The mountain bike enthusiast's guide to North Jutland

Experiencing North Jutland on two wheels is highly recommended. The cycling season lasts almost all year round if you're feeling up to it, and the region is very well organized for those who want to get around under their own power. But if you want some of the most amazing cycling experiences, you should definitely get out into nature.

We spoke to one of Denmark's biggest mountain bike enthusiasts about exactly that - and he not only has good advice and tips for the "wildest" cyclists chasing "black tracks", but is just as concerned that "cycling is for everyone" - and all age groups. Nicolaj Suhr has a master's degree and works as an author and management consultant. But in his spare time, he focuses on cycling, often with his children.

- 20-25 years ago I was a semi-professional in MTB cycling. Afterwards, I taught the sport for many years, but what became clear to me was that it was really difficult to assess the individual tracks and how demanding they were. That's why I started - together with my children - to film the trails with go-pro and drone. The idea behind the project was to give a visual expression with atmosphere and nature images, and the goal was that these 1-2 minute mood videos would provide a better alignment of expectations, and thus the cyclists a better overall experience, explains Nicolaj Suhr.

Check out Nicolaj's Instagram profile.

North Jutland - wild and beautiful

Nicolaj Suhr makes no secret of the fact that he considers North Jutland to be one of the best cycling destinations in Denmark - whether it be wild - or just beautiful.

- The unique thing about cycling in North Jutland is that you have it all within easy reach. And that applies whether you're into wild bike trails and paths or tranquil experiences on two wheels. When you ride in the woods, you're invited into a world you don't normally visit, and that's what I think is so great about cycling in the woods. On the trails you can ride like a pinch through the forest - and with the wild nature right next to you," he says.

Usually, single-track trails are divided into color categories, where green is for beginners, blue is relatively easy, red is medium-difficult and black is very difficult. In addition, there are track trails and gravel roads that do not offer technical challenges, but just good experiences. Together with Nicolaj Suhr, we have put together the best tips and advice for cycling in North Jutland. However, be aware that there are of course many more.

Find inspiration for your own MTB tour.

The slopes with an adrenaline rush

Do black and red colors come to mind when the conversation turns to MTB cycling? Then you should take a closer look at the following tips from Nicolaj Suhr.

Bjergby: Bjergby, just north of Hjørring, is a little gem that offers fantastic and wild experiences. Here, enthusiasts have built a red and brutal trail with highly technical ascents and descents, wooden bridges and its own bike park.

Poulstrup Lake near Aalborg: Poulstrup Lake is a unique place with red and technical ascents and descents with both gorges and jumps. Poulstrup also offers a fantastic and magnificent natural area in the form of a special moorland landscape.

Lundby Krat near Aalborg: In Lundby Krat near Aalborg you get MBT cycling for all your money. Here you'll find single-track trails in the red and black category, which offer insane experiences for those with the necessary technical skills. There are also some fantastic viewpoints along the way.

Drastrup near Aalborg: If you're into black trails, you should stop by Drastrup near Aalborg. Here, the entire gravel pit has been transformed into a large playground for MBT cyclists, where the skilled can really let loose.

Skagen: Does it have to be brutal? In Skagen, you'll find a world of sand, where the wild ones can have fun with the tracks that lie in the sand dunes. This is MBT cycling on nature's terms, and you'll have to contend with the hard-to-manage surface.

Tversted: Do you love green ferns and soft moss? The trail in Tversted is a unique and beautiful nature trail - there are great black and red trails - but also green and blue for those who want a quieter alternative.

Slotsved near Sindal: Here nature offers a variety of MTB experiences. From the undramatic green to the brutal black. And a small bike park to boot!

Tornby near Hirtshals: According to Nicolaj, Tornby plantation has one of Denmark's best MBT trails - a good mix of trails and nature trails. Some of it is challenging, but it will still be possible for less experienced riders to ride the trail as there is room to "jump" off the bike along the way.

Singletrack for most people

Do you still want to ride on small trails and have some challenges along the way? Here are the trails for those who enjoy MTB cycling but don't have big ambitions to move onto the red or black trails.

Sæby: Just outside the Kattegat town of Sæby, between the hills, the castle garden and the river, is a truly beautiful MTB trail. Everyone can join in on the blue trail, but if you want a little more adrenaline, in some places it will be possible to ride on the red loop.

Frederikshavn: In Frederikshavn at Bangsbo forest you get a short but hilly cycling experience. The ride goes up to the highest point in the area, where you get a fabulous view of the Kattegat - and not least, it is particularly exciting that you actually ride directly over the historic military bunkers.

Hammer Bakker: The forest, located about 10 kilometers north of Aalborg, offers North Jutland's longest continuous trail. Here you get a blue and beautiful MBT track - with some red tracks - but at the same time a large forest with plenty of opportunities for a long ride on the gravel roads.

Bagterp near Hjørring: In Bagterp plantation, just south of Hjørring, there is a blue trail that is technically manageable for most people. However, the trail also has a smaller red loop, a more technical flow trail, for those who dare.

Aalborg - Hvorup military area: North of Aalborg is the military area of Hvorup, which is also a blue trail - and comparable in difficulty to Bagterp in Hjørring. However, the trail in Hvorup contains a little more sand - something that can increase the difficulty level.

Kongshøj near Aalborg: Kongshøj in Aalborg is also a MTB area for “most people” - there is a new flow trail and a “snake”, and along the way you can also choose a red loop.

Cycling for all

Last, but certainly not least: If you're looking for a bike ride that's a little more on the "soft" side, there are many good suggestions - and these are of course also tours that are suitable for the whole family.

Jyske Ås: If you want to cycle on forest trails and slightly smaller paths, Jyske Ås is a good choice. The large area stretches from Dronninglund in the south to Østervrå in the north and offers plenty of nature, but no official MBT trails.

Hærvejen: The bike ride along Hærvejen runs from Frederikshavn in the north and all the way down through the country. Hærvejen is in every way a very beautiful route with really good cycling conditions.

RailTrails: Another special experience is to cycle along one of the rail trails in Denmark. On RailTrails, it is possible to plan the route you want and you can be sure to avoid difficult and technical challenges along the way.

Frederikshavn-Skagen: If you want to cycle to the northernmost point of Northern Jutland, consider the trip from Frederikshavn to Skagen, where there are great cycling routes and beautiful nature - a "top" experience in many ways.