A border with challenges
Deciding on the path of the border between Germany and Denmark was not easy in 1920.
West Coast Route
Photo: Ulrik Pedersen
With the North Sea as a constant companion, the West Coast Route runs unhindered and at times in an almost permanent cross wind through natural and cultural landscapes that have been shaped over many centuries. Fresh sea air, time for reflection and beautiful sunsets are guaranteed!
The route winds through marshes, heaths and dune plantations, past fjords, lakes, a geopark, national parks and nature parks and along broad, white sandy beaches. You find rich wildlife everywhere – on land, in the water and, not least, in the air. Discover Denmark’s oldest and fifth-largest town, in addition to a multitude of fishing communities and idyllic beach towns. The route doesn’t only take you past iconic navigation marks, towering lighthouses and historic dune farms, but also takes in award-winning attractions and sights.
Photo: Niclas Jessen
Photo: Wasabi Film
With its starting point in Rudbøl, your trip along the West Coast Route begins just north of the Danish-German border, which cuts through the town. You’re in the Wadden Sea National Park, which is on UNESCO’s world heritage list. From Rudbøl, the route leads through the magnificent marsh landscape before your cycle reaches the town behind the dyke – the charming town of Højer, which, as the gateway to the marshes, rises above the flat landscape with the striking 22-metre-high windmill at Højer Mølle.
From Højer, the first stretch of the route takes you up onto the dyke itself, which protects the flat marshland against flooding and storm surges. The route then runs along minor roads and through several villages before turning onto the cycle path at Vesterende Ballum, where the path runs along the dyke once more.
Having passed the floodgate at Ballum Sluse, you continue north to the causeway at Rømødæmningen. Here you can either cycle across the causeway and visit the island of Rømø or continue along the West Coast Route slightly further inland. At Rejsby, the route once again runs right out to the cycle path running along the dyke. You then cycle past the Wadden Sea Centre, before continuing towards Vester Vedsted and Ribe.
Experiences on the West Coast Route
A cycling trip on the West Coast Route from the Danish-German border and northwards leads you though unique landscape that you won’t find anywhere else in Denmark. On the route – or in its immediate vicinity – you’ll find a large number of exciting attractions that will encourage you to stop and take a break, or even to stay an extra night. Would you like to combine your cycling trip with a hike? Then we recommend that you swap your cycling shoes for hiking boots and head out onto Marskstien. The path is 54 km in length, but there are several shorter loops of between 4 and 15 km.
We have collected some of our favourite attractions below, although these represent just a fraction of what you can experience. For more inspiration, take a look at the article about the Wadden Sea National Park.
