We flew first to London and spent a couple days with our daughter Erika before arriving at Billund Airport. We arrived to a greeting party (thank you Erik, Mie, and Ida) and 2 cars to transport us to our first stop at cousin Aksel and Birgit’s home close to Hornborg. Usually we arrive with bike box and luggage and search to find the correct train or bus in a foreign city so it was a treat. We spent 2 days around there, also visiting Vejle, before actually getting on the bike. The pace is a bit more relaxed, at least to start.
Our first ride was to Juelsminde and Klakring on the SE coast to visit many relatives on both sides of the family. We stayed with cousin Poul and Annette in their summer house overlooking the entrance to Vejle fjord. For the second time (2011) they hosted a wonderful faetter/kusine fest attended by many relatives from all over Jutland, the mainland of Denmark. It seems that us coming over here is a good excuse to have a party as this has happened 3 times now: 2011, 2019 (Kirsten) and 2024. We feel so welcomed in Denmark, thank you everyone for your hospitality!
Our next destination was Bredsten to visit cousins Kirsten, Karin and Mogens. This was the first longer ride and a bit challenging in places due to hills! We were under the impression that Denmark was mostly flat however this ride gave us some trouble. It could also be due to the fact that we are just starting the tour and have insufficient muscles. We rode along the Vejle Fjord, passing through Vejle and Jelling on the way. It was a beautiful day and a scenic ride despite the hilliness. We made it to Kirsten and Mogen’s home and were treated to afternoon cake and coffee as well as a walk down to their shelter along the creek for an evening aperitif followed by a delicious supper and a very good reunion.
We are very impressed with the cycling culture here, the best we have ever experienced. There are separate cycle lanes on most roads in and outside of the cities. Sometimes these are gravel, which slows you down, but they are well maintained. When we are on a road without a cycle lane the drivers are mostly quite careful to pass with a good amount of distance between us. I think some of our Canadian politicians should go on a cycling holiday here and hopefully be inspired.
Our 3rd ride was to Ribe, on the southwest coast of Jutland. There are no relatives in Ribe unfortunately but we chose to come here as it is said to be the oldest city in Denmark. It is a lovely place with cobbled streets, historic buildings, a moat, a famous church, museums and many old stories about pirates and witches. We enjoyed a relaxing day off the bike resting our sore muscles and derrieres, enjoying this lovely historic spot. Our trip is at the same time as the UEFA Euro Cup for football (soccer) so when the Danes play it is unavoidable. There was a giant screen set up in the center so George went to watch too, proudly wearing his Danish football jersey. Also today George got to enjoy his first rød pølse amongst other typical Danish dishes we are finding to eat. In the evening, which goes very late since we are far north and at midsommer, we followed the ‘night watchman’ around the old town. It is a very old tradition for the watchman to keep an eye open for fires, floods, or people up to no good all night long. Our watchman told interesting historic tales and sang songs as we followed him around. Oh, and as for the weather it has been nearly perfect.
geeteetravels 