Cycling around Horsens Fjord: a 3-day cycling holiday with beautiful stops, island hopping and unique places to stay

87 Horsens Fjord is the blue route sign to follow on the 52-kilometre cycling route around Horsens Fjord. Many people complete the route in a single day, but my friend and I turned it into a three-day cycling holiday. We took things at a relaxed pace, with plenty of time for breaks by the water, short detours, local food experiences, unique places to stay and a chance to soak up island life along the way. What I am trying to say is that Horsens Fjord does not have to be just a bike ride – it can easily become a mini break in its own right.

*We completed the route at the beginning of May 2026, when the beech trees had just come into leaf and the fjord was almost perfectly still. It was one of those spring days that felt like a true taste of summer.

Practical information before you set off

This cycling holiday cannot be booked as a complete package, so accommodation and experiences need to be booked separately. On the other hand, this gives you the freedom to create the version of a cycling holiday around Horsens Fjord that suits you best. If you prefer, you can book an extended package with Holmely – a four-day cycling holiday around Horsens Fjord and the Lake Highlands, which includes the route around Horsens Fjord.
Find the cycling route here

*You may notice that we cycled more than the route's official 52 kilometres. That is because of the small detours we made along the way and the order in which we chose to visit the different stops.

Road conditions: Most of the route follows quiet, paved country roads, as well as dedicated cycle paths and shared walking and cycling paths. The only section on a busier two-lane road is on the southern side of the fjord between Glud and Boller Slotsvej (approximately 8 km).

Shopping along the route: There are several supermarkets and grocery shops along the route, including in Søvind, Snaptun and Glud, making it easy to stock up on food and drinks during your trip.

The bicycle ferry between Alrø and Hjarnø: Operates from around May to October. During the peak season there are two departures daily, while outside the peak season the ferry mainly operates at weekends.

Packing list: At the end of this guide, you will find my packing list with everything I brought on the trip. 

Places and experiences to book in advance

Cycle hire: We hired electric bikes, panniers and a cycle kit from Cykelsmeden Odder. Electric bikes can also be hired from Horsens Cykler, located around 500 metres from Horsens Railway Station. From there, it is approximately 1 kilometre to the cycling route.

Accommodation: Reballegaard (a charming B&B with four atmospheric rooms) and a cosy glamping tent at Hjarnø Camping.
Please note: Reballegaard will not reopen for bookings until September 2026 due to maternity leave. In the meantime, you could consider Anneks 127 or Alrø Gamle Skole as alternatives.

Food stop: Café Alrø. This is a popular café, so booking a table in advance is recommended.

Ferry ticket: The Alrø–Hjarnø Bicycle Ferry. Book your ticket here.

Day 1:

Horsens town centre – Husodde Trail – Sondrup Beach – overnight stay at Reballegaard
(approx. 25 km)

We started our journey in the centre of Horsens and followed the fjord along the beautiful Husodde Trail. I begin by calling it "beautiful" because this quickly became one of our absolute favourite stretches of the route.
Even though we had only just got on our bikes, we did not regret making our first stops along the way. Here, you cycle just a few metres from the fjord, with a canopy of beech trees overhead. If you ask us, it does not get more magical than that.

First detour from the route

Rolling hills, half-timbered houses and an impressively long bathing jetty – Sondrup is, in my eyes, the very definition of Danish idyll. That is why I think you should treat yourself to a short detour here, perhaps making it the perfect spot to enjoy your packed lunch.

Accommodation at Reballegaard (approx. 2.5 km from the route)

We could not have wished for a better place to arrive after our first day in the saddle. We reached Reballegaard early in the afternoon, giving us plenty of time to settle in and enjoy our surroundings. Because Reballegaard is much more than just a place to spend the night.

This charming B&B, with its four beautifully decorated rooms and wonderfully peaceful atmosphere, is truly something special. We wandered through the forest just behind the property, enjoyed our homemade dinner on the large, sun-filled terrace, and ended the evening around the fire pit in the garden. We really could not have asked for a better end to our first day.

After a full day of fresh air, new experiences and a wonderfully comfortable bed, we slept soundly through the night. It is easy to see why Tine is so passionate about hosting retreats in these beautiful surroundings. A sauna is also on the way, along with several other exciting new ideas, making Reballegaard a place well worth keeping an eye on.

The following morning, a delicious breakfast was waiting for us in the fridge, featuring several homemade products and a clear focus on local, organic ingredients. It was a thoughtful touch that made us feel especially well looked after.

Although we were looking forward to the next stage of our cycling adventure, we could just as easily have stayed a little longer.

Please note: All four guest rooms are located on the first floor, while the shared bathroom and toilet facilities are on the ground floor.

