Ringkøbing is an old merchant town that is located nine kilometres from Søndervig. In 2007 the town was elected Europe’s Happiest Town.

Bicycle on Denmark’s oldest bicycle path along the fjord where you will pass by Gammelsogn Church close to Ringkøbing Fjord.

The church is located close to the fjord because before the local people living on the isthmus between Ringkøbing Fjord and the North Sea got their own churches, they sailed to church or, when the fjord was frozen, they skated to church.

It is believed that Gammelsogn Church was built in approximately 1170 with a choir and a nave. The church is constructed of granite quadrants on top of a double plinth. The tower is mainly made of tile bricks and there is a medieval annex. This used to act as a navigation mark.

Interesting frescos appeared when the church was renovated in 1968-1969. The baptismal font and the Communion table are made of granite and are from the church’s earliest times. The alter piece is late Renaissance, the paintings on the sides and the top are from the 1700’s. In the choir there is a sacristan chair from 1635.
Did you know that the Danish architect Martin Nyrop was born and bred in the vicarage in Holmsland. The most renowned of his buildings is the City Hall in Copenhagen. There is a statue of him on the right side as soon as you enter the town of Kloster.

Park your bicycle in the town square and have a look at the old merchant town. You could grab a seat at Hotel Ringkøbing and enjoy a draught beer – perhaps there will be jazz music playing (on Saturdays). Let the children dash over to Vaffelboden where they can buy a soft ice… or buy a sausage at the sausage cart.

Take a walk down Vester Strandgade to the harbour. On the way you will see the sculpture “The fat lady”.  Go left to the pleasure harbour and enjoy the atmosphere in “Høvdingebyen” , the small fishing huts where the nets are repaired.

Explore the cobblestoned streets with the cozy houses before returning to Søndervig and consider passing through Ringkøbing City Museum.