MTB
Mountainbiking at the Top of Denmark
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Endless opportunities for
MTB adventures
The Top of Denmark offers a wealth of opportunities for adventures by bike. MTB enthusiasts are primarily drawn to the five tracks that have been constructed in the region. These tracks can be found in Skagen, Katsig (west of Frederikshavn), Sæby, Tornby and Bagterp on the southern outskirts of Hjørring. On the following pages you can find detailed descriptions of these tracks, which have all been laid out in forests and dune plantations. During the course of the year a number of races and events are held in which guests are also welcome to take part. See the list on page 17. In addition to the adrenalin kick offered by these d edicated MTB routes, you’re sure to want to try somewhat longer trips by mountain bike, whereby the element of competition is replaced by a sense of community and relaxed enjoyment – meaning there’s also time to enjoy the scenery and the attractive countryside. Several cycle routes of varying length are described on pages 12-15. Folders and maps are available at local tourist offices – see page 16 for more details. If you’re spontaneous and curious by nature, you’re probably quite happy to head off on your bike in the general direction of a landscape that suits you: Flat, undulating or hilly. There’s always a gravel track or a forest road that’ll take you away from the traffic on the highway and closer to nature.
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great tracks
On a mountain bike you can be sure of a wealth of great adventures in the countryside with family or friends. Whether you’re looking for thrills and a great form of exercise or just the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery and the fresh air, the Top of Denmark boasts 5 great tracks that have been laid out with degrees of difficulty to suit riders of all abilities. You can see the tracks at gpsies.com by searching under Username “Toppenafdanmark”.
Tornby Klitplantage Sæbygaard Skov Katsig Bakker Bagterp Plantage Skagen Klitplantage
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© OpenStreetMap-bidragsydere
START/FINISH
Tornby Klitplantage DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
LENGTH OF TRACK:
VERTICAL METRES:
14 km.
180 m.
The track runs between lakes, dunes and tall trees. The track is technically challenging for even the best riders. The entire route is single track with many tight bends and a view of Skagerrak. A fun route, and although there are relatively few vertical metres, you’re always either climbing or descending and there are several places where the route runs through sand. The track is well-maintained and you should follow the white arrows – at places you can follow the black route if you’re looking for an even greater challenge. The track has everything you could wish for – drops, steps, sandpits and explosive climbs.
DIFFICULTY: For experienced riders. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL: The track should be ridden clockwise. STARTING POINT: Car park on Købstedvej in Tornby. GPS OF STARTING POINT: N 57°31.442’ E 9°56.288’ PROFILE:
Altitude (m)
30 20 10 0 -10 0
1
2
3
4
5
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7
8
Distance (km)
9
10
11
12
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7 © OpenStreetMap-bidragsydere
START/FINISH
Skagen Klitplantage DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
LENGTH OF TRACK:
VERTICAL METRES:
13.6 km.
44 m.
The MTB route runs through the eastern part of the dune plantation and takes in gravel tracks, sandy terrain and well-maintained stable surfaces. The route has a good flow, as well as a level of difficulty that allows beginners to enjoy it to the full. If you wish to ride through a rock garden, this is also an option. The area has only a few hills and the climbs are kept to a minimum, so everyone can enjoy cycling and the countryside at the same time.
DIFFICULTY: For beginners and moderately experienced riders. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL: The track should be ridden anticlockwise. STARTING POINT: Car park at Skagen OK & Motion’s clubhouse,
Gl. Landevej 47.
GPS OF STARTING POINT: N 57°43.359’ E 10°33.153’ PROFILE: 20
Altitude (m)
15 10 5 0 0
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3
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5
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Distance (km)
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8 © OpenStreetMap-bidragsydere
START/FINISH
Sæbygaard Skov DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
LENGTH OF TRACK:
5.1 km.
VERTICAL METRES:
75 m.
The newly established MTB track in the forest at Sæbygård throws up challenges for both beginners and experienced mountain bike riders. The track is 5.1 km long and splits into two tracks at several points – with a white arrow for riders of all abilities and a red arrow for experienced riders. Wooden bridges have been established at several points on the track. A fast track with a good flow.
DIFFICULTY: For moderately experienced riders. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL: The track should be ridden anticlockwise. STARTING POINT: Car park at Skovlyst. GPS OF STARTING POINT: N 57°20.315’ E 10°30.374
PROFILE:
Altitude (m)
25 20 15 10 5 0,0
0,5
1,0
1,5
2,0
2,5
3,0
Distance (km)
3,5
4,0
4,5
5,0
9 © OpenStreetMap-bidragsydere
START/FINISH
Katsig Bakker DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
LENGTH OF TRACK:
VERTICAL METRES:
3.4 km.
144 m.
The route in the hills of Katsig Bakker has many short, steep climbs, as well as a number of exciting descents and a rock garden. Practically the entire route is single track and there’s therefore not much time to relax, which makes the track that much more demanding.
