Stage 2

The second stage starts in Ribe and follows West Coast Cycle Route further north along narrow country roads and through small villages. By Vilslev, the route turns slightly westwards so that you end up on the cycle path that runs along the Wadden Sea and the dikes.

Make sure to stop by the dike and take in the very special Wadden Sea landscape which is mainly a product of the tide. Throughout several millenniums, the water has been alternating between flushing the flat coastline during high tide and pulling back completely during low tide to reveal large seabed areas. There is a difference of exactly six hours and 15 minutes between high and low tides, meaning that the water overflows the Wadden Sea twice in 25 hours. Usually, the height difference between hide and low tide is around 1.5 metres.

The trip continues along the dike until you reach the outskirts of the only larger town by the west coast, Esbjerg. West Coast Cycle Route runs slightly north of the town centre but make sure to take a break in the town centre to enjoy the impressive harbour atmosphere and the longest pedestrian street in Denmark. Here you will also find lots of restaurants and other eateries, and you have plenty of options for buying supplies for the next stage of your journey. From Esbjerg, you can take the ferry to the idyllic Wadden Sea island of Fanø.

Ribe is the oldest town in Denmark and no words can ever begin to describe the atmosphere in this Middle Age town centre. The narrow cobblestone streets tell their very own part of a proud history that dates back to
around 710. The old town offers lots of eateries, shops, and places to stay overnight. From May to October, you can join the night watchman as he walks through town and shares his gripping songs and stories with you.