Drunk Norwegian cyclists damage churchyard near Skagen

A group of drunk Norwegian cyclists has been reported to police after damaging a churchyard in Raabjerg, near Skagen in northern Denmark, according to a report by DR.

Lotte Wenstrup, chair of the local parish council, said the cyclists left excrement, vomit, and overturned gravestones during a recent stop at Raabjerg Kirke. They also climbed the bell tower, pulling the rope to ring the church bell.

The cyclists were participating in the “Bajer og pedal” event, a 50-kilometre ride from Hirtshals ferry terminal to Skagen. Neighbour Søren Winther, who lives next to the churchyard, estimated up to 400 participants in the event at its peak.

“They were so drunk they didn’t know what they were doing,” Winther said. “I don’t understand how they could treat a churchyard with such disrespect.”

The parish council has reported the incident to North Jutland Police, though previous complaints were dismissed due to lack of resources. Attempts to identify the event organisers through ferry operator Color Line and bike rental companies were unsuccessful.

Frederikshavn mayor Jon Andersen (V) expressed surprise at the behaviour, stating it was not typical of tourists in the area. “This is not how I would behave if I were on holiday in another country,” he said.

North Jutland Police confirmed receiving a report on Monday. Hirtshals Tourism stated that no local tourism associations were involved in the cycle event.