DIFFICULTY: For experienced riders. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL: The track should be ridden anticlockwise. STARTING POINT: 100 m west of the car park at the entrance to Skt. Jørgens Kilde. GPS OF STARTING POINT: N 57°26.981’ E 10°20.549’
PROFILE: 85
Altitude (m)
80 75 70 65 60 55 0,0
0,5
1,0
1,5
2,0
Distance (km)
2,5
3,0
3,5
4,0
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START/FINISH
© OpenStreetMap-bidragsydere
Bagterp Plantage DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY:
LENGTH OF TRACK:
VERTICAL METRES:
4.3 km.
47 m.
A fun track with countless bends running through a small plantation on the southern outskirts of Hjørring. The route doesn’t boast many vertical metres, but goes up and down all the time, and if you pick up the pace, the route presents a challenge for most riders. The track runs through different types of woodland.
DIFFICULTY: For beginners and moderately experienced riders. DIRECTION OF TRAVEL: The track should be ridden clockwise. STARTING POINT: Car park at Aalborgvej. GPS OF STARTING POINT: N 57°26.421’ E 9°59.681’
PROFILE:
Altitude (m)
45 40 35 30 25 0,0
0,5
1,0
1,5
2,0
Distance (km)
2,5
3,0
3,5
4,0
DK-11 11
Ride only where you’re allowed
Good conduct on MTB
• In the countryside you can only cycle on roads and tracks. • Do not ride on marked bridle paths, hiking trails, etc., off the forest roads. • Do not ride on ancient monuments, burial mounds, dykes and steps. • Do not ride in private forests from sunset until 6.00 a.m. the following morning. • You may ride on the beach – but not in the dunes.
Ride responsibly
• Adjust your speed and keep your distance – the highway code also applies in the countryside. • Do not cycle alone – remember your helmet, phone and European Health Insurance Card. • Do not ride on fragile tracks during very wet periods: use the robust tracks and forest roads. Only ride the MTB track in the direction specified. • Remember that you always ride at your own risk – the tracks are maintained on a regular basis, but their condition cannot be guaranteed, and unforeseen obstacles may appear.
Show consideration
• Slow down when meeting other visitors in the forest. If you have a bell, use it in good time – or utter a verbal “ding-ding”. • Pay particular attention when encountering horses. Slow right down and make sure that the rider has seen you – particularly if approaching from the rear. The sound of squealing brakes frightens horses. • Do not drop litter in the countryside.
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Other great cycling adventures in the region The MTB tracks represent only a fraction of the possibilities for cyclists at the Top of Denmark. A day on a mountain bike can take you further into the region to some of the other cycle routes or give you a chance to explore the region as a whole. On this and the following pages you can find a list of selected cycle routes in our region. They’re not actual MTB routes, but are still exciting. Some of the routes are marked and described in folders, whilst others are simply sections of the dense network of gravel roads, gravel tracks and forest roads that link some of the properties scattered throughout the countryside. Information about these routes is available at local tourist offices, where you can also find maps and information about minor local routes. You can also find the routes at www.gpsies.com by searching under Username: “Toppenafdanmark”.
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Grøn tur (Green tour)
An exciting and varied route of around 60 km in the area around Frederikshavn which will take you through bogs, dunes, heaths, woods and river valleys – whilst at the same time running past burial mounds, manor houses and ancient monuments dating back to the Iron Age. 707
I fiskens tegn (The sign of the fish)
On this 35-km route you’ll have the sea as your companion, as well as cycling along the banks of streams and over bridges. You’ll see fishing boats and a hive of activity at the harbour in Hirtshals, thus providing a stark contrast to the idyllic and peaceful stream of Uggerby Å, where patient anglers will be hoping to catch trout. 415
Højt over havet (High above the sea)
A 44-km cycle trip over some of Vendsyssel’s highest hilltops offering impressive views of the sea and the land. From Hirtshals via Aabyen to Mygdal and onward to Tornby, before arriving back in Hirtshals. 414
Rovfuglenes Rige 416
(Kingdom of the birds of prey)
This 38-km trip at the headland of Skagens Odde runs through the kingdom of the birds of prey. The headland acts as a funnel for birds of prey on their migratory routes north during spring. Look up into the sky – you’re sure to catch sight of lots of buzzards, and perhaps also a white-tailed eagle or an osprey.
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Østkystruten (East Coast Route)
A section of the national cycle route along the coast from Skagen to Sønderborg. At the Top of Denmark the route runs past Aalbæk and its delightful harbour, the Bangsbo area, and the towns of Sæby and Voerså. 5
Hærejens cykelrute 3
(Ancient Road Hærvejen’s cycle route)
The northernmost 31 km of Ancient Road Hærvejen’s cycle route takes you through attractive undulating landscape southwest of Frederikshavn, before running through flatter landscape, a former fjord arm, to Østervrå on the fringe of Jyske Ås.
