Molsløbet Trail Run, Knebel
A one-day trail-running festival that turns quiet Knebel into the gateway to Mols Bjerge’s steep hills, forest paths and wide-open national park views each September.
Molsløbet is a yearly trail-running event based in Knebel, sending runners out across the ridges and valleys of Denmark’s Mols Bjerge National Park. Each third Saturday in September, the quiet countryside around Lyngevej transforms into a base camp of start arches, bib numbers and buzzing pre-race nerves. With several route lengths winding through forests, open heath and steep, rolling hills, it’s a demanding yet welcoming race that showcases one of the country’s most scenic landscapes.
A brief summary to Molsløbet
- Lyngevej 18, Knebel, 8420, DK
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Budget
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Pack trail shoes with good grip; the hills and forest paths in Mols Bjerge can be steep, uneven and muddy after rain.
- Arrive early on race morning to collect your bib, warm up and get oriented in the race village around Lyngevej in Knebel.
- Bring layered clothing and a light windproof shell; September conditions can switch quickly between sun, wind and showers.
- Carry a soft flask or small bottle if you run longer distances, supplementing the on-course aid stations through the national park.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Car from Aarhus
Driving from Aarhus to Lyngevej in Knebel typically takes about 45–60 minutes, depending on traffic. The route follows main roads across Djursland and is straightforward for most drivers. Expect free parking in the village area near the race facilities on event day, though spaces can fill early, so plan extra time for finding a spot and walking a short distance to the start.
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Bus from Aarhus to Knebel
Regional buses connect Aarhus with Knebel via intermediate towns, with total journey times usually around 1.5–2 hours including transfers. Single tickets are generally in the range of 60–110 DKK, depending on route and discounts. Services run throughout the day but may be less frequent on weekends, so check timetables and allow enough time to walk from the bus stop in Knebel to the start area at Lyngevej.
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Car from Ebeltoft and Djursland towns
From Ebeltoft and nearby Djursland villages, the drive to Knebel often takes 20–35 minutes along scenic country roads. There are no road tolls, and fuel costs are the main expense. On race day, temporary signage and volunteers usually help guide cars toward suitable parking areas around the village; arrive early to avoid congestion and to give yourself time to pick up your race number.
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Cycling from nearby villages
Cycling to Molsløbet from neighbouring villages such as Knebelbro or Agri is feasible in 20–45 minutes, depending on your starting point and fitness. Expect rolling terrain with some short hills and mostly paved country roads. There is no extra cost beyond bike rental or upkeep, and you can usually lock your bicycle near the race village, but bring lights and reflective gear if you travel around dawn or dusk.
Molsløbet location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about Molsløbet
A September tradition in the hills of Mols
Molsløbet is an annual trail-running event rooted in the small village of Knebel on the Djursland peninsula. Each year on the third Saturday in September, the fields and lanes around Lyngevej become the logistical heart of a race that leads deep into Mols Bjerge National Park. Tents, timing mats and signage spring up where there is usually only farmland, transforming this quiet corner of Denmark into a lively race village for a single day. The event is known for combining a friendly, rural atmosphere with a course profile that is anything but gentle. Runners arrive from across the region to tackle distances that range from shorter family-friendly routes to more demanding runs for experienced trail enthusiasts, all starting from the Knebel area.National park scenery under your running shoes
The hallmark of Molsløbet is its setting in Mols Bjerge, a protected landscape of steep glacial hills, heather-clad slopes and sweeping views over bays and farmland. Routes thread their way through mixed woodland, open grassland and heath, with underfoot conditions shifting between forest tracks, farm lanes and narrow dirt paths. The terrain is notably hilly by Danish standards, with repeated climbs and descents that quickly accumulate elevation. On clear days, high points on the routes offer long views across the peninsula and toward the coast, giving runners a real sense of the surrounding national park while they catch their breath at the top of a ridge.Routes for different legs and lungs
