The second day of our cycling trip we started at a campsite in Hasle. We ate breakfast in the morning, then we packed our tent and we were ready to go. Packing the tent went very smoothly, because we shared tasks and everyone knew what to do.
We were already packed for the road and we had to move, but suddenly we found out that sunglasses were missing. We asked at the reception and there were. Someone honest gave them to the office. Cool.
We started our drive from a visit to Hasle. There we wanted to find an ATM to have a few Danish kroner in cash. Sometimes it is useful when we meet a small shop or a paid attraction. We rode to the market and realized we had already passed the ATM without noticing. A short break at the market was a great opportunity to discuss the whole route for that day. What was amazing in Hasle were the perfectly flat sidewalks. Sidewalks that flat don’t exist in Poland.
Jons Kapel
We moved further through the bicycle road to north. At the end of the village cycling road turns to the left and led us down from hill. We were happy that we weren’t going in the opposite direction 🙂 The road ran right by the sea. On the way we passed the single buildings and reached the harbor Helligpeder, then Teglkås and in the distance we noticed the rock cliff named Jons Kapel.
When the paved road ended began trail path with big surprise. The steep climb beat us. We had bikes with panniers and a trailer with gear weighing 40 kg. Fortunately, some kind people helped us in the final meters to reach the top of the hill. At the top there was tree felling going on at that moment. It was loud, so we didn’t wait any longer and we continued our ride. This time the road was flatter and led us through the beautiful Bornholm’s fields and pastures. We were partially hidden in forest, so the hot sun did not bother us while riding.
As we were moving to the north the terrain was becoming more hilly. We drove to the Vang town. There the bike path fortunately led around the village, which allowed us to avoid the steep driveway. Interestingly, we often saw warning signs about road gradients of up to 14%. It was our last fragment of road in forest, and after reaching the asphalt road, turn left in the direction of Sandvig. It was a winding mountain road with fairly heavy traffic (reasonably safe).
Finally, after a few hundred meters we saw the parking lot, turned in, hoping it was a car park for visitors to the Hammershus castle. But it wasn’t, although the parking lot was even with a booth that looked like a guard booth. We discovered that by this way, especially with the bikes, we can’t go to the castle. There was a beautiful view of the castle, which beautifully presented on the opposite side of the valley.
Hammershus Castle
A view there was like this:
It happens, so went back to the road and drove on to the correct parking lot. The number of cars we saw there told us that this time it was the right place. Special bicycle racks were provided for bikes. Amazingly, almost all were occupied. We left our bikes and went for a walk to explore the ruins of Hammershus castle.
Sightseeing was free of charge. To reach the ruins of the castle we had to go part of the way on foot. It was a path where bicycle riding was not allowed. After a while we were at the top and we could admire the stunning view from the castle ruins. Below, we could see the harbor in Sandvig, beautiful forests, and on the opposite side the Jons Kapel slope, which we just passed.
We entered the area of the former castle. There is not much of the castle left today. We saw some parts of perimeter walls, fragments of the tower, courtyard. The entire facility was very well maintained. We learned many interesting facts from the information boards located within the ruins. We walked around the entire facility and on the way back we noticed sheep basking in the shadow of the castle. What a nice surprise.
Opalsøen
Next we drove towards the Sandvig village. Here, on the north-west side of Bornholm, we can find real mountains. Steep climbs and descents are here a normal road. We wanted to see another interesting place – a small mountain lake Opalsøen. We made a little mistake and got lost for a while, because there were no signs. Fortunately, some townspeople came to our help, who showed us the right way.
Lake Opalsøen attracts all the adrenaline junkies. Here, from the high rocks located on the opposite bank of lake a steel cable was stretched across and you could buy a ride on it (which ends with a landing in the water). Unfortunately we couldn’t take advantage of this attraction, because we only had one adult and two kids. However, watching the landings of people in the water was great fun. We must admit that some people had creative landings. Some daredevils jumped from a cliff into the water. It didn’t seem safe, but it was quite a popular activity of young people.
Sandkaas Familiecamping
Next we drove through the Sandvig, which blends into Allinge. Our next camp was just out of town. This time it was Sandkaas Familiecamping.
We got there quite early. Seamless check-in, and good news, especially for the children — a swimming pool, which was included in the price. First we set up tent, then we went to the pool to have some fun. After a busy day on the bike in the sun it was so relaxing.
Later we ate dinner, there was a time for memories of the whole day experiences. As for dinner, we knew the order in which we would empty our trailer, where we had dinners for the whole week. First, we chose the ones that were the most heavy.
In the evening while our batteries were charging, we played a few rounds of Mancala and headed to sleep.
Stats:
That day we beat the route of 22 km. Elevation change: 300 meters.