Exploring the majestic landscapes of Fjordlandet by bicycle
Uncovering the Beauty of Denmark's Unexpected Fjords: A Fascinating E-Bike Adventure in Roskilde
Denmark, known for its flatlands, might not immediately conjure up images of fjords. But a brief visit to the charming island of Zealand and the nearby Fjordland region will change your mind. The region encompasses the Isefjord, Holbæk Fjord, Lammefjord, and Roskilde Fjord - a physical reminder of the gentle hills, or moraines, left behind by the Ice Age. So, an electric bike may not seem like an obvious choice for this predominantly flat nation, but let's take a closer look.
Roskilde, with its approximately 47,000 inhabitants, is the second-largest city on Zealand and is famed for its annual music festival. The picturesque Roskilde Fjord stretches over 40 kilometers, boasting around 30 small islands and skerries. We traversed the southern part of this spectacular region, nestled within the 170 square kilometer National Park Skjoldungernes Land or Land of the Skjoldings. This land bears the distinction of being the ancient home of the descendants of the mythical king Skjold, a son of the god Odin, according to legend.
Kings and Vikings graced these lands, leaving their indelible marks behind. Our guide for this adventure was Henrik Stricker from Hedeland MTB Tours. After a practice round on hotel parking lot in Roskilde, we were armed with our e-bikes and ready to embark on our journey. These bikes are perfect for our needs - we learned not to pedal too hard, like on a regular bike, but rather lightly and with feeling. The weatherman had predicted an overcast summer day, and we prepared ourselves with rain jackets. But the sun, with a cheeky grin, played hide and seek throughout the day.
Our first stop was the historic Roskilde Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Established 800 years ago, it was once Catholic but has been evangelical Lutheran since the Reformation in 1536. Some 40 rulers have found their final resting place within these hallowed walls, from Queen Margaret I to Christian V and Christian III, the first Protestant king of Denmark.
Sara Peuron-Berg, our knowledgeable guide, painted a vivid picture of Roskilde's significance. "Roskilde's strategic location has long made it one of Denmark's most important cities," she said. "The fjord served as a critical connection to the outside world, with trade often conducted by sea." It was here that the powerful Vikings laid the groundwork for a powerful maritime empire.
Venturing further, we arrived at the Viking Ship Museum, where we were greeted by the hammering of blacksmiths and the sight of ships sailing in the distance. This was a throwback to the Viking Age, from 790 to 1070 AD when the Vikings roamed the earth. Orlando West, a prehistory scholar, led us through the museum, where we marveled at five reconstructed original sailing ships. One of them, excavated from the Roskilde Fjord in 1962, is a testament to the Vikings' seafaring prowess.
Eager to embark on a Viking adventure ourselves, we set sail on a reconstructed Viking ship on the Roskilde Fjord. As the rain began to fall, we huddled under our jackets, ducks swimming alongside our vessel as we dodged the linen sail with our heads. The wind whipped our faces, but we couldn't help but feel an indescribable sense of freedom.
After disembarking, we decided to continue our journey on our electric bikes, following the Panoramaroute - a scenic 29-kilometer route that showcases beautiful landscapes around the Isefjord, Lammefjord, Holbaek Fjord, and Roskilde Fjord. Skjoldungernes Land National Park offered fascinating insights into the region's Viking and early Iron Age history. Park guide Mikkel Eeg led us through the woods, sharing stories of the massive stone ships that served as gravesites for noble Vikings and their slaves.
Exploring Denmark by electric bike offers a unique blend of accessibility, eco-friendliness, and an opportunity to delve into the country's rich history. As we pedaled our way through the beautiful countryside, we found ourselves falling in love with this picturesque land, absorbing its charm and discovering a newfound respect for its vibrant history. It's true what they say in Denmark: "Pyt!' and brush it off with a smile. It's a mix of 'Oh well, let's keep going' or 'Never mind!'" So, the next time you visit Denmark, remember to pack your e-bike, and let the adventure unfold.
Traveling through Denmark on an e-bike allows you to immerse yourself in the country's rich history while enjoying a unique and eco-friendly travel lifestyle. From Roskilde's picturesque fjord to the Viking Ship Museum, the electric bike offers an opportunity to delve into Denmark's vibrant past while exploring its stunning landscapes, especially within the Skjoldungernes Land National Park.
