Denmark · Denmark
The Hærvejen Race: Guide to Routes, Prices and Experiences
Guide to the Hærvejen Race on the Army Road. See the 11 cycling routes from 40 to 300 kilometres, prices, stops and our own experiences from the ride.
The Hærvejen Race offers no fewer than 11 different cycling routes. We took part for the first time in the summer of 2022, and it certainly will not be the last time. Are you thinking about joining yourself? Then get inspired here and find out much more about what you can expect on the ride.
The Hærvejen Race, in short
We were missing quite a bit of information ourselves when we took part in the Hærvejen Race for the first time. That is why we have put together this little guide, so you know what awaits you. One of us was mad enough to ride a road bike on the 100 kilometre gravel route. We all made it, and the wheel only fell off once, but we could have been much better prepared.
Stops and refreshments
We brought a little of our own supplies, and we recommend that you carry a water bottle at the very least. Since there are different routes, there are also different demands on how best to get through the race. On the gravel route there were two stops across the 100 kilometres. The first came after about 45 kilometres, and the last after around 80 kilometres.
Really tasty food was served at the first stop, where we were already good and hungry. There were lovely meatballs with potato salad on the side. On top of that there was plenty of drink in the form of water, energy drink and squash.
Around 700 volunteers look after you on a day when all you have to do is let your legs do the talking. It is a fantastic event.
What does it cost to take part in the Hærvejen Race?
The prices vary widely depending on which route you choose to ride. We paid 395 kroner per ticket, but the price varies both by route and by how early you book your ticket.
Which bike should you have?
You decide for yourself which bike you use. As mentioned, there are 11 different routes, and there are routes made for every type of bike. We did bring a road bike on the gravel route, which we would not recommend to anyone, even though our guide had given it the green light.
Routes are offered for:
- Road bikes
- Mountain bikes
- Gravel bikes
Road bike routes
| Section | Length |
|---|---|
| Flensburg to Viborg | 300 km |
| Vejen to Viborg | 160 km |
| Aalborg to Viborg | 50 km |
| Nr. Snede to Viborg | 75 km |
| Funder to Viborg | 50 km |
Mountain bike routes
| Section | Length |
|---|---|
| Jelling to Viborg | 165 km |
| Bryrup to Viborg | 110 km |
| Ulbjerg to Viborg | 85 km |
| Engesvang to Viborg | 60 km |
| Frederiks to Viborg | 40 km |
Gravel route
| Section | Length |
|---|---|
| Rebild to Viborg | 100 km |
Where does the Hærvejen Race start and end?
There are 11 different starting points, but all the routes in the Hærvejen Race finish in Viborg. The longest route is 300 kilometres, and the shortest route you can ride is 40 kilometres.
What is the Army Road?
The Army Road, or Hærvejen, is an old Danish route that runs down through Jutland. Today it is one of Denmark’s most popular and longest walking routes, and we also call it the Danish Camino.
Many Danish walking routes spring from the inspiration of the Camino, and we write articles from time to time about routes from the pilgrim network Camino de Santiago. We plan to walk the Hærvejen ourselves as preparation for the Camino del Norte. The Hærvejen Race ends up on the Army Road itself several times, but the race has its own routes.
How do you find your way on the Hærvejen Race?
The routes are signposted a little, but you cannot be sure that the whole route is signposted optimally. We rode the wrong way a couple of times, but soon found the track again. Partly because there were plenty of other riders to follow, and partly because the organisers send out a GPS route shortly before the race starts.
Are you ready for your next adventure?
When we are out on an outdoor trip, it is usually on foot, but we love many kinds of sport, and cycling is no exception. Whether you are heading out to walk, cycle or try something completely new, we hope to see you at the Hærvejen Race. Thank you for reading.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the Hærvejen Race start and end?
What does it cost to take part in the Hærvejen Race?
What bike should you use for the Hærvejen Race?
How many stops are there along the way?
What is the Army Road?
How do you find your way on the Hærvejen Race?
Camino King
The walker who never stopped
Michael walked his first Camino in 2016 and has kept going ever since. He writes about the routes, the gear and everything that makes a long walking day good. If it is here, it has been walked, worn or weighed.
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