Walk the Historic Hærvejen - The Army road

THE ANCIENT ROAD -  HÆRVEJEN

Experience the Ancient Road (Hærvejen) – Denmark’s Most Beautiful Hiking and Cycling Route. The Ancient Road (Hærvejen) is Denmark’s most iconic long-distance trail. Stretching through Jutland from Hirtshals and Frederikshavn in the north to Padborg at the German border, the route follows ancient tracks that for thousands of years connected people, trade, and culture.

Along the way, you will discover burial mounds, runestones, medieval churches, and historic towns, while moving through some of Jutland’s most scenic landscapes with forests, lakes, heathlands, and open plains.

A Cultural Route with Deep Roots
The Ancient Road was never built – it simply emerged over time. For centuries, pilgrims, traders, ox drivers, and kings with their armies walked this path. Before trains and cars, Hærvejen was the main road of Jutland.

Short Hiking Guide
- Total length: 476–494 km
- Duration: approx. 17–18 days (20–30 km per day)
- Starting points: Hirtshals, Frederikshavn or Aalborg
- End point: Padborg

Example stages:
1. Hirtshals/Frederikshavn – Hjørring
2. Aalborg – Rebild
3. Rebild – Viborg
4. Viborg – Silkeborg
5. Silkeborg – Jelling
6. Jelling – Kolding
7. Kolding – Rødding/Jels
8. Haderslev – Ribe
9. Ribe – Tønder
10. Tønder – Padborg

Danhostels Along the Ancient Road
There are many Danhostels directly on or close to Hærvejen, making it easy to plan overnight stays with comfort, local food, and friendly hosts.

North Jutland:
- Danhostel Hirtshals
- Danhostel Frederikshavn City
- Danhostel Rebild

Central Jutland:
- Danhostel Viborg
- Danhostel Silkeborg
- Danhostel Jelling

South Jutland:
- Danhostel Kolding
- Danhostel Rødding
- Danhostel Jels (Thorhallen)
- Danhostel Haderslev
- Danhostel Vejen Sport Resort
- Danhostel Padborg