Himmerland seeks Denmark’s first certified hiking region

Himmerland could become Denmark’s first internationally certified hiking region and Europe’s second, DR reports. A new project is examining what it would take to secure the certification within the next few years.

The area currently has five certified hiking routes, but at least seven are required. The existing routes are Panoramaruten, Rebild Bakker route, Gravlev Ådal route, Mariager route and Røver route.

Johanne Bugge, director of the tourism organisation Destination Himmerland, is coordinating the project with several partners. The group is assessing the requirements and cost of certification.

“We do not know that yet,” Bugge said about the cost. She believes the certification could help Himmerland attract attention and become a leading destination for hiking in Northern Europe.

Uffe Westerberg, a consultant from the Deutsches Wanderinstitut, is advising the project and will help assess where new routes could be established.

“The most important thing is that a route offers a good experience, that something happens along the way and that there are good views,” Westerberg said. Routes must also be clearly marked so visitors can follow them without using a map or phone.

A certified hiking region must offer a selection of premium hiking routes, extensive services for hikers, food options suited to hikers, information in print and online, details about public transport and other attractions, and regular guided tours.

Panoramaruten in Hobro recently marked its 10th anniversary as a certified hiking route. It has been walked between 15 and 20 times by Rasmus Kirkegaard, 41, from Hinnerup, who said he looks for routes with water, hills, views and forest.

Denmark currently has 15 certified hiking routes. If Himmerland achieves regional certification, Denmark would become the second country in Europe with a certified hiking region after Germany, and the first outside Germany.

Mariagerfjord, Rebild and Vesthimmerland municipalities, as well as Dansk Kyst- og Naturturisme, are also involved in the project.