Highlights Vejen - Viborg

• 0 km: Vejen

  The Start

  Here we go on the 160 kilometer route along the Ancient Road, Hærvejen.

  The Massif Central of Denmark also known as Vejle Ådal lays just ahead with loads of climbing, so we recommend that you quickly get those legs up to speed.

  Have a nice ride!

• 34 km: Mur de Refsgårde

  Climb 8.2%

  With an average gradient of 8.2% over 550 meters Mur de Refsgårde feels almost like riding into a brick wall.

  If you haven't properly warmed up yet at this point, you will by the time you reach the top.

  Fortunately, the first feed station in Ødsted isn't far away.

• 43 km: Ødsted

  Feed station 1

  It is still far to to the finish in Viborg, and therefore it is important to keep on top of your fueling right from the start.

  The music is playing and the many volunteers make sure your experience in Ødsted is a good one.

  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.

• 50 km: Jennum Bakken

  Climb 5.6%

  At Jennum you reach one of the toughest climbs.

  5.6% average gradient over 1,175 meters.

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

• 55 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."

• 86 km: Nr. Snede

  Feed station 2

  Well done! Nr. Snede is a milestone for many as you are just about halfway on the route.

  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.

• 98 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.

• 110 km: 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 it rises over 1800 meters with an average gradient of 4%.

• 112 km: Funder

  Feed station 3

  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.

• 134 km: Vattrupgaard

  Feed station 4

  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.

• 147 km: Alpe d'Dollerup

  Climb 3.8%

  The last serious challenge 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.

• 157 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.