Danmark på tværs Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
National cykelrute 4 links Søndervig on the North Sea with København and crosses Denmark from west to east. You ride via Ringkøbing, Skjern, Ry and Hou, take the ferry across via Samsø to Kalundborg, then roll on through Lejre, Roskilde, Hundige and Valby to Rådhuspladsen.
Danmark på tværs (National cykelrute 4) runs, according to the draft, for 403,6 km from Søndervig on Jutland’s west coast to Rådhuspladsen in København. You set off near Ringkøbing and Skjern, meet the Skjern Å along the way, and ride on through plantation and heathland before the feel of the route changes once you’re past the Jyske højderyg. On the line you’ve got points like Søby Brunkulslejer, Velling Skov and Hampen Sø. Since June 2019, the route has been set up so you take the ferry from Hou to Samsø (Ballen Færgehavn), then later cross from Sælvig Havn to Kalundborg. After that you head via Lejre and Roskilde, then on through Hundige, Køge Bugt and Valby into the centre. It works well if you like planning your own ride, ticking off places as you go, and using the ferry hop as a clean change of pace. You build your own day stages and stops from there.
Route Profile
| Distance | 404 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Danmark på tværs Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Danmark på tværs
The standout bit is the reroute introduced in June 2019 via Samsø: Hou → Ballen Færgehavn, and later Sælvig Havn → Kalundborg. The ferry switch gives the trip a clear structure and replaces the old, non-existent Aarhus–Kalundborg connection. Highlight: the double ferry turns a straight land crossing into an island passage — with Ballen Færgehavn and Sælvig Havn as fixed, easy-to-plan anchors in your day.
Highlights on the Danmark på tværs
- Skjern Å – you meet the river on the way through Skjern.
- Søby Brunkulslejer – a named point close to the route in Jutland.
- Hampen Sø – according to the source, Jutland’s second-highest lake and one of Denmark’s cleanest.
- Ferry Hou → Ballen Færgehavn (Samsø) – the route was switched to this in 2019.
- Lejre (vikingeby) and Roskilde (vikingeby) – two named stops on the way to København.
Accommodations on the Danmark på tværs
Along the Danmark på tværs you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Danmark på tværs there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Danmark på tværs Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
What the route does well is the clean west–east line with solid, named places from Søndervig to København, plus the ferry hop via Samsø. What’s less helpful: the source doesn’t give any detail on surfaces or an official stage breakdown. If you’re happy to stay flexible and pick your own pause points — like Hampen Sø, Lejre or Roskilde — the ride works really well.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.