Molsløbet traditionally offers five distinct routes, designed to accommodate a range of ages and fitness levels. Shorter loops suit newcomers to trail running, younger participants and those who prefer to walk or jog at a relaxed pace. Longer distances provide more sustained time in the national park’s interior, linking multiple hills and valleys into a continuous challenge. Although the race is demanding in places, the mood around the course remains encouraging. Marked routes, marshals at key junctions and aid stations at intervals help keep the focus on enjoying the landscape as much as the physical effort. Many participants treat it as a personal challenge rather than a quest for fast times.Life in the race village at Lyngevej
Back at Lyngevej in Knebel, the race village brings together everything needed for event day. Registration tents, bib pickup, event announcements and results are typically centered here, alongside basic facilities such as temporary restrooms and informal seating on grass or hay bales. Local involvement is often visible, with volunteers helping with logistics, refreshments and guidance. Before the start, the area hums with nervous energy as runners pin on numbers, adjust layers and eye the profile of the hills in the distance. After finishing, the same space turns into a relaxed gathering point where people compare route stories, stretch tired legs and enjoy the rural surroundings before dispersing back into the national park or the nearby villages.Weather, seasons and practical expectations
Held in early autumn, Molsløbet can unfold under anything from crisp sunshine to blustery showers. Temperatures are usually mild, but wind on exposed ridges and showers over the hills can make conditions feel much cooler. Trails range from dry and fast to muddy and slippery, depending on recent rain, so appropriate footwear and layers are important. Outside race day, the start area near Lyngevej is a quiet rural lane with no permanent stands or infrastructure. The true attraction then becomes the broader Mols Bjerge landscape, which remains open for hiking and running year-round, though the specific race atmosphere only materializes when Molsløbet returns each September.Why Molsløbet matters to local runners
For many in the region, Molsløbet marks a highlight of the running calendar: a chance to experience a national park on routes that fully exploit its contours. It showcases how varied Danish nature can be and highlights Knebel’s role as a gateway into Mols Bjerge. Whether you come as a seasoned trail runner or a casual participant keen to test yourself on rolling hills, the event offers a blend of physical challenge and scenic immersion that is closely tied to this particular corner of Djursland.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Olaf Ryes Skanse
6.0 km
A 19th-century Danish military fortification honoring a war hero with commanding views across the Jutland landscape.
Mindesten for Egil Fischer
7.4 km
A quiet memorial honoring Denmark's visionary architect and pioneer of planned communities.
Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg
17.6 km
Experience local Danish cinema culture at Nordisk Film Cinemas Trøjborg—an atmospheric neighborhood movie house blending modern comfort with classic charm in Aarhus.
Trøjborg Beboerhus
17.6 km
Experience the vibrant community spirit of Aarhus at Trøjborg Beboerhus, a hub for cultural events, workshops, and local gatherings.
Folkehuset Trøjborg
17.9 km
Folkehuset Trøjborg blends Danish hygge, vibrant community life, and affordable culture, making it a beloved gathering place in the heart of Aarhus’ Trøjborg district.
Latin Quarter
18.2 km
Winding cobblestone streets, historic facades, and a creative spirit fill Aarhus’s Latin Quarter, the city’s oldest district and its cultural heartbeat.
The Occupation Museum
18.3 km
Malmo Live Concert Hall offers world-class music, architecture, and vibrant city energy in the heart of Malmö, steps from the waterfront and cultural highlights.
KØN - Gender Museum Denmark
18.3 km
A groundbreaking museum in Aarhus dedicated to gender, identity, and equality, featuring interactive exhibitions in a historic building near the city’s iconic cathedral.
History Hunts med Hvem.nu
18.3 km
Malmo Live Concert Hall blends iconic Nordic architecture, world-class live music, and a vibrant atmosphere in Malmö, just across the bridge from Copenhagen.
Aarhus Cathedral
18.3 km
Denmark’s largest cathedral, a Gothic masterpiece in Aarhus C, renowned for medieval frescoes, stunning vistas, and a vibrant city square atmosphere.
University Park, Aarhus
18.4 km
Explore seven centuries of art at SMK – Denmark’s national gallery, marrying old masters, modern pioneers, and cutting-edge exhibitions in stunning parkland surroundings.
Store Torv
18.4 km
Store Torv is the historic plaza at Aarhus’ city heart, a hub of medieval charm, vibrant markets, and the dramatic silhouette of Denmark’s tallest cathedral.
