World War II Route: Blåvand, Ho, Oksbøl

This cycling tour takes you through a landscape that is as fascinating geographically as it is culturally. Starting in Blåvand, Denmark’s westernmost point, the route leads you through dunes, forests, heathlands, and meadows. Along the way, you can visit Tirpitz and FLUGT – Refugee Museum of Denmark—two powerful and thought-provoking museums that tell the story of the region during and after World War II.

You can also choose to extend your route with a trip to Skallingen, a unique and constantly changing coastal landscape that forms the northern part of The Wadden Sea National Park, and which wasn't fully cleared of WWII landmines until 2012

Blåvand is one of Denmark’s best-known holiday towns, with shops and restaurants open year-round. Not far from the center lies Blåvandshuk Lighthouse, marking Denmark’s westernmost point, where you’ll find exhibitions about the North Sea Nature Park and Horns Rev Wind Farm in the former lighthouse keeper's house.

During World War II, bunkers were constructed along the coast as part of the Atlantic Wall. Some of these have now been transformed into sculptures known as the "Mule Bunkers", symbolizing peace. You can take a short detour to visit them at Blåvand Beach.

Back in Blåvand, the route continues around Kallesmærsk Heath—Denmark’s largest military training area. The heath can be crossed via the gravel road Kallesmærskvej if it's not closed due to military exercises. The official route leads safely around it along a bike path by the main road.

In Oksbøl, a visit to the FLUGT Museum is highly recommended. After the war, Oksbøl became one of Denmark’s largest settlements—home to thousands of German refugees. The museum offers a deeply moving insight into that chapter of history.

From Oksbøl, the route heads south through peaceful meadows toward the village of Ho. Here, you can choose to extend your ride to Skallingen—a truly remarkable landscape formed after a storm surge in 1634. Constantly shaped by the sea, Skallingen is part of the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Just before returning to Blåvand, you’ll find Tirpitz Museum—a former WWII gun bunker now transformed into a stunning underground museum blending nature, history, and design. It’s the perfect final stop on your tour.

End your ride with a refreshing drink or meal at one of Blåvand’s many cozy cafes or restaurants.

Enjoy your ride! 

Open the map here

1. Download the app “Ride With GPS” (free) if you want to view the route on your phone, or download the GPX file and use it with your preferred navigation tool—e.g., bike computer or smartwatch.
    
2. Open the link below after installing the app
    

DOWNLOAD THE ROUTE HERE