Cycle around the Danish Riviera and capital region
Denmark is an ideal destination for a cycling holiday, boasting a diverse landscape within this small kingdom. You can expect to encounter a wide range of natural beauty, including lush forests, serene lakes, and charming coastal villages. From breathtaking coastlines to quaint idyllic harbour towns, as well as expansive fields of golden rapeseed and verdant forest landscapes,
Denmark offers it all. Your bicycle is the perfect means of transport to explore this picturesque terrain. Whether you're in Zealand, with its capital city Copenhagen, known for its blend of modern architecture and historic charm, or visiting Roskilde, famous for its Viking heritage and historic cathedral, you'll find endless opportunities to leave behind the demands of everyday life and immerse yourself in a true cycling paradise.
Details about the Copenhagen and Zealand cycling tour
The Danish island of Zealand is brimming with attractions and is conveniently located in the vicinity of the bustling capital, Copenhagen. Culture enthusiasts can explore some of the most exquisite museums in Denmark, as well as the most splendid castles in Scandinavia. You can savour the holiday atmosphere as numerous restaurants, cafes, and breweries take pride in serving their traditional 'Danish Cuisine.'
The highlights of the Zealand Loop cycling holiday at a glance
Copenhagen: See the statue of the 'Little Mermaid' after the world-famous fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen, Nyhavn with its beautifully coloured facades of old buildings on the quay with cosy terraces, Carlsberg Beer Experience and the Tivoli Amusement Park.
Trelleborg with the Viking Castle: The open-air archaeological museum with archaeological finds. Viking events are regularly organized here.
Roskilde: With its cathedral, harbour and Viking museum, this is a great place to visit on the tour.
Zealand: The region offers a diverse and picturesque landscape for cycling, including serene coastal routes, charming harbour towns, lush forests, and expansive fields of rapeseed.
Excellent cycle routes: Cyclists can enjoy a rich cultural experience while pedalling through Zealand, with the opportunity to visit historic castles, and world-class museums, and soak in the local Danish cuisine in the region.
Worth knowing about the Copenhagen and Zealand loop tour
Overall, cycling in Zealand offers a leisurely experience with relatively flat terrain and occasional gentle hills. The region features predominantly peaceful cycle paths and quiet side streets, minimizing encounters with heavy traffic. However, it's important to note that when cycling through the cities, a bit more traffic may be encountered, but the overall cycling conditions in Zealand are favourable for those seeking a tranquil ride.
Individual arrival in Copenhagen. The Danish capital has a lot to offer. We recommend that you arrive early. Stroll through the historic city centre, dine and drink at the famous Nyhavn with its colourful buildings and cozy terraces, or visit the renowned amusement park Tivoli. In the evening, there will be a personal greeting and the handover of bicycles.
Most of the route on your first day will take you along the so-called Køge Bay, offering continuous breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. The landscape of the car-free Amager Fælled National Park will leave a lasting impression, and art enthusiasts should make it a point to visit the Museum of Modern Art. Køge, a medieval town characterized by its charming, colourfully painted houses, stands as one of Denmark's oldest towns and sits right along the coast. Its pristine white sand beaches beckon you to take a refreshing dip in the cool waters.
Today, it's time to bid farewell to the coast. The route leads you inland as you traverse South Zealand, where a delightful green landscape, featuring expansive meadows and forests, always surrounds you. The medieval townscape of Næstved, with its old mansions, offers an ideal setting for a leisurely stroll. Alternatively, you can opt for a short excursion to the Rococo-style Gavnø Castle.
Today, you will cycle further west to the Great Belt. You will soon reach the small coastal town of Karrebæksminde. If you are a wine lover, be sure to visit Vesterhavegaarden Vingaard, a winery that offers guided tours through the vineyards. Sip a glass with rural views and sample the apple ice wine, apple cider Amarone-style red wine, and Chardonnay.
The lovely sandy beach of Enø invites you to sunbathe or take a refreshing dip. From now on, you will follow the coast and reach today's destination, Korsør, via the harbour town of Skælskør. The cosy harbour town offers a varied and lively cultural life, or you can visit the Korsør By og Overfartsmuseum.
There should be a short stop in Trelleborg on today's cycling route. A huge ringfort was built around 900 AD with a modern museum that tells you about the life and culture of the Viking age. When you arrive in Sorø, the monastery is also well worth a visit. The old 12th-century abbey church is modeled on the Cistercian abbey of Fontenay. In Sorø, you will also find several museums and beautiful churches.
Today, you will once again be guided through green meadows and small, enchanting villages. You can reach the town of the same name via the Isefjord and Roskilde beach. From the 10th century to about 1400, Roskilde was the capital of Denmark and is home to the Domkirke, which welcomes you from afar.
Since the early 15th century, the cathedral has been the favorite burial place of the Danish royal family, and since 1995, it has also been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Viking Ship Museum (Vikingeskibsmuseet) is also worth a visit.
The last stage takes you back to the starting point of your cycling tour, the Danish capital, Copenhagen. From Albertslund, there is a recently constructed cycle path that leads you to the centre with almost no traffic. In the afternoon, there is still enough time to explore the city.
Cycle to the Rosenborg Palace, which houses the crown jewels of the royal family, paintings, and other historical objects. Alternatively, you can visit the Carlsberg Brewery for a Carlsberg Beer Experience and learn all about this beer brand dating from 1847. During a walk, you can reflect on all the beautiful impressions from your cycling tour through Zealand.
After breakfast, your tour ends in Copenhagen. We are happy to extend your holiday with extra nights.
Route information
Overall, it's an easy bike ride through flat and slightly hilly landscapes, mostly on quiet cycle paths and small side streets with minimal traffic. You can expect slightly more traffic in the cities.
7 nights accommodation as described, including breakfast
Luggage transfer(s) max. 1 piece of luggage 20 kg per person
Travel folder 1x per room (German, English with route and overview maps, detailed route description, points of interest, important telephone numbers, suitcase labels)
GPS data available on request
Service Hotline
Not included
Tourist tax, if applicable, to be paid locally
Travel information
Airport: Copenhagen Airport
Train: Copenhagen Station
Parking: Public parking garage approximately €35 per day (depending on the location). Reservations are not possible