Viking Museum
18.4 km
Explore Aarhus's Viking roots at the underground Viking Museum, showcasing artifacts and structures from ancient Aros.
Mindrebæltsbroen
18.5 km
Vibrant urban bridge transformed into Aarhus’ open-air street art gallery, revealing the creative soul of Øgadekvarteret’s lively neighborhood.
Steno Museum
18.5 km
Explore the Steno Museum in Aarhus, where science and history come alive through engaging exhibits and interactive experiences.
Unmissable attractions to see
Mols Mountains Holiday Resort
0.1 km
Relaxed holiday base in rural Knebel, placing you within easy reach of Mols Bjerge’s heather‑clad hills, quiet beaches and the atmospheric ruins of Kalø Castle.
Mols bjerge
0.5 km
Rolling Ice Age hills, ancient burial mounds and sunlit coasts meet in this varied East Jutland national park, a free, year‑round gateway to wild Danish landscapes.
Poskær Stenhus
1.1 km
Denmark’s largest round barrow, Poskær Stenhus blends towering Neolithic stones, quiet fields and soft Mols Bjerge light into a compact, atmospheric time capsule.
Tinghule
1.9 km
A dramatic Ice Age kettle hole in the hills of Mols Bjerge, Tinghule blends striking natural form with quiet atmosphere and hints of ancient local gatherings.
P-plads Tinghulen
2.5 km
Simple trailhead car park in the heart of Mols Bjerge, giving instant access to Tinghulen’s kettle hole, heather-clad hills and evocative Ice Age scenery.
Trehøje Mols
2.6 km
Three Bronze Age hilltop mounds with sweeping sea-to-sea panoramas, heathland colours and classic glacial scenery in the heart of Mols Bjerge National Park.
Mols
2.7 km
A softly contoured Danish peninsula of hills, heather and shallow bays, where Mols Bjerge’s wild ridges meet quiet villages, manor fields and long, sheltered beaches.
Trehøje Plantage
2.9 km
A small, sheltering forest near Knebel, Trehøje Plantage offers quiet paths, soft light and a calm woodland pause between Mols Bjerge’s open hills and Bronze Age mounds.
Sølballegaard
3.2 km
Rural guesthouse and intimate concert farmstead folded into the rolling hills of Mols Bjerge, where Nordic design, quiet nights, and small-scale culture meet.
Tremosegaard
3.3 km
A peaceful shelter site on the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park, where meadows, a small bog and farm fields create a gentle escape into rural Denmark.
Tipi Tur
3.4 km
Authentic glamping in Mols Bjerge's glacial landscape—yurts, tipis, and forest adventure await.
mounds from the bronze age
3.5 km
Soft grassy mounds on a quiet ridge in Mols, these Bronze Age graves offer big horizons, deep time and a tranquil pause amid Denmark’s rolling farmland.
Strand Strands
3.7 km
Quietly hidden on the south coast of Djursland, Strands Strand is a gently shelving sandy beach in Begtrup Bay, ideal for calm swims, coastal walks and simple seaside days.
Fuglsøcentret
3.9 km
Low-key resort and event hub in the heart of Mols Bjerge National Park, blending simple comfort, live music and direct access to heathland trails and sea air.
Karpenhøj Naturcenter
3.9 km
Hands-on outdoor hub at the foot of Mols Bjerge, where sea, hills and homely farm buildings frame kayaking, bushcraft, shelters and nature learning for all ages.
Essential places to dine
Restaurant Mols Bjerge
0.1 km
Authentic Sicilian cuisine and wood-fired pizzas in the heart of Danish countryside, near Mols Bjerge.
Knebel Bro Pizza Grill
1.5 km
Casual harbour-neighbourhood pizzeria and grill in Knebel, serving hearty, inexpensive takeaway classics to sailors, locals and holidaymakers on the Mols peninsula.
MolsCafeen
5.1 km
Rural cafe and cozy bed and breakfast on Kølbakken, pairing homely Danish cooking with wide countryside views toward the Mols Bjerge landscape near Ebeltoft.
Restaurant Skovmøllen Femmøller
6.4 km
Authentic Danish comfort food beside a peaceful mill pond, where tradition meets genuine hospitality.
