Ice Age Route – The Loop Through Lejre
The 41.7 km loop passes by monasteries, market towns, estates, and ancient monuments—making it a perfect length for a full day of cycling with plenty of experiences along the way. If you’re inspired to explore more, you can always extend your trip and enjoy an overnight stay or two along the route.
This family-friendly loop on the Ice Age Route starts and ends at Lejre Station. You can easily reach and return from the route by train, with your bike in tow. Remember to purchase a bike ticket when traveling with DSB InterCity, InterCityLyn, Lyn+, and regional trains.
- Length: 42 km
- Difficulty: Suitable for all levels
Start your journey at Lejre Station
From the route’s starting point at Lejre Station, you’ll sense the way the landscape curves and undulates. This is a remnant from the Ice Age, about 20,000 years ago, which now provides the backdrop for a historical cycling adventure. The route passes through the Skjoldungernes Land National Park and near the Land of Legends, a charming and exciting destination for the whole family.
Visit the Land of Legends and drive through Skjoldungernes Land National park
On the 43-hectare site of The Land of Legends (Sagnlandet Lejre) you’ll find reconstructions of houses and environments from the Stone Age, Iron Age, Viking Age, and 19th century. You can also see the reconstruction of the largest royal viking hall ever discovered in Denmark. This great hall measures 60 meters from gable to gable and stands over 10 meters high.
As you continue your bike ride along the Ice Age Route, you’ll encounter the remains of the original royal hall not far from Sagnlandet Lejre.
In the area, you’ll pass impressive burial mounds, and ship settings. These, along with many significant finds, reveal that Lejre was a major power center during the Iron Age and Viking Age. According to Icelandic sagas, the Skjoldung dynasty had its main seat here, and today the entire area is part of the Skjoldungernes Land National Park, named after the dynasty.
Also visit Mysselhøj, one of the largest and most impressive burial mounds in the area, and stop by Lejre Museum to learn more about Old Lejre and its unique history.
In addition to its historic nature, the Ice Age Route loop through Lejre offers a ride along the beautiful Ledreborg Avenue, which at nearly 6 kilometers is Denmark’s longest. Here, you can cycle in the tracks of the world’s best cyclists, who competed in the Tour de France Grand Départ held here in 2022.
As the saying goes, a hero cannot thrive without food and drink—and fortunately, there are plenty of options along the route to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger. Whether you prefer enjoying a packed lunch at a picnic table with a great view or settling in at a nice restaurant or café, you’ll find choices such as Fasaneriet, Restaurant Herthadalen, or Café Hvidesøhus in Sagnlandet Lejre.
And if you’re inspired to explore further, it’s good to know that the 41.7 km loop through Lejre is just one section of the 280 km long Ice Age Route.
Highlights of the Ice Age Route Loop Through Lejre:
Explore Viking Age legends, facts, and incredible archaeological finds. Don’t miss the scenic walk to the ship settings, where large stones are arranged to outline a ship, believed by legend to have transported our ancestors to the afterlife.
Sagnlandet Lejre
This historical adventure park offers a time travel experience to the Stone Age, Iron Age, Viking Age, and the world of your great-great-grandfather. Get a close look at Viking life, including their appearance, swords, and combat techniques. The highlight is the reconstruction of Denmark’s largest royal hall.
Knapsø og Restaurant Herthadalen
Surrounded by beautiful scenery, Restaurant Herthadalen is a popular spot for weddings. With a bit of planning, you can also enjoy a delightful lunch, dinner, or coffee in the picturesque setting by Knapsø.
Fasaneriet
If you’re a fan of seasonal dishes made with fresh ingredients, Fasaneriet is the place to stop. The restaurant offers a bright and open atmosphere with stunning views over Ledreborg Palace Golf Club’s courses and the beautiful Ledreborg Castle and park.
Stretching nearly 6 kilometers, Ledreborg Allé is Denmark’s longest avenue. In 2022, it hosted the Tour de France Grand Départ, making this scenic route through historic landscapes a memorable part of the Ice Age Route.
Guide:
Fjordlandet’s best cycling routes
Check out our suggestions for a variety of bike trips. We regularly add new ideas with family friendly bicycle routes. Our routes have been tested to make sure they follow bike paths and minor roads as much as possible.
Travelblogger:
‘Sarah in the green’: the Fjord-path
Get inspired by the article from “Sarah in the Green” biking on the Fjord Path – the stretch between Svanholm and Jægerspris Castle. Sarah Green is a freelance photographer and travel blogger living in Copenhagen. This article is a collaboration
Highlight:
The Tour De France route
On Saturday 2 July 2022 cyclists began the second stage of Tour de France in scenic Fjordlandet! We interviewed the world champion Mads Pedersen and got some great tips for you to jump on your bike and explore the Tour de France route in Roskilde and Lejre on your own and follow in world champion Mads Pedersen’s tracks!
Highlighted Cycling Routes:
The Fjord path | Rute 40
One of Denmark’s most beautiful biking routes that passes Viking sites, UNESCO heritage sites, beaches, forest and idyllic villages
Lenght: 230 km
The Ice Age Route
Try the Ice Age Route and embark on a journey through the earliest history of Denmark.
Length: 280 km – divided into stages
Part of the Fjord Path: From Roskilde to Herslev
Cycle along Roskilde Fjord and through the forest and village idylls of Skjoldungernes Land National Park. Ride through the beautiful Sct. Hans and enjoy the views over Zealand.
Length: 20 km
The Jyllinge loop
Experience scenic cycling by Roskilde Fjord through historic landscapes, lush forests, and cultural heritage sites.
Length: 22 km
The Pontoppidan-route
A journey through the beautiful Hornsherred peninsula. Though some things have changed, the landscape, church, parsonage, and much more remain as they were in Pontoppidan’s time.
Length: 22 km
The Grand Départ-route
Try the Tour de France / Grand Départ route and explore Skjoldungernes Land National Park, world heritage sites, Viking history, and charming farm shops.
Length: 198 km
The Panorama-route
Experience the beautiful ice age landscape, the fjord, the woods and the rope ferry
Length: 29 km
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About us
Fjordlandet, or Fjord Country, covers the scenic areas around Roskilde Fjord and Isefjord. The towns and landscape of Fjordlandet are filled with vibrant stories, while its harbours are abuzz with activity. On a summer day you’ll encounter beach guests, sailors, fishermen, nature lovers, birdwatchers, history buffs and Viking enthusiasts.
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