Stage 13

On Stage 13 you ride through the market towns of Christiansfeld, Haderslev and Aabenraa.

Christiansfeld was given the honour of becoming a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015, due to its exemplary architectural style. It is a well-known Moravian Brethren settlement. The next town on the route is Haderslev, which played an essential role in the introduction of Protestantism in Denmark. In 1528 Duke Christian decided that worship was to be held here, in the Lutheran way and later, when he became King Christian III of Denmark, he expanded the church reforms to include the rest of Denmark.

The route in Aabenraa is a coastal route. The connection with the sea has been vital for Aabenraa, which was one of Sønderjylland’s most famous harbours in the 18th and 19th Centuries. From Aabenraa there was a sea-connection to the rest of the world. This meant that foreign and exotic items were brought back by local sea-faring folk.

You can choose to start the stage in Christiansfeld and then ride south to Aabenraa – but before you do, make sure you visit the Moravian Brethren Town (page 140). You could also choose to start Stage 13 in Aabenraa and instead, ride north, finishing in Christiansfeld, which can then become the start point of your next journey on Stage 12.

Haderslev Cathedral is the town’s landmark. The church sits high above the town’s roofs, creating a unique panorama. The Cathedral is from around the 1100s. It has experienced many fires, which alongside extensions and restorations has changed the look of the Cathedral to what it is today. There are only a few chalk paintings left, one such painting being of the Schleswig-Holstein coat of arms. In the tall, light church room, you find no less than three organs.

The glass cases under the church choir display four vestments that have been designed by the Danish Queen Margrethe II, each containing symbols central to Christianity. For each vestment, there is also an altar cloth. The textiles are used at various events throughout the year.