Stenbækhus / mad på Mols
7.1 km
Family-run Danish kitchen celebrating seasonal ingredients and coastal charm in Knebel's welcoming courtyard.
Labacate Café
7.3 km
Brazilian warmth, specialty coffee and artisan sourdough in a cozy coastal café just steps from the beach in Femmøller near Ebeltoft.
Molsboden
7.3 km
A small red beach stand at Femmøller Strand serving burgers, ice cream and local drinks, perfectly placed between Ebeltoft’s calm bay waters and the hills of Mols.
Molskroens Isbod
7.3 km
Casual seaside ice cream stand near Mols Bjerge and Ebeltoft, serving classic Danish soft ice and scoops to beachgoers, walkers and cyclists on sunny days.
Molskroen Strandhotel og Molskroens Brasserie
7.5 km
A coastal Danish strandhotel pairing sea views, Nordic comfort and refined local cuisine on the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park near Ebeltoft.
Restaurant Bag Søjlen
9.8 km
Intimate Danish–French dining on Rønde’s main street, pairing warm candlelit ambience with carefully plated seasonal dishes and indulgent desserts.
Restaurant Moment
9.8 km
Radically green fine dining in a timber-clad restaurant at Friland, where Nordic tasting menus grow out of the surrounding permaculture gardens and seasons.
Restaurant Stockfleth
11.2 km
Harbourfront hygge in a historic fillet factory, serving fresh Danish seafood, hearty classics and steaks with wide Ebeltoft harbour views from terrace and table.
Karens Brasserie
11.4 km
Comforting Danish home cooking and generous brunches by Ebeltoft’s harbour, where casual brasserie dining meets views towards the historic frigate Jylland.
Ristorante Italia
11.5 km
Cosy Italian trattoria in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, serving stone-baked pizzas and classic pasta with a summery courtyard that feels surprisingly Mediterranean.
Restaurant Mellem Jyder
11.6 km
Historic 17th-century inn in old-town Ebeltoft serving classic Danish “kromad” with a modern twist amid candlelit stuer and a flower-filled courtyard.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Miss A - Gaveideer og indretning til dit hjem
0.4 km
Curated gifts and home décor in the heart of scenic Mols Bjerge
Garn10
0.4 km
A cozy village yarn shop in Knebel where shelves of color, texture, and Nordic fibers invite you to slow down, browse, and bring home a creative Danish souvenir.
Mols Haven
2.5 km
A cosy countryside fruit and vegetable store in Knebel, offering seasonal Danish produce and a friendly village welcome on the doorstep of Mols Bjerge.
Is På Toppen - Outdoor Cykel- og Vandrecafe
3.0 km
Beloved outdoor café and ice cream bar at the edge of Mols Bjerge National Park, renowned among hikers and cyclists for homemade treats and countryside atmosphere.
EnergyBar.nu
3.4 km
Compact organic food shop in rural Vrinners, specializing in Danish-made energy bars and protein products that power explorations around Knebel and Mols Bjerge.
Troldhedesten
4.0 km
Coastal fitness hub where quality equipment meets active Danish living.
Nixn
5.7 km
Curated contemporary fashion in charming Danish countryside retail.
Aktivstrikdesign
5.9 km
Where yarn, community, and Danish hygge come together in a welcoming knitting space.
Bundgaards Vinimport/ Molshonning v/ Ole Bundgaard
6.7 km
Small-scale wine importer and honey producer in a Mols village home, blending European bottles and local Molshonning in a relaxed, personal cellar-style setting.
Huset Frost
7.3 km
Experience the fusion of gourmet dining and sustainable design at Huset Frost in Ebeltoft.
It’s a Flower Thing
7.3 km
Handcrafted ceramics and seasonal flowers grown in harmony with nature's rhythms.
Havstok
7.4 km
Handcrafted rustic furnishings in Denmark's charming maritime heritage town.
WestWind Ebeltoft
11.4 km
Coastal clothing and outdoor gear on Ebeltoft’s waterfront road, keeping visitors warm, dry and comfortable for walks, beach days and bay-side adventures.
Mols Bolsjer A/S
11.7 km
Cosy old-town sweet shop in Ebeltoft, showcasing handmade Danish boiled candies and licorice from local production, perfect for treats and edible souvenirs.
