From Hjarbæk, you follow the fjord and cut across central Jutland towards Viborg, the ancient main town of the Hærvejen, where for centuries the country's kings were crowned. On your hike through the hilly landscape towards Viborg, you pass by small lakes and are treated to a breathtaking view of the cathedral.
Hjarbæk-Viborg
Viborg Cathedral
The cathedral was originally built in the 12th and 13th centuries in Romanesque style and stands out prominently in the cityscape and the city's long history. The impressive granite church has witnessed countless events. In 1060, Viborg gained status as a cathedral city, but it was not until 1133 that the church was completed with its four towers, aisles, chancel, and crypt. Unfortunately, the church has been hit by fires several times. The most recent fire in 1726 left only the walls and crypt intact, making the crypt the oldest part. When you step into the crypt, you are taken nearly 900 years back in time. In the small crypt chapel, you can see a coffin with leather covering. Inside the coffin lies the embalmed body of the nobleman Valdemar Daas.
As a city of royal homage, Viborg has paid tribute to at least 37 rulers, and the church bears traces of their honor and tragedies. Under a stone in front of the altar lies a lead casket with the symbolic remains of Erik Klipping, who found his final resting place in the cathedral after unknown assailants murdered him in 1286.
In the church, you can see many authentic details that testify to the church's long history, such as two lions and two faces in the church's exterior granite. Cobblestones in the lawn around the church indicate where the old church's extension was located. From 1901 to 1906, Joakim Skovgaard and his assistants painted the cathedral's famous pictorial bible, which you can be enchanted by. With wet plaster, they worked magic with lime colors, and the frescoes speak a language that everyone can understand.
Come to Viborg Cathedral and be captivated by the whisper of history. The entrance fee is only 10 kroner for adults. However, please note that the church is closed to visitors during religious services.
Sct. Mogens Gade 4, 8800 Viborg
Viborg Lakes
The Viborg Lakes, Nørresø and Søndersø, are beautifully situated near the city center and offer great opportunities for fishing, swimming, and other enjoyable water activities.
You can spend a couple of hours fishing along the lakeshore or rent a boat to see the lakes from a different perspective. Just remember to bring your fishing license. If you prefer to keep your feet dry, you can take a walk around the lakes and enjoy the fresh air.
If you haven't tried stand-up paddleboarding, the Viborg Lakes are the perfect place for a pleasant and relaxing experience. Here you can get close to nature and enjoy the tranquility as you glide through the clear water and experience the beauty of the lakes firsthand.
Randersvej 2, 8800 Viborg
The Latin Quarter Garden
In the center of Viborg lies the Latin Quarter Garden. Here you can take a walk and smell the many exciting flowers and herbs. Originally, the garden was a fire site from 1726, and from 1760 it was the garden of the rector of the Latin School. You can still visit 'The Rector's Pleasure House in the garden', where there are memorial plaques for the ornithologist Hans Christian Cornelius Mortensen and a monument for the great Jutland poet Steen Steensen Blicher.
When you come to the garden, you will see that it is divided into different sections with varieties of spring and summer flowers and perennials. There is even a small garden section from 2002 with the theme of schnapps herbs.
Sct. Mogens Gade 1, 8800 Viborg
How do you get to and from the route using public transport?
You can find your way to the stage using public transport by using the Rejseplanen and the Hærvejs app. To get to the starting point of the stage, you should enter the destination 'Vorde Kirke' in Rejseplanen. Once you arrive, you can use the Hærvejs app 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 Viborg Pilgrim's Hostel and Hjarbæk Hostel.