From Kiel to Denmark

Despite leaving Hamburg at 2 p.m., I made it quite far finding my way along the eastern coast of Germany, upwards from Lübeck.

There are several wild camping spots in Schleswig-Holstein, one of them being my goal for that night. Unfortunately, I haven’t read the description properly and didn’t call to register myself, the camping being on private property. I arrived at about 11 p.m. and was too tired to keep going, but it was too late to knock. So I had my mat and sleeping bag placed under a tree and slept beneath the stars, once again. In the morning I knocked, after being woken up by the dog - very gently and friendly :)

The couple living there welcomed me, then they had to rush off for work. Thus I made my way as well, noticing it wasn’t even 7 a.m.

On Tuesday I reached Kiel to have fish & Chips and a little break, the second one of three 20 minute naps this day, since I barely slept that night, not knowing if it was the right property and the hosts not knowing I was there.

The camp on Tuesday night was one of the wild spots Schleswig-Holstein offers. I have to say, I really like the idea of having a small space where you can rest without any consequences - as long as you leave this place tidy and clean. This time there were sneaky cows, who snuck beneath the wire to get a closer look of me and my tent. But they were too afraid for me to pet them, yet my tent seemed more interesting.

On Wednesday nothing special happened, Business as usual. I went north-east Germany to north-west Germany. But the next day, Thursday, was quite fascinating!

First, I made my way along the danish border to the west, until I arrived at the ocean. I had a stroll on the beach (of a wadden sea), so my feet looked accordingly.

I crossed the border along yet another dike and was full of joy! In my head the song „Himmelblau“ by „Die Ärzte“ started playing, I sang along and screamed the lyrics full of emotion :)

In Denmark, just as in Schleswig-Holstein, there are spots for cyclists and hikers, so called shelters. But there aren’t only a few!

All over the country over 3000 of those shelters form a network that makes my tent nearly unnecessary. But we‘ll see how often I’ll use my tent in Denmark.

This shelter was in the backyard of a danish school. But even in the morning there were no children to be found. Maybe it’s also Holiday in Denmark :)

At said shelter, I met a family being on vacation by bike with their two kids, aged 10 and 6. I haven’t seen such experienced and prepared cyclists ever before. Quite impressive how the father (I have forgotten to ask for their names) cooked a fabulous smelling dinner for four, while I had oatmeal and chocolate. But luckily, I love my oatmeal with chocolate :)

Here is a picture of the sundown. It was even more fascinating in real live, also because of the campfire that had us warm ourselves.

Right now I’m sitting a little bit north from Esbjerg at the shore, eating dinner and being stunned by the beauty of thunder and lightning a few kilometers away on the ocean.