Nordic Bar Group
12.4 km
Denmark's trusted supplier of professional bar equipment and sustainable glassware to European hospitality.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Mejeriets Bar
2.6 km
Cozy neighbourhood bar and eatery by the harbour in Knebel, offering simple food, evening drinks and a relaxed local atmosphere after days out on Djursland.
Bodega Kringlen v/Annelise Dalgaard
9.9 km
Unpretentious local bodega on Rønde’s main street, serving cold beer, simple drinks and small-town Danish bar atmosphere late into the evening.
Umage Ølbar
11.2 km
Craft beer bar in Ebeltoft with 14 taps, 50+ bottled beers, and comfort food.
Stockfleths Østers & Bobbelbar
11.2 km
Former oyster and bubbles bar on Ebeltoft’s old fishing harbour, where luxury shellfish, sparkling wine and maritime history came together in a relaxed coastal setting.
Ebeltoft Strandbar
11.3 km
Laid-back beachfront bar on Ebeltoft Bay, serving simple seaside food, cold drinks and big-sky sunsets just steps from the sand on Strandvejen.
Toldboden
11.5 km
Relaxed harbourside bar in Ebeltoft, blending maritime character, waterfront views and late-opening drinks in a cosy, casual setting by the marina.
Sir Henry Bodega
11.5 km
Unpretentious Danish bar in Ebeltoft’s cobbled old town, pouring local beers and classic drinks in a cozy, lived-in setting from morning till late.
Klub K
11.5 km
Small-town harbor bar turned late-night disco, Klub K keeps Ebeltoft dancing on weekend nights with simple drinks, big beats and an easygoing local vibe.
Den Skæve Bar
11.7 km
A crooked timber-framed pub in Ebeltoft's old town, where live music and garden charm meet Danish hospitality.
Brewpub på Maltfabrikken
11.8 km
Fresh local beer served beneath the beams of Ebeltoft’s restored red malt factory, where industrial heritage and modern Danish craft brewing meet.
Bar Pia
11.8 km
Unpretentious neighbourhood bar in central Ebeltoft, offering simple drinks, local atmosphere, and a relaxed glimpse into everyday Danish pub life.
Byportene Bodega
15.7 km
Cozy neighborhood bodega in Hornslet with cold beers, warm lighting and easygoing local charm for unpretentious evenings out.
Mørke Roadhouse
15.8 km
Unpretentious beer hall on Ebeltoftvej where locals and travelers share cold pints, warm conversation, and long, easygoing evenings in small-town Mørke.
K
17.5 km
Discover K, the cozy cafe and cocktail bar in Aarhus, where innovative drinks and a warm atmosphere await every visitor.
Peder Wessel
17.6 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Peder Wessel, Aarhus' charming bar with affordable drinks and a welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
DCD STUDIO
18.1 km
Experience the vibrant rock music scene at DCD STUDIO in Aarhus, where electrifying performances and a lively atmosphere await every visitor.
Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste
18.3 km
Unleash your nightlife experience at Cafe Paradis - Den Sidste, Aarhus' top destination for dancing, cocktails, and unforgettable memories.
Lounge 8000
18.3 km
Discover the best of Aarhus nightlife at Lounge 8000, where vibrant performances and a stylish lounge atmosphere await.
GBAR
18.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at GBAR in Aarhus, a welcoming dance club where everyone can enjoy an unforgettable night out.
ZenZa Cocktailbar
18.4 km
Discover Aarhus' vibrant nightlife at ZenZa Cocktailbar, where expertly crafted cocktails and lively atmosphere await you.
Bernhardt Natklub
18.4 km
Discover Aarhus' premier nightlife destination at Bernhardt Natklub, where cocktails and beats create unforgettable memories.
Rustik Bar & Natklub - Aarhus
18.5 km
Dive into the pulsating nightlife of Aarhus at Rustik Bar & Natklub, where vibrant music and an electric atmosphere await.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Adventurous
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Scenic
- Unique
- Casual
For the architecture buff
- Parks & Gardens
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Low Impact
- Protected Area
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Locally Managed
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Nature Escape
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
