There is something deeply satisfying about trading the familiar rhythm of daily life for a backpack, a trail, and a destination dozens of kilometers away. I’ve never been a traditional 9-to-5 guy—seeking out new experiences, whether a spontaneous weekend micro-adventure or a multi-day trek, is what keeps life exciting.
That mindset is what brought me to the start line of the Fjällräven Classic Denmark: a 72-kilometer, three-day trek through rolling farmland, coastal trails, lush forests, and historic Danish hamlets.
Here is what it was like to hike 72km across Denmark—and why this unique event might just be the ultimate multi-day hiking experience.
Day 1: High Energy, Blue Skies, and Five-Star Trekking
The event kicked off at a buzzing campsite filled with around 600 hikers from all over the world. The energy was electric. Standing at the start line with my morning coffee, watching wave after wave of trekkers set off every 15 minutes, you could feel the collective excitement.
From the first kilometer, Fjällräven set an impossibly high standard. Calling this a “five-star hiking experience” isn’t an exaggeration. The organization caters your freeze-dried meals, provides snacks, offers fresh coffee, and even sets up first-aid stations along the way (complete with foot massages at the checkpoints!).
Navigation was straightforward. A stream of bright orange classic tags hung from everyone’s backpacks, and clear blue markers guided every turn through the open countryside. Day one delivered warm, sunny conditions—perfect for shedding cold-morning layers and soaking in wide-open views of golden wheat and barley fields dotted with bright red poppies.
By the time I rolled into the campsite after roughly 24 kilometers, the vibes were unbeatable: good food, great conversations with like-minded hikers, and a clear sky ahead. Or so I thought.
Day 2: Gale-Force Winds, Torrential Rain, and the Slug Dilemma
If Day 1 was a gentle stroll through paradise, Day 2 was a masterclass in classic Scandinavian weather variability.
I managed to pack down my tent in a brief dry window, but overnight rain quickly turned into a relentless morning downpour accompanied by howling winds. Trekking along coastal wooden boardwalks and exposed sea paths, the weather was “blowing a hoolie.” Water-resistant gear was tested to its absolute limit.
Pro tip for Day 2: Wear full trousers or waterproof rain pants. The coastal trail gets extremely overgrown, and anyone attempting it in shorts learned the hard way after taking a beating from wet, prickly brush.
Despite the heavy squalls, Day 2 provided some of the trek’s best moments. Walking through dense, emerald forests and coastal landscapes while getting lashed by wind makes the eventual break in the clouds feel unbelievable. When the sun finally cut through the storm clouds near the mid-day checkpoint, the contrast was pure magic.
It was also on Day 2 that I faced an existential trail question: To step on the slugs or not? The wet paths were covered in giant dark slugs. Trying hard not to crush them, a local Danish guide informed me they were an invasive species harming the local ecology and told me to stamp away! (I’ll let the trail etiquette experts debate that one in the comments.)
Day 3: Thunderstorms, Local Delicacies, and the Final Push
The final day started with a dramatic overnight thunderstorm that woke up the entire tent village with simultaneous thunderclaps.
Starting out under showery skies, the route quickly rewarded us. Just a few kilometers in, we hit a pitstop near an old lighthouse serving fresh coffee and a traditional Danish cake—a divine vanilla-infused pastry topped with caramelized sugar. A sugar rush like that 4km into a morning hike changes your entire outlook.
Later in the day, the trail wound through charming rural hamlets where local residents set up pop-up coffee stalls right in their front yards, offering shade and warm hospitality before the final stretch.
The last leg led past gorgeous waterfront homes along quiet rivers, leading straight back to where it all began.
Crossing the finish line after 3 days and 72 kilometers was pure joy. Getting my Fjällräven booklet stamped one last time, collecting the finisher’s medal, grabbing an ice-cold drink, and celebrating with fellow hikers made every wet sock and sore shoulder worth it.
Why You Should Do a Fjällräven Classic
If you’ve ever considered multi-day trekking, the Fjällräven Classic Denmark is the ideal place to start:
Accessible Terrain: With peak elevations hovering around 200 meters, you aren’t scrambling up alpine passes. It’s a test of distance and endurance rather than technical mountain climbing.
Flawless Support: From logistics and catered food (the Real Turmat chicken curry is top-tier) to safety crew and campsite amenities, you are completely looked after.
Community: Trekking alongside hundreds of passionate outdoors lovers creates an encouraging, friendly atmosphere from start to finish.
After a 15-hour drive back home to England to edit the footage, my legs have recovered, but the itch for the trail hasn’t gone away. I’ll definitely be lining up for more Fjällräven Classics around the globe in the future.