It sounds like a bold vision at first — yet it lies almost on the doorstep: just a few kilometres north of the German–Danish border, between Padborg and Tinglev, one of Europe's largest and most modern motorsport venues is set to emerge. Under the name “Circuit of Denmark”, two heirs to the pharmaceutical group Novo Nordisk want to expand the existing “Padborg Park” into a six-kilometre grand prix track. The stated long-term goal: to bring Formula 1 to Northern Europe for the first time. For guests of Villa Boreal on the Flensburg Fjord, that would be a major event within reach — reason enough to take a closer look.
What exactly is planned?
Today's “Padborg Park” is a roughly two-kilometre track, opened in 2003 on the site of a former airfield and used so far mainly for smaller competitions, training and track days. Alongside this existing course, an entirely new 6.006-kilometre circuit with 18 corners is to be built — once completed, the longest race track in Northern Europe. It is being designed by Wurz Design, the studio of former Formula 1 driver Alexander Wurz.
The plans go far beyond mere asphalt: there is talk of grandstands for up to 100,000 spectators, hotels, a conference centre, plus go-kart and motocross tracks. The people behind the project describe a venue intended to attract international racing series while nurturing young talent. Because there is currently no Formula 1-capable circuit anywhere in Northern Europe — the nearest is the Nürburgring — the initiators see a genuine gap.
The people behind the project
Behind the plan are entrepreneur Henrik Lyngbye Pedersen and his son Mathias Lyngbye Villadsen, both heirs of one of Novo Nordisk's founding families and active in motorsport themselves. Henrik Lyngbye Pedersen was still racing himself until a few years ago; today his son follows in his footsteps. The idea, they say, arose at a competition in Padborg, when both realised how well the location is suited to draw audiences from Germany and all of Scandinavia. Rebecca Palmberg Steele has been named project director, emphasising the aim of closing a gap in Northern European motorsport.
From “Padborg Park” to “Circuit of Denmark”
Padborg Park does have a history: at the opening race in 2003, today's Danish King Frederik (then Crown Prince) beat his brother Prince Joachim — an image that still resonates in Denmark. This rather tranquil training track is now set to become a stage for top-level motorsport. Padborg Park founder Jens Enemark warmly welcomes the plans, and the municipality of Aabenraa (Apenrade) is enthusiastic: mayor Jan Riber Jakobsen said you would have to look as far as England or Germany to find anything comparable.
An interim step: smaller classes first, then Formula 2
As big as the Formula 1 dream is, the initiators remain realistic. First, a track for smaller racing classes is to be built; the first serious target is Formula 2. Only afterwards, if demand, infrastructure and international recognition come together, could the top tier follow. There is no concrete timetable so far — the only certainty is that implementation is likely to take several years.
Budget, permits and timeline
The initiators put the total budget at around DKK 3.8 billion — a good half a billion euros. A considerable share of that still has to come from investors. The team says it is in contact with landowners and the municipality of Aabenraa; the project was presented to the town council in early May 2026 and made public shortly afterwards. However, the decisive permits and environmental and regulatory reviews are still pending. A reliable schedule therefore cannot yet be given in good faith.
Not everyone shares the enthusiasm
Where something large is planned, there are also concerns. Residents around Padborg Park fear above all permanent noise: even today the track is clearly audible depending on wind direction, and a year-round programme of training, races and concerts could noticeably increase the burden on many weekends. Added to this are worries about falling property values and criticism that those affected first learned of the plans through the press.
The question of compatibility with Denmark's ambitious climate goals is also being raised. The project team points out that it is at an early stage and that questions of noise, traffic and neighbourhood impact will be a central part of the coming environmental studies — answered “with data and documentation, not gut feeling”. Exactly how a dialogue with those affected should look has so far been left open by both the municipality and the project.
What does this mean for guests of Villa Boreal?
Padborg lies just a short drive north of Flensburg — from Villa Boreal on the Flensburg Fjord, the area is reachable in about half an hour. Should the “Circuit of Denmark” actually be built, one of Northern Europe's largest sports projects would be practically on the doorstep — ideal for a day trip across the border, whether for a race weekend, a track day or simply out of curiosity. It is all still a thing of the future, yet it already shows how much sporting momentum this border region holds.
Conclusion — a vision on real foundations
The “Circuit of Denmark” is not a grand prix yet, but clearly more than a castle in the air: a well-considered concept, prominent names and a supportive municipality — set against open financing, permits and legitimate resident concerns. For motorsport fans on the fjord, the development is fascinating to follow in any case. Anyone wishing to experience the region around Flensburg and the Danish border first-hand can at any time check availability at Villa Boreal and make the border region their own base camp.
Sources (as of May/June 2026): NDR Schleswig-Holstein, Der Nordschleswiger, TV 2, DR, Børsen, tvSyd, IceNews and GPFans. All details reflect the current planning stage; a binding timetable is not yet available.
Also read our features on day trips to Denmark, on sport in Flensburg and on active & sporty experiences on the fjord.
