Hiking trail: Valkyriestien

Valkyrie Trail near Haarby and Strandby Stream

Enjoy a scenic hike along the Valkyrie Trail near Haarby, where you can discover beautiful views, lush wetlands and fascinating stories from the Viking Age. This approximately 10 km hiking trail takes you through a varied landscape of forests, streams and open natural areas close to Helnæs Bay.

Explore nature along the Valkyrie Trail

Your hike begins at Møllebjerget, where you can enjoy impressive views across Helnæs Bay. From here, the trail continues through woodland, alongside streams and into the lush wetlands near Haarby and Strandby Stream.

Along the way, you can experience a changing landscape where nature is being given more space. The wetlands feature small lakes, wet meadows and drier areas, creating valuable habitats for plants, amphibians, insects and other wildlife.

Wetlands where nature can thrive

The wetlands along the Valkyrie Trail have been established to restore the natural water cycle and reduce nitrogen pollution entering the sea. At the same time, they provide opportunities for a more diverse range of plants and animals to flourish.

The wetland area near Strandby covers 30 hectares and retains approximately 3 tonnes of nitrogen each year. Here, you can discover how nature restoration creates new habitats and an interesting landscape to explore on foot.

Spend the night in a shelter along the trail

If you would like to extend your outdoor adventure, you can spend the night in a shelter in the southern part of the Strandby wetland area. The shelter site is located directly along the Valkyrie Trail and includes a shelter, a campfire area and a composting toilet.

Here, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings, prepare a meal over an open fire and wake up surrounded by nature.

Discover the history of the Vikings

The Valkyrie Trail offers more than beautiful scenery. The area also holds a fascinating history dating back to the Viking Age, which inspired the name of the trail.

Between approximately AD 600 and 1000, people from inland villages travelled to Helnæs Bay to help build and maintain longships. These vessels were used for trading expeditions and military raids both in Denmark and abroad.

Archaeological discoveries of nails, fittings, tools and iron slag reveal extensive craftsmanship and ironworking activities in the area.

Personal objects have also been discovered, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life in the past. These finds include glass and amber beads, bronze brooches and an iron Thor's hammer pendant. Archaeologists have also uncovered a wooden handle carved in the shape of a dragon's head and a small clay human figure that may once have been a child's toy.

As you walk along the Valkyrie Trail, you are therefore exploring a landscape shaped by both nature and history.

Practical information about the Valkyrie Trail

• Trail length: Approximately 10 km.
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate.
• Surface: Footpaths, gravel tracks and minor roads.
• Terrain: Varied, with some uneven or wet sections.
• Accessibility: The trail is not suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.
• Overnight accommodation: Shelter site with a campfire area and composting toilet near Strandby.

Remember to wear suitable walking shoes, as parts of the trail may be wet and muddy, especially after rainfall.

A hiking experience combining nature and history

The Valkyrie Trail near Haarby is an ideal excursion if you enjoy hiking, nature and local history. Along the way, you can experience beautiful views of Helnæs Bay, peaceful wetlands and fascinating stories about Viking life and craftsmanship.