Last summer we did a cycling trip in Denmark. I did not plan it in detail. Only two places were clear from the beginning: Copenhagen and Møns Klint. Everything else was left to the road. When I look back now, I think this is what made the trip special.
One of our first stops was Aarhus. We did not plan to stay there long. But when we arrived, we decided to spend one night. It was a good decision. The city felt warmer and more lively than I expected. We drank good coffee, walked through calm streets, and cycling around the city was very easy. There was also a deer park. Even though we stayed only a short time, Aarhus helped us slow down at the beginning of the trip.
After Aarhus, the road moved towards Møns Klint. I knew this place from photos, but being there felt very different. Møns Klint is made of white chalk cliffs that were formed millions of years ago by sea life. Today these high cliffs face the Baltic Sea. People come here mainly for nature. It is not a place to see quickly and leave. It is a place to stay, to walk, and to slow down.
I walked a lot at Møns Klint. On the top, below, on forest paths, and on long stairs. Every part felt different, so I wanted to spend time everywhere. The white cliffs, the texture of the stones, and the color of the sea together create a very strong view.
When I went down to the beach, I noticed fossils and stones. I looked at them for a long time. I picked some up and then put them back. I also swam in the sea. It was cold, but it felt right in that moment. Like something you should do if you are there.
Møns Klint is also known for stargazing. I set an alarm, but I was too tired and did not wake up at night. I did not see this as a failure. I left it as a reason to come back another time. Camping is something I am already used to. I do not need to do everything in one visit. Leaving some moments for the future feels better. I left Møns Klint knowing I want to return.
After that, we continued cycling towards Copenhagen. We stopped in other places on the way. Some stops were planned, others were completely by chance. Following the flow of the road was an important part of this trip. During this journey, one thing I noticed was the number of ceramic artists I saw. Small workshops, people making things, and ceramics being part of daily life. In a place so close to nature, this felt very natural and very inspiring.
When we arrived in Copenhagen, I visited some ceramic artists I already knew and wanted to see. As a ceramic artist myself, finishing the trip this way felt very satisfying. Seeing the work and being in the places where it is made was important to me.
Completing this route by bicycle also left a strong feeling. It was physically tiring, but mentally very refreshing. This trip was not about doing many things. It was about staying inside what was happening. A few places were clear, and the rest was shaped on the road.
I think this is why it stayed with me for so long.