Day 2:

Brandbygegaard – traditional Danish tarteletter at Café Alrø – bicycle ferry to Hjarnø – glamping and island charm
(approx. 15 km, plus a little extra cycling around Hjarnø)

Day 2 was one of those days when we almost stopped as often as we cycled – thankfully for all the right reasons. It was a day full of island charm, with memorable stops for nature lovers, food enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys waking up with views of the water.

First stop: Brandbygegaard

Brandbygegaard is not the kind of place you simply cycle past during regular opening hours. Instead, it is a working farm and event venue that follows its own rhythm, hosting summer restaurant days, concerts, meetings and intimate events throughout the season. Everything is run by Lone and Søren themselves, because their dream has always been to spend as much time as possible working together at Brandbygegaard. Their focus is on creating a complete experience, with the ingredients for both the food and drinks grown right here on the farm.

Please note: Open House takes place every Wednesday from 1 pm to 5 pm, when visitors are welcome to drop by and sample Søren's handcrafted spirits.

So far, Søren has created around 50 different spirits, with the ambition of reaching 100. When I asked him why, he replied with a big smile: "Because I simply cannot stop exploring new flavour combinations." Almost every ingredient, apart from a select few, comes from the farm's own organic produce. We were genuinely impressed.

From here, we continued to the day's first island, Alrø, which is connected to the mainland by a causeway. After cycling through beautiful winding roads and peaceful countryside that felt as though they had come straight out of a Danish postcard, we arrived at our lunch stop.

Cafe Alrø

Café Alrø is the island's only café and is renowned for its giant tarteletter – traditional Danish puff pastry shells filled with a creamy chicken and asparagus filling. They are certainly generous, with around 400 grams of filling in a single tartelet.

The café is run by Hanne and Lene, and in many ways it is much more than just a place to eat. Both inside and out, it is filled with their own artwork and personal touches.

"We have had the same menu for 17 years, we still play the same CD, and all the artwork and displays you see here are things we have created ourselves and continue to change over time," Lene tells us.

With happy, well-fed stomachs, it was time to cycle the final 1.5 kilometres to Alrø Harbour, where the small Alrø–Hjarnø Bicycle Ferry was waiting to take us to the next island on our journey, Hjarnø.

After a scenic 25-minute crossing from the southern tip of Alrø, we arrived on Hjarnø. We watched several cyclists head straight for the Hjarnø Ferry to Snaptun on the mainland, ready to continue along the route. Instead of moving on, we had planned to spend almost a full day exploring this charming little island.

Hjarnø

Hjarnø is a wonderfully compact island, measuring just 3 kilometres in length and around 1 kilometre across. That is exactly what I love about the Danish small islands we are so fortunate to have. Nothing is ever far away, yet there is so much to discover in such a small place.

Our first stop was Denmark's second-smallest church, which must surely rank among the country's most beautifully situated churches. Perched slightly above the surrounding landscape, it enjoys lovely views across the water.

Det Grafiske Magasin

Just a few hundred metres further along the country road, we caught the aroma of freshly brewed coffee before turning right and spotting Det Grafiske Magasin, where Jane was ready to welcome thirsty cyclists with coffee and homemade cake.
It quickly became clear that this is much more than "just" an excellent coffee spot. Before we arrived, Jane had been leading a small Walk and Draw workshop, and she also hosts Lino & Coffee sessions, where participants create beautiful linocut prints.
"Everyone can join in here. The process is what matters most – getting creative and working with your hands," Jane explains.

After hearing that, the name Det Grafiske Magasin (The Graphic Workshop) suddenly made perfect sense to us.

While we were sitting there with our iced coffees, enjoying the sunshine, our eyes were drawn to a sign for Vestergårds Mølleri, and we instantly became curious. It turned out to be a small organic farm shop operating on a self-service basis, selling its own products, including flour, yarn, sheepskins, eggs and meat. You can also pick up refreshments such as juice and ice cream.

Before we knew it, our arms were full of lovely local treats. Of course, we also had to take a moment to enjoy the view from the garden furniture outside the shop, overlooking grazing sheep and the water beyond. By then, we had already fallen in love with the peaceful pace of island life. There was no doubt about it.

Overnight stay in a glamping tent at Hjarnø Camping

"Bed with a view" was exactly what came to mind as we flopped onto the bed in our glamping tent, looking out across the fields and the water. This small, peaceful campsite has two simple yet wonderfully cosy glamping tents, perfectly positioned beside the fields with views of the sea.

We cooked dinner in the shared kitchen, went for an evening walk and watched the sky change colour as the sun set at 9.09 pm. Simple pleasures at their very best. I love that the glamping season has really taken off in Denmark, because there is something special about sleeping behind canvas walls while still enjoying the comfort of a proper bed.

The shared toilets, showers and kitchen are located around 100 metres from the tents.

Looking for other accommodation at Hjarnø Camping? In addition to the glamping tents and pitches for campers and tents, there are also several cosy cabins available.

