The 33 kilometers from Dronninglund to Aalborg offer hilly highlands and varied nature with burial mounds on the hilltops. You will pass through Hammer Bakker, a large nature area that offers excellent hiking and mountain biking trails.
Dronninglund-Aalborg
Hammer Hills
Hammer Hills consists of a beautiful mix of forested hills and large heath areas, where 400 hectares are protected, and 1400 hectares are privately owned. The area is circular, almost shaped like an island, and features a rocky and sandy soil, which allows for heathlands and dense coniferous forests.
Over the years, Hammer Hills has witnessed human activity. Until 1688, it served as a meeting place for local lords and the district judge, as well as a stage for trials and executions, where the executioner swung his axe over the condemned or led the witch to the stake. Scattered throughout the hills are 62 burial mounds and national ancient monuments, testifying to the area's historical significance. Twin Hills and Stone Hill have been designated as national ancient monuments.
You will find that the wildlife in Hammer Hills is rich and varied with forest birds, including rare species such as the goshawk, honey buzzard, and nightjar. The large heath area is also known for a rich fauna of butterflies and a wealth of mammals, such as deer, fox, badger, and hedgehog. From May to October, you can pick lingonberries and blueberries on the heaths, but you might have to share with the sheep that have been released as part of nature conservation. If you prefer not to share with the heath's sheep, you can head to the forest areas, which offer edible mushrooms, especially boletes.
In the scenic Hammer Hills, cozy primitive campsites await with large and spacious shelters, where you can sleep out in nature in all kinds of weather. Here you can challenge your cooking skills over an open fire and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
Storemosevej 70, 9310 Vodskov
Jutland Ridge
Melting ice, stones, gravel, clay, and sand formed what is known today as the Jutland Ridge 15,000 years ago, echoing ancient tales from the Ice Age. If you listen closely, you might sense the faint whisper of captivating stories in the fresh breeze.
Despite its name, the Jutland Ridge is not a ridge but a hilly moraine formed by glaciers, stretching over 38 kilometers through Vendsyssel with a width of more than two kilometers. 39 of the ridge's hilltops are higher than 100 meters above sea level, and Knøsen, a Bronze Age mound, is at 136 meters the highest point in all of North Jutland. The ridge extends from Dronninglund in the south approximately 40 kilometers northwest to Østervrå. In the forests, some of Vendsyssel's highest points can be found, and besides Knøsen, you can explore other high points such as Storstensbakken and Skelbakken. In Pajhede Forest, the 112-meter-high Søhedens Bakke is also located. Moreover, you can discover the three large rivers that originate in the Jutland Ridge: Voraa, Uggerby Å, and Ryå.
The Jutland Ridge has almost everything: A landscape characterized by lush fields, forest areas, bogs, and expansive heaths. You can go on adventures along the various cycling routes and feel the Jutland Ridge beneath your bike. In the unique and untouched nature, you'll find rare flowers and plants such as heart grass and wild orchids. There is also a rich wildlife, and it is possible to get up close to slow worms, Eurasian jays, and rare frogs.
Landvadhøj 6, 9320 Hjallerup
How do you get to and from the stage using public transport?
You can find your way to the stage using public transport by using the Rejseplanen and Hærvejsappen. To get to the starting point of the stage, you need to enter the destination 'Dronninglund Castle (Brønderslev Municipality)' in Rejseplanen. Once you arrive, you can use the Hærvejsappen to find your way to the Hærvej.
Useful links
Rejseplanen: www.rejseplanen.dk
Get a stamp in your Hærvej Passport
On this stage, you can get a stamp in your Hærvej Passport at Dronninglund Church, Hammer Church, and Aalborg Monastery.