03.07.2020 – It’s the D-Day for Fjallraven Classic Denmark. 75km in a day from Faldsled to Bjornemose Gods.
What is Fjallraven Classic?
Fjallraven Classic is a trekking event organised by the outdoor Swedish brand, the Fjallraven. It started in 2005 in Kungsleden National Park, Northern Sweden where the trekkers trekked the 110 kilometres between Nikkaluokta and Abisko in Sweden’s far north. Due to the success of Fjallraven Classic Sweden, Fjallraven Classic Denmark, Fjallraven Hong Kong and Fjallraven Classic USA were born. The Fjallraven Classic introduced new events in 2019 and 2020 ie Fjallraven Classic Korea, Fjallraven Classic China, Fjallraven Classic German and Fjallraven Classic UK. The goal is to help and insprire more people to get outdoors and share the experience with others.
Travelling by Bus to Faldsled (Starting Point for Fjallraven Classic Denmark)
From our AirBnb, we had to walk for almost 25 minutes to reach the bus station. By the time we arrived, there were already many trekkers waiting for the bus. All geared up for Fjallraven Classic Denmark. While waiting, we bought our breakfast from the train station’s 7 Eleven.
Finally, the bus arrived to pick up the trekkers to Faldsled. It took approximately 1 hour to reach Faldsled from Svenborg. The bus drove past the traditional old wooden houses that lined the road to Faldsled.
Welcome to Fjallraven Classic Denmark 2019
Since we were among the last batch to arrive, we queued up to register and collect the Fjallraven Classic Denmark kit.
Pro tips: The starting point is the best time to purchase the premium Fjallraven products because they are sold at a discounted price. One of the items you must buy is the Keb Fleece Hoodie. It costs around DKK1000 (Euro135). Don’t forget to buy event t-shirt too.
Next, it was time to collect the food for Day-1. Unlike Fjallraven Classic Sweden where you have to carry food for a number of days, the trekkers for FC Denmark have to carry food for the day. We could only cook at designated areas during the trekking.
Bring it On First 25KM to Camp Site Holstenshuus
From the starting point, we walked on the boardwalk along the coast. As the trekkers walked further in front, we took our sweet time to take photographs. None of us had been to this part of the world.
Too excited that we eventually walked off the trail. From far, we heard a voice calling on us. We met our first trail friends, Amanda and Cecilia walking with their mother. We turned left towards the coastal town of Faldsled. To avoid the trekkers (read: us) from getting lost, the organizer put up the painted wooden Fjallraven Classic signage.
For every 5 km of the trail, there would be a trail mark. The goal was to reach the next 5km and knowingly had 5km less than before. Of course, there were times when the 5km trail mark felt farther than expected.
From Faldsled, we followed the trekking path towards Trebjerg. Although it felt like a walk through the Danish villages, it was a scenic path all along.
Check Point: Ostrup
We finally made it to the lunch point cum check point: Ostrup. It was a designated lunch point as we couldn’t use our stove anywhere we liked. As for packed food given to us at the starting point, we had Smørrebrød, the traditional Scandinavian open-faced sandwich consisting of few pieces of rye bread. Also given to us was a canned cod’s roes. We were also given a tea brewer and coffee brewer bag where one has to fill up water and pour it into the cup.
From Svanninge Bakker to Holstenshuus
Do you know that Denmark is one of the flattest country in the world? So the trail gave us a different challenge. It was never about the elevation. It was about finishing 75km in 3 days. Having walked the trail, it is wise to not underestimate the trail. However, the flat land was not that flat. The boys waited for the German couple with the dog cart to help them carry the dog cart. It was impossible to drag the dog cart over the steps.
Lerbjerg stands at 126 metres, which is the highest on Funen. The area offered a magnificent view of the surrounding Svanninge Bjerge and Svanninge Hills. Both have been designated as an Area of National Geologic Interest.
Check Point: Holstenshuus
We continued walking to Holstenshuus, which was our check point cum camp site for the day. By this time, I was walking alone. To be honest, I opened the map for hundreds of time wondering when I would arrive at Check Point Holstenshuus. It seemed like forever.
I started to count my steps and stopped for every 20 steps or so to catch my breath. The heavy backpack had started to take its toll on my back. Further ahead at the junction, 2 trekkers lied down on the grass tired. I felt them. My toes started to hurt. Some Korean trekkers persuaded me that we almost reached the camp site. Part of me refused to believe.
I finally arrived at Check Point Holstenshuus. It was one of Denmark’s most recent manor house buildings. First, I stamped my trekker pass and collected food for the dinner and the next day.
I went on to find my friends who had started to pitch the tent. After pitching the tent, we prepared our meals and went to sleep despite the fact that it got dark at around 10pm in July in Scandinavia. Let’s the next 50KM be an easy walk.
