Highlights Flensburg - Viborg

• 0 km: Flensburg

  The Start

  Quiet before the storm.

  Flensburg Fjord provides a unique setting to start at the dock.

  While last night's guests strolling home from town, your adventure is just beginning - 300 km along the ancient road, Hærvejen.

• 9 km: Border

  The border crossing

  Did you remember your passport?

  Between Niehuus in Germany and Bov in Denmark, you cross the border at Rønsdam.

  The original barrier here and mark stones give a unique experience and a clear sense of crossing the border.

  North of the border, you pass Kliplev Church whose freestanding bell tower is the oldest preserved wooden building in Denmark.

• 41 km: 1st KOM - Côte du Hjarupvej

  Climb 10%

  The first real test of strength is a serious one.

  Over 450 meters it rises on average by 10%.

  The climb is a classic, even among the professionals in the Danish cycling, so it is nice to have on your CV, while the legs are still fresh.

  This is the first KOM section of the day, which means you will be timed from the bottom to the top with your time counting in the KOM classification.

• 63 km: Hesselbjerg

  Feed station 1

  The first feed station is welcome after a couple of tough climbs in Aabenraa.

  The feed station is located in the beautiful surroundings of Hesselbjerg north of Aabenraa.

  Enjoy the different Danish pastries, cakes and bread rolls and a cup of coffee before rolling along.

• 93 km: Pavé Tørning Mill

  Cobblestones

  ATTENTION!

  A Sunday in Hell (Paris-Roubaix) is exchanged for a summer on the Ancient Road just south of Vojens.

  Hold the handlebars, but also enjoy the unique surroundings by Tørning Mill.

• 99 km: Vojens

  Feed station 2

  SE-Arena is a unique feed station and quite an experience.

  Here you cycle into the ice hockey-arena where Danish outfit Sønderjyske has brought home several national titles in recent years.

• 141 km: Vejen

  Feed station 3

  Vejen Sports Center provides shelter and a solid meal.

  This feed station is one of the biggest on your route.

  It provides lovely hot food and a well deserved rest with your colleagues to prepare you for the hilly terrain ahead.

• 175 km: 2nd KOM - Mur de Refsgårde

  Climb at 8,2 %

  With an average gradient of 8,2 % over 550 meter the Mur de Refsgårde feels almost like riding into a wall.

  This is where the hilly terrain of Vejle Ådal really challenges the riders, but luckily it isn't far until the next feed station in Ødsted.

  This is the second KOM section of the day, which means you will be timed from the bottom to the top with your time counting in the KOM classification.

• 184 km: Ødsted

  Feed station 4

  The music is on and refreshments are waiting for you as you roll into Ødsted.

  At this point, it is very important to keep on top of your fueling, and a short break from the road is advised.

  A funny detail about this feed station is, that it is situated at the exact point of the official Tour de France fanzone during the 3rd stage of the 2022 edition of the race. This was the stage, where Danish rider Magnus Cort rode all day solo in the breakaway wearing the polkadot jersey.

• 193 km: Jennumbakken

  Climb 5.6%

  By Jennum you reach one of the largest hills.

  5.6% rise in average over 1,175 meters.

  Therefore, a hand in the back by your riding buddy is highly appreciated.

• 197 km: Faarup Climb

  Climb 5.3%

  The area just south of the Royal Jelling oozes of Danish history, but also a bit more climbing.

  Over 600 meters the climb averages 5.3%, so the next feed station in Nr. Snede may seem far away.

  After the hill, you ride into Jelling and pass the two largest prehistoric mounds in Denmark.

  Between the two mounds, you find the rune stones, which are called "Denmark's birth certificate."

• 199 km: Home of the Viking Kings

  UNESCO World Heritage

  You will ride straight through one of the most important and most remakable spots in Danish history.

  The "Kongernes Jelling" is known as the home of the Viking Kings with the famous Jelling Monuments.

  In the tenth century, King Harald Bluetooth had Denmark’s name engraved on a rune stone in Jelling and erected two barrows and a church. The Jelling Monuments have enjoyed UNESCO World Heritage patronage since 1994.

  Slow down, have a look around and enjoy a breath of history.

• 228 km: Nr. Snede

  Feed station 5

  Well done! Nr. Snede is a milestone for many.

  The hot soup and the great selection of snacks mean that you can finally begin to sense the finish in Viborg coming closer.

  Through the years, Nr. Snede has been an assembly point for travelers of Hærvejen - and on event day is the gathering place for both MTB and road bike riders.

  Just south of Nr. Snede is Gudenåens and Skjernåens sources - the origins of Denmark's two largest rivers.

• 242 km: Passo del Vrads

  Climb 5.2%

  At Vrads south of Silkeborg is another real nasty climb.

  5.2% rise in average over 1300 meters.

  You will definitely be feeling your legs at this point, but because of the steepness of the climb it might still be necessary to stand and step on the pedals.

• 252 km: 3rd KOM - Col du Funder

  Climb 4%

  Most will question whether more climbing counts as a highlight at this point.

  Just before the feed station in Funder at Silkeborg the climb rises over 1800 meters with an average gradient of 4%.

  This is the third KOM section of the day, which means you will be timed from the bottom to the top with your time counting in the KOM classification.

• 254 km: Funder

  Feed station 6

  There is reason to smile.

  The finish in Viborg is fast approaching and that fact contributes positively to the atmosphere at the feed station in Funder.

  The stop also means extra calories.

  In Funder Kirkeby you pass Funder Church, one of the old churches.

• 277 km: Vattrupgaard

  Feed station 7

  You are close to the finish.

  It would be stupid to bonk completely before Viborg, so remember to stop and enjoy the delicious feed station at Vattrupgård.

• 289 km: 4th KOM - Alpe d'Dollerup

  Climb 3.8%

  The last serious challenge of the route is Dollerup Bakker south of Viborg.

  Although you probably haven't got much power left in those tired legs of yours, the climb rises over 1300 meters at 3.8% on average.

  The landscape is dramatic - created by Arctic ice and meltwater during the last ice age.

  This is the 4th KOM section of the day, which means you will be timed from the bottom to the top with your time counting in the KOM classification.

• 301 km: Finish in Viborg

  You have reached the finish

  Congratulations - you made it!

  The adventure ends for all road, mountain bike and gravel riders on the Parade Square in Viborg.

  There are partying everywhere in Viborg, with the city hosting its annual celebration Snapsting.

  It gives you every opportunity to pay tribute to your magnificent achievement.

• Parade riding through Viborg

  Enjoy it

  The last few kilometers are all about soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying your accomplishment.

  You have completed The Viking Gran Fondo, and now it's time to be celebrated.

  You are going to ride the red carpet through the center of one of Denmark's oldest and most charming cities, Viborg.

  Slow down and give yourself a pat on the back.

• Celebration on the Parade Square

  The party

  Now it's time to unclip and celebrate your achievement.

  This is where participants from all routes finish and meet. You can enjoy a well deserved meal and a cold drink while taking it all in.

  All of Viborg is in party-mode this weekend as the city hosts its annual celebration Snapsting.

  That gives you every opportunity to hang around, enjoy the music and atmosphere and celebrate what has hopefully been a great day in the saddle.