Once again, we slept soundly from the moment our heads hit the pillows. Just be prepared to wake up a little earlier than usual when you are sleeping behind canvas walls. That said, we both love that glamping season is here. There is something truly special about sleeping in a comfortable bed surrounded by nature. We took it easy the following morning and, as the air was still a little chilly, enjoyed our breakfast in the cosy shared kitchen.

Day 3: 

The laguna – Borre Knob – Glud Museum – Boller Forest – the final stretch back via the Planet Trail
(approx. 26 km)

Before heading back to the mainland, we managed one last wonderful stop for a walk and a refreshing dip at the laguna. This peaceful spot is known for its sandbanks, abundant birdlife and very shallow water (depending on the time of day you visit). A local even told us that, on warm summer days, the water temperature can reach around 30°C.

Afterwards, it was time to cycle aboard the Hjarnø Ferry and head for Snaptun. With around 30 daily departures and a crossing that takes just five minutes, it felt like no time at all before we were back on the mainland.

Please note: If you are travelling on the same day as your crossing on the Alrø–Hjarnø Bicycle Ferry, simply show your ticket when boarding the Hjarnø Ferry. Otherwise, tickets can be purchased on board.

Detour from the route: Borre Knob Nature Area (2.4 km from the route)

If you have the time, we really do not think you should miss Borre Knob. This narrow peninsula is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches on both sides and stretches out towards Alrø, offering wonderful views across the water. Had the weather been a little warmer, we would definitely have gone for a swim. There is even a lovely bathing jetty here.

It is hard to imagine getting lost, but the walking route is clearly marked with yellow waymarkers. You can follow it as a circular walk of around 4.7 kilometres. If you cycle closer to the tip of the peninsula before setting off on foot, the walk is reduced to approximately 2.5 kilometres.

Back on the route – and a journey a couple of centuries back in time: Glud Museum

If, like us, you love Den Gamle By (The Old Town Museum) in Aarhus, then Glud Museum deserves a place on your list of places to visit. It is a true hidden gem, with something to offer visitors of all ages.

This open-air museum may be smaller in size, but it has plenty to tell. Step straight into a chapter of Danish rural history, with an atmosphere reminiscent of a classic Morten Korch story. Here, you can discover what life in the Danish countryside was like between 1660 and 1950 through the eyes of the rural communities. Wander among 15 historic half-timbered houses, cobbled streets and fascinating local stories. There is even a traditional house from Hjarnø.

Glud Museum is much more than a collection of beautiful historic buildings. It is also a museum dedicated to bringing history to life through engaging educational activities for school groups and seasonal events, including Animals' Day, Children's Life in the Old Days, the Harvest Weekend and Christmas in the Village.

The final stretch where the highlights were Boller Forest and the Planet Trail

From Glud, you will need to cycle along a two-lane road for around 8 kilometres before returning to the peaceful countryside, quiet country lanes and the beautiful surroundings of Boller Castle and Boller Forest. Once you reach the forest paths and Boller Pier, we highly recommend taking a well-earned break to enjoy the woodland scenery and the views across the water.

The final section back to Horsens follows the peaceful Planet Trail. When you reach the Sun sculpture, you will suddenly find yourself back in the centre of Horsens. From here, you can choose to cycle the final stretch down to Strandparkallé, where your journey began, and enjoy one last view across Horsens Fjord.

After three days of cycling around Horsens Fjord, it honestly felt as though we had been away for much longer. We could not help but give each other one last hug, reminded of just how many hidden gems you can discover when you choose to explore close to home – this time, around Horsens Fjord.

Our packing list for a 3-day cycling holiday 

It was actually quite a fun challenge deciding what was really essential to bring. The weather forecast looked promising, and these were the things I ended up using during the trip.

Bags: We each had two panniers (included with our bike hire), each with a capacity of 24 litres.

• Windproof and waterproof shell jacket (and waterproof trousers if needed)
• One pair of shoes and a pair of sandals
• One pair of trousers 
• One pair of shorts (cycling shorts are optional)
• Two T-shirts and one lightweight jumper
• One set of merino wool base layers (socks, leggings and long-sleeved top, plus an optional neck warmer) 
• One warm jumper
• Two pairs of underwear and two pairs of socks
• Cap (and sunglasses if needed)
• Toiletries: sunscreen, toothbrush, toothpaste, moisturiser and a small first-aid kit (plasters, tweezers, hand sanitiser and similar essentials)
• Small bags for rubbish
• Hand sanitiser
• Pocket tissues
• Packed lunch for the first day, plus a small cool bag with a few extra groceries (we bought the rest along the way)
• Snacks 
• 1-litre water bottle 
• Mobile phone charger

And, of course, great company is always worth packing too. I feel incredibly lucky that my friend of almost 20 years said yes to sharing this little adventure with me. So close to our homes in Odder and Horsens, yet it still felt as though we had travelled far away.