Hiking in Denmark
Including Bornholm Coastal Trail, Himmelbjerget and the Lake District, and Mols Bjerge National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here is a gentle affair through rolling pastoral landscapes and quiet coastal forests rather than a rugged mountain expedition. The experience is best in the late spring or early autumn when the light is long and the paths are dry underfoot. It feels like a local weekend ritual, with well-marked trails that require no special preparation or permits to enjoy.
Bornholm Coastal Trail
Capital Region of Denmark
Beethoven9 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
The Kyststien trail circles the entire island of Bornholm, taking hikers through dramatic granite cliffs, sandy beaches, and lush forests. It is a premier long-distance route that offers a rugged, Nordic coastal experience.
Access. Accessible via ferry from Køge or Ystad to Rønne. The trail is well-marked and can be hiked in sections or as a multi-day trek around the island.
Notes. The full circuit is approximately 120km; best hiked between May and September.
Himmelbjerget and the Lake District
Central Denmark Region
Panorama himmelbjerget.jpg — Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Centered around one of Denmark's highest points, this region features dense beech forests and a series of interconnected lakes. The trails offer a mix of woodland hiking and scenic viewpoints overlooking the Julsø lake.
Access. Located near Ry and Silkeborg in Central Jutland. Accessible by car or by a historic paddle steamer boat from Silkeborg.
Mols Bjerge National Park
Central Denmark Region
Sten Porse / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This unique landscape features rolling hills, heathlands, and dramatic coastal views over the Kattegat sea. Hikers can traverse the Mols Bjerge Trail, a challenging route that showcases the area's glacial topography and diverse flora.
Access. Located in Jutland, the park is easily accessible by car or bus from Aarhus. Multiple trailheads are marked throughout the park, with the main visitor center in Femmøller.
Rebild Bakker
North Denmark Region
Søren1997 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Rebild Bakker is known for its steep, heather-covered hills and deep valleys created by glacial meltwater. The area offers a network of trails that provide a surprisingly strenuous hiking experience for Denmark.
Access. Located in North Jutland, near Skørping. The area is easily reached by train from Aalborg or by car.
Skjoldungernes Land National Park
Region Zealand
Mogens Engelund / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This park offers a mix of fjord landscapes, ancient forests, and rolling hills surrounding the Roskilde Fjord. Hikers enjoy well-maintained paths that lead through historical sites and serene woodland environments.
Access. Located near Roskilde, the park is a short train or car ride from Copenhagen. Several trailheads are located near Lejre and Roskilde.
Thy National Park
North Denmark Region
Bococo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Denmark's first national park is a vast wilderness of dunes, coastal heaths, and inland lakes. The trails here offer a sense of isolation and raw beauty, perfect for those seeking long, windswept walks along the North Sea coast.
Access. Located in Northwest Jutland. The park is best accessed by car, with several entry points near Hanstholm and Agger.
Notes. The terrain can be very exposed to wind; weather-appropriate gear is essential.