A life by the sea

In Denmark the seaside trail runs along the southern and western coasts of Sealand. From here the trail continues along the eastern coast of Jutland from Grenaa, goes north to Skagen and continues south along the western coast of Jutland. Halfway down the west coast, the trail moves inland and follows the historic ox-trails south into Germany. The length of the trail in Denmark is longer than 1.500 km and is easy to reach and walk along. 

The trail in Sealand starts in the southern landscape of Stevns at Roedvig and winds its way west along bays, fiords and inlets passing medieval castles, towns and villages on the way. At Skaelskoer the trail moves north along the Big Belt and out to the very tip of the Peninsula of Sealand where a ferry connection links the trail with the routes in Jutland. Along the way it is possible to make detours to several islands, peninsulas and also inland.

The seaside of Jutland
With the ferry from Sealand you can reach Ebeltoft, the starting point in Jutland. From here the trail moves north to Grenaa along the sheltered coast of Jutland facing the Kattegat. This coastal landscape is lush with farmland, forests, fjords, villages, towns and castles. At Skagen, the most northern point in Denmark, the landscape changes, and from here the trail passes southwards through areas with sand drift, which is not suitable for agriculture, but ideal for bird reserves. There are also many fishing villages and ports on this stretch of coast.

Through the western landscapes of Ringkjoebing, Ribe and Soenderjylland the trail moves inland and follows the historic Western Ox Trails, where live cattle from the 15th century has been driven from the breeding areas in Jutland to beef markets in Northern Germany and the Netherlands. The landscape along the Western Ox Trail is rich in medieval churches, villages and archaeological sites and continues into Germany, where the trail is still demonstrable in the landscape of Karrharde.

North Jutland
Northern Jutland is famous for its coasts with broad beaches, beach towns and fishing villages, the magnificent landscape with old coastal cliffs, dunes, heath, moors and forest as well as the special light at the “top” of Skagen. The light has attracted artists and others to the area for 150 years. Many of North Jutland’s cities have sprung up around old trading sites along the coast. This also applies to the capital, Aalborg, which is at Limfjorden.

For more information on the amazing North Sea and it surroundings, please go to this website: www.northseatrail.org