Local recommendations Thomas Lind
Thomas is a local from Lejre, where he lives with his wife Rikke and their three children. A true fitness enthusiast, he cycles several times a week and uses the great outdoors as his training ground. He knows all the best local cycling spots.
He works as a programme manager for Bevæg dig for Livet – Løb og Gang (“Move for Life – Running and Walking”). The family has lived in Lejre for six years. Before that, they lived in Copenhagen but had always known they wanted to be closer to nature. When the children arrived, moving out of the city felt like the natural choice. They are an active family who love cycling and spending time outdoors.
Although they didn’t know Lejre well at first, they were drawn by its beautiful scenery and open skies. Thomas already knew the mountain bike trail in the Bidstrup Forests – one of the reasons they decided to settle down on an old farm in the area.
“It’s a gift to live in the middle of a national park,” says Thomas. “There are so many opportunities for great experiences, and we often bring the kids along on our adventures.”
Interests: Exercise and physical activity. Cycling – both mountain biking and road. Running. Hiking. Outdoor experiences with the family.
Photo:Tonny Petersen
Thomas’s guide to cycling in Fjordlandet
Fjordlandet is the perfect place to be active with your family and enjoy nature together – especially by bike.
Which cycling spot should people visit in Fjordlandet?
I’m lucky to have National Park Skjoldungernes Land practically in my backyard – that’s also where the Bidstrup Forests are located.
One of my absolute favourite trails is The White Trail (Det Hvide Spor), because it’s hilly and fun to ride. It’s probably Zealand’s most technical mountain bike route, full of sharp turns and steep climbs.
I love riding here – it was actually one of the main reasons we chose to move to Lejre.
What if you’re a beginner or bringing children along?
Then I’d definitely recommend the mountain bike trail in Boserup Forest near Roskilde. We often go there as a family and ride parts of the route. Even our youngest daughter, who’s three, races around on her balance bike!
What about road cycling – where’s the best place to go?
The south-western part of Fjordlandet – around Lejre, Hvalsø, Kirke Såby and Vester Såby – is perfect. There are plenty of narrow, winding country roads that are both scenic and fun to ride.
I also love cycling along Hornsherredvej, which follows the fjord north towards Skibby and Selsø Castle. There are lots of quiet backroads in that area, and the Ice Age Route (Istidsruten) is great for longer rides.
There’s so much to choose from, and many wonderful routes to explore. Quite often, I just set off without a plan and see where the roads take me – it’s a great way to discover new corners of the region.
What would be the ideal cycling trip to see a bit of everything?
I’d start at Lejre Museum, follow the Skjoldungestien Trail to Hvalsø, continue to Tadre Mill, and then ride home through Kirke Såby. That way, you get a bit of everything – forest, beautiful nature, and hilly, winding roads.
Photo:Anja Hermod Stavad
Thomas’s local favourites
Fjordlandet offers much more than great cycling routes. Here are seven of Thomas’s local favourites that his family keeps coming back to:
- Avnsø: Our go-to spot – all year round. The lake lies in the Bidstrup Forests in National Park Skjoldungernes Land, right by the Skjoldungestien Trail. It’s clean and deep, with a bathing jetty, fire pit, and picnic tables. You can swim year-round or fish – there’s always something to do.
- Herslev beach: Our favourite swimming spot. It’s small, cosy, and has shallow water – perfect for kids.
- Herslev Brewery: A fantastic local brewery and cultural hub that hosts events for both adults and families. It’s a lovely place to relax and enjoy great beer and atmosphere.
- Tadre Mill: A charming watermill in the Elverdams Valley. Children love playing in the small streams nearby, and there are often family-friendly activities. You can even stay overnight in one of the shelters.
- Ledreborg Forests: Our nearest stretch of nature – we use it almost daily for walks and runs. It’s basically our extended backyard!
- Land of Legends (Sagnlandet Lejre): Another favourite. We have an annual pass and often go there to make bonfires, join workshops, or just enjoy a stroll.
- The Skjoldungestien Trail: Great for both running and cycling, with or without kids. The stretch from Lejre Museum to Hvalsø offers beautiful forest scenery and peaceful surroundings.