During 2020, travelling was largely impossible. Even family visits between the Netherlands and Sweden were a hassle for months. So when the travel restrictions finally allowed it, my father, brother and I travelled to the northern tip of Denmark. Here, we would see each other for the first time in what felt like ages. And what better way to enjoy each other's company than a 400 kilometre (250 mi) bikepacking adventure?

The plan was to cycle the Hærvejen. The Hærvejen – translated as the army road – is a prehistoric route between Frederikshavn in the north of Denmark and Padborg, located near the German border. The route is more than 1,000 years old, and has been an important trade route throughout the years. Oxen, honey, fur and weapons, among other things, were transported via this ancient route. Today, the Hærvejen serves as a cycling and walking route. On the way, we saw medieval churches, Viking stones and prehistoric burial mounds.

We rode the route from north to south. A wise choice as it turned out. There’s plenty of wind in Denmark, as evidenced by the many windmills along the way, and we had the wind at our backs. For logistical reasons, our adventure didn’t start in Frederikshavn, but in Aalborg. It’s easy to get there by train. The majority of the route is asphalted, but along the way there are also some single track and gravel roads through forests and fields.

The Hærvejen is part of the amazing European Trail Divide; a 7,600 kilometre (4,724 mi) bikepacking route right across Europe from Finland to Portugal. You can find more information about the route here: komoot.nl/collection/1070173

Bikepacking the Hærvejen was an unforgettable adventure. For both my father and brother, it was their first experience of bikepacking. The campfires, nights in sleeping bags and hours in the saddle were the ultimate family reunion. And all this despite the inevitable hunger pangs and fatigue.