winter. Even the bike lanes regularly feature skateboarders and electric skateboards. Outside the capital city, you can find skateparks in most major cities, including Roskilde, Helsingør, Aarhus and more.

Climbing

Bornholm has a unique rocky scenery with hiking and biking paths leading to stunning views. Close to famous medieval fortification Hammershus castle you will find the picturesque lake known as ‘Opalsøen’, where formations of granite rock make the perfect playground for climbing and abseiling activities. There are other places to climb in Denmark - surprising, because it is a largely mountain-free country - including urban spots like CopenHill and the indoor Street Dome centre in Haderslev.

Wakeboarding

Challenge your watersports skills on a day out at the Copenhagen Cable Park, where you can try wakeboarding or waterskiing. Feel the adrenaline rushing through your body as you are pulled across the water through a series of obstacles and watch your reflection as you glide on glassy ripple-free water. It is the perfect activity for a fun-filled day in the middle of Copenhagen, all close to CopenHill where you can also try some climbing or urban skiing.

Test your strength

If you are looking for the ultimate test, the Copenhagen Iron Man or the Nordic Race might be for you. These events are designed to test your limits. The Nordic Race is an obstacle course, packed with hurdles of all sorts. Be prepared to dive in mud, crawl through sand, climb fences, and jump in water to reach the finish line. The Iron Man, on the other hand, is the ultimate test of endurance, where you bike, swim and run past Copenhagen's top attractions in a bid to be the best.

Kriss Kyle vs Denmark

See extreme BMX champ Kriss Kyle make mincemeat of Denmark's most visited attractions - on his bike!

Photo: Esben Zøllner Olesen/Red Bull Media House