Tolneruten (Tolne route)
Regional cycle route of 55 km that runs from Frede rikshavn through Tolne and Sindal to Hjørring. It then continues over the bridge crossing the stream of Liver Å to join the West Coast Route. The hilly landscape was formed during the last ice age. 62
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Bollerruten (Boller route)
The Boller route is a 32-km regional cycle route that links Ancient Road Hærvejen’s cycle route at Jyske Ås to the Tolne route at Hjørring. The route runs past the manor house at Boller Hovedgaard and through fertile farmland. 60
Vestkystruten (West Coast Route)
Running from Skagen to the German border, the route is 560 km long. It runs via Tversted to Hirtshals, through inland dunes at the plantation of Tornby Klitplantage up over the cliff at Lønstrup and Rubjerg Knude to Løkken, before heading further south. 1
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How to find your way round the region The tourist offices at the Top of Denmark can help you with maps and brochures, as well as directions to the various tracks and routes. You can find the 5 MTB tracks described earlier and selected cycle routes in our region at www.gpsies.com. Under the “Discover” menu, you can select “Extended search” and write “Toppenafdanmark” in the “Username” field. Tracks and routes within the Top of Denmark region will then appear. You can also scan the QR code – this leads directly to the descriptions of the routes. GPSies is also available as an app for your smartphone, thus ensuring that you always have the information close at hand. Get the app at App-store or Google Play. The tracks can also be downloaded as files to your own GPS.
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Practical info: IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY If you have an accident or meet someone who’s had an accident, you’ll need to call for help. In Denmark you need to use the European emergency number 112. Accidents on MTB usually occur out in the countryside, where it can be difficult to state an exact address. In this case, it’s vital that you either have a GPS that can specify the coordinates of your position or you can remember the name of the MTB track that you’re riding on. It’s always a good idea to have ID on you and preferably also a note with telephone numbers of your next of kin, as well as information about any conditions or allergies that the emergencyservices need to be aware of.
RENTAL OF MTB CYCLES: Alfred Pedersens Eftf., Skagen www.cykelhandler.com, tel. +45 98 44 25 28 Cykelgården Sæby www.cykelgaardensaeby.dk, tel. +45 98 46 14 10 Hirtshals Cykeludlejning www.hirtshalscykler.dk, tel. +45 98 94 21 96 Vendelbo Cykler, Hjørring www.vendelbocykler.dk, tel. +45 96 23 97 98 Vittrup Cykeludlejning, Løkken www.vittrup-cykeludlejning.dk, tel. +45 42 71 71 26
LINKS TO MTB EVENTS IN THE REGION: www.rødspætteløbet.dk www.coast2coast.nu www.nordicmtbrace.dk www.traedtil.dk
MTB CLUBS IN THE REGION: Skagen MTB-klub: www.skagen-mtb.dk Sæby Motions Cykel Club: www.saebymcc.dk Aalbæk Cykelklub: www.aalbaekcykelklub.dk MTB Frederikshavn: www.mtb9900.dk Cycle Clubben Hjørring: www.cch-hj.dk The clubs can also be found on Facebook.
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The 5 MTB tracks at the Top of Denmark Tannis Bugt
TVERS HIRTSHALS Horne
TORNBY KLITPLANTAGE
Uggerby Mygdal
Tornby
Nørlev
Bjergby
Vidstrup Skallerup
LØNSTRUP
Astrup
Sønderlev
Sønderskov Rubjerg Knude
Venne- HJØRRING bjerg Hundelev
Nr.Lyngby Vittrup
BAGTERP PLANTAGE
Sr.Rubjerg/ Gølstrup
Lørslev Ugilt Ilbro TÅRS
LØKKEN Børglum Vrensted Ingstrup
Stenum
V.Hjermitslev Saltum
VRÅ Serritslev Tolstrup
Thise
Jerslev
Ø.Hjermitslev BRØNDERSLEV
Hune
Ø.Brønderslev PANDRUP
Hallund Hollensted Ørum
TYLSTRUP
KÅS Moseby ÅBYBRO Birkelse
NR.HALNE
ntsminde
Halvrimmen
Ravnstrup
BIERSTED
HJALLERUP
Sulsted VESTBJERG
VADUM
VODSKOV
H
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Grenen
Gl. Skagen
SKAGEN
SKAGEN KLITPLANTAGE Kandestederne
Hulsig
Råbjerg Mile
Kattegat
Skiveren Skagbanke
STED
Tuen
Aalbæk Ålbæk Bugt
BINDSLEV Blæsbjerg
Jerup
Mosbjerg Vogn SINDAL
STRANDBY
Tolne
Kvissel Elling
Hirsholmene Hørmested
KATSIG BAKKER
Åsted
Lendum
Glimsholt
FREDERIKSHAVN
Gærum Stenhøj Morild Sæsing
Understed Karup
ØSTERVRÅ
Thorshøj
SÆBY
Hørby Try Brønden
Hellum
Syvsten
DYBVAD Lyngså
Flauenskjold
Mølholt Præstbro Voerså Agersted
DRONNINGLUND Try
SÆBYGAARD SKOV
ASÅ Rørholt
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