You will experience two of the main towns on the Ancient Road, Hærvejen, over the 27 kilometers of the stage: Bække and Vejen. On this stage, you will pass historical finds such as the Hamborggård Stone, Klebæk Høje, and rune stones at both Bække Church and Læborg Church. From here, you cycle southwards along the original Hærvejen, which, as the town has grown, has become Vejen Main Street.
Bindeballe-Vejen
Randbøl Heath
Southwest of Randbøl, you can explore one of the few remaining heath landscapes; Randbøl Heath. Spanning 750 hectares, it is one of Denmark's largest inland heaths, which was battled against by heath farmers, 'Potato Germans', and eventually the state itself.
In 1932, the heath was protected as the largest landscape conservation at that time, to preserve the open heather-clad expanses and protect against cultivation and afforestation. Subsequently, it has been shown that the heath is an unstable natural state that risks turning into forest without human intervention. Therefore, Randbøl State Forest District has been permitted to manage the heath to preserve it for posterity.
Previously, Randbøl Heath was even larger and feared by travelers because of robbers. In the 1750s, the farmers' rights to grazing and peat cutting were established, and part of the heath became state property. In the 1760s, the 'Potato Germans' attempted to cultivate the heath, but it was a tough battle, and most returned to Germany.
At Stoltenbjerg by the Staldbakker hills, you can enjoy a fantastic view of the area. From the lookout, you can imagine how both heath farmers and 'Potato Germans' tried to tame the wild nature unsuccessfully.
Randbøl Heath and Frederikshåb Plantation, 7183 Randbøl
Klebæk Høje
In the northern part of Bække, you can visit Klebæk Høje, also known as the Bække Monument, which encompasses three historical periods in one place.
Klebæk Høje consists of two domed burial mounds from the Bronze Age, a 45-meter-long ship setting, and a runestone from the Viking Age. Additionally, a medieval cart track crosses the monument, representing a small part of the ancient Hærvej. The monument is situated 81 meters above sea level at the highest point in Bække Parish.
Here, you can experience three historical periods at the same location, showcasing the significance of Hærvej: the turf-built burial mounds of the Bronze Age, erected over the noble families of the society around 1500-1200 BC, and 2500 years later, during the Viking Age, a 45-meter-long and 10-meter-wide ship-shaped stone setting was raised by Ravnunge-Tue in memory of his deceased mother, Vibrog.
During excavations in 1957 and 1958, the foundation of the ship setting was investigated, revealing one of Denmark's largest. All the stones are oriented with their flat sides towards the center of the 'ship', which served as a burial site.
At Klebæk Høje, you gain insight into the historical significance of the area and can experience monuments from three different historical periods.
Klebækvej 8, 6622 Bække
The Hærvej House in Bække
At Hærvejshuset in Bække, you can feel at home and gain insight into the entire fascinating history of Hærvejen.
During the summer season, in the afternoon, you can meet volunteers from the local area who are happy to tell you about Bække's unique history along Hærvejen and provide practical tips over a cup of free coffee. Whether you arrive on foot or by bike, the doors are open to everyone traveling on Hærvejen, because outside the summer season, you can borrow the key to Hærvejshuset at Brugsen, which is located just opposite. At Brugsen, there is access to a toilet and the possibility to buy coffee if Hærvejshuset is unstaffed.
Inside the house, you can immerse yourself in an exhibition about how the landscape around Bække has shaped the course of Hærvejen over time, and discover that the part of the Hærvejs route you follow through Bække is authentic and follows the old course of Hærvejen. Before you leave the house, you can share your experience in the guest book.
Vestergade 2, 6622 Bække
How do you get to and from the stage using public transport?
You can find your way to the stage using public transport by using the Rejseplanen and the Hærvejs app. To get to the starting point of the stage, you should enter the destination 'Bindeballe' in Rejseplanen. Once you arrive, you can use the Hærvejs app to find your way to the Hærvej.
Useful links
Rejseplanen: www.rejseplanen.dk
Get a stamp in your Hærvej Passport
On this stage, you can get a stamp in your Hærvej Passport at Bindeballe Merchant's House, Bække Church, and Vejen Church.