Royal Zealand, Copenhagen and Sweden

North-eastern Zealand and the Danish capital, Copenhagen, offer a great variety of fun activities, magnificent views and historical attractions.

On this tour, with medium and long stages, you will get to see picturesque nature, visit one of the most exclusive residential areas in Denmark and spend time in the city of Copenhagen - the bike capital of the world. Come and see for yourself! Experiencing Copenhagen on your bike is something you will never forget. Denmark is a safe place to bike and you will have plenty of options to extend the daily stages if you wish.
You’ll go biking along the beautiful costline, pass by sandy beaches, visit historical cities like Hillerød and Roskilde and even take a short trip to Sweden. Feel the breath of history while you explore old castles and combine ocean and beaches with culture and history - this tour really does have it all.

Welcome to the royal Zealand.

• Wonderful Copenhagen: Capital and the best bike city in the world
• Helsingør and Kronborg (the castle from Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”)
• The Maritime Museum in Helsingør
• Fredensborg Castle
• Frederiksborg Castle
• Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Museum
• Blue seas, beaches and open air
• Visit to Sweden
• The Danish Riviera and fishing villages of Northern Zealand

Day 1. Arrival in Copenhagen
Today you arrive at your hotel in Copenhagen. After checking in, you have time to explore the wonderful Danish capital. Visit the Royal Palace, Amalienborg, housing the Danish Queen, have fun in the amusement park Tivoli or enjoy a tasteful lunch among the colourful houses in Nyhavn. You can also take a walk along the shopping street Strøget, visit the famous Round Tower, feel the atmosphere at the Freetown Christiania or take a boat ride on the small canals that goes by the Opera House, The Little Mermaid, the Parliament Building, Christiansborg, and many other attractions. The options are many.

Overnight stay at your hotel in Copenhagen.

Day 2. Copenhagen to Helsingør (Approx. 50 km/31 miles)
Biking through Copenhagen is a fantastic start to your tour. Following the cycle path along the coastline you will enjoy the magnificent view and you will also pass The Little Mermaid and the Queen’s residence Amalienborg. Enjoy the sight of the fashionable houses and pass by the famous beach Bellevue before continuing to Dyrehaven, which is the former royal hunting grounds with century-old trees and herds of deer. Located here is also Bakken, the oldest amusement park in the world. In Rungsted you pass Rungstedlund, also known as The Karen Blixen Museum and home of the famous Danish author. In Humlebæk you can make lunch and coffee stops at the marinas along the route. You will end up in Snekkersten, formerly a fishing village, close to Helsingør.

(Rungstedlund is closed on Mondays except in July/ August. Louisiana is always closed on Mondays, but if you wish to see the exhibition it is only a short way back from Snekkersten).

Overnight stay in Snekkersten.

Day 3. Tour to Sweden (Approx. 40 km/25 miles + ferry)

Today you have the chance to visit some of the incredible attractions of Helsingør and the beautiful nature of Sweden. Cycle the 2 km from Snekkersten to Helsingør and take the ferry to Helsingborg (not included). The ferry to Sweden runs regularly. From here you can do a round trip of approximately 35 km along the Swedish coast to beaches and small fishing villages and back through the Swedish forests and fields. Choose the stage that suits you.
If you have more time, go visit the impressive Kronborg Castle (renowned from Shakespeare`s play Hamlet) and the historical city centre. Also the Danish Maritime Museum, listed on the New York Times’ list: ”52 places to go in 2014”, is a “must” with its fantastic architecture and exciting exhibition.

Overnight stay in Snekkersten.

Day 4. Helsingør to Hillerød (Approx. 59 km/37 miles)
Hornbæk, which boasts of nice restaurants and the best beach on the northern coast, is your first stop today. You will continue with the landscape’s gentle ups and downs – sometimes close to the beach and sometimes through the dunes overlooking the sea. Head into the woodlands following the unpaved bike trail to the lovely medieval town, Esrum, mostly known for its abbey which dates back to 1151. Here you can immerse yourself in the place’s history, taste the specialities in the mill café or enjoy the lively event programme. From here you wil follow the large forest, Gribskov, and Esrum Lake and you can visit the Queen’s spring and autumn residence, Fredensborg Palace, if you extend the tour with approx. 10 km. Today’s final destination is Hillerød, with an old and picturesque city centre and the beautiful Frederiksborg Castle, which through the time has been a residence for many Danish kings.

Longer alternative: Keep cycling along the coast to Tisvildeleje - the gate to the National Park of Tisvilde Hegn and a popular summer seaside resort. From here you follow the regional cycle route to Hillerød.

Overnight stay in Hillerød.

Day 5. Hillerød to Roskilde (Approx. 40 km/25 miles)

From the rural countryside you head for Roskilde Bay and passing through Slangerup and Jyllinge on your way you will find plenty of charming stops for a break. Roskilde is yet another highlight on the tour. The Cathedral in Roskilde is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and holds 38 burial plots of Danish kings and queens. Do not forget to visit the harbour where you can see the Viking Ship Museum, the Viking ships and the boat yard.

Overnight stay in Roskilde.

Day 6. Roskilde to Copenhagen (Approx.52 km/32 miles)
Today you will return to the coast while approaching Copenhagen from southwest. You will ride through picturesque villages to the beaches south of the capital. A path takes you along the coast, away from the traffic, and all the way to the centre of Copenhagen. Along the way you will pass habours and nice beaches, the Arken Museum of Modern Art, the island of Amager with the Freetown Christiania (a self-proclaimed autonomous neighbourhood), Christianshavn and several interesting architectural sights along the canal between Zealand and the island of Amager.

Overnight stay in Copenhagen.

Day 7. Last day in Copenhagen
Today is your last day in Copenhagen, so use your time wisely and explore the city wonders you haven’t seen yet. Did you visit the historical buildings such as The Round Tower, Christiansborg and Amalienborg? And have you walked through the colourful Nyhavn and the cultural Freetown Christiania? If not - now is your chance. Check out or use the possibility to extend your stay with a few additional days in Copenhagen. You can also join one of our other bike tours.

Degree of difficulty
The terrain is mostly flat with occasional small hills. It's a leisurely tour and is suited for families and cyclists in average physical condition. You ride along paved and unpaved bike paths and mostly minor roads. In Copenhagen you have plenty of bike lanes and the drivers are used to paying a lot of attention to cyclists. It is possible to download the route to a GPS or your smartphone.

Weather
Biking in Denmark is perfect from end of May until mid-September. You will enjoy comfortable weather and daylight from very early morning until late evening.

More about Denmark
Biking in Denmark is something special compared to other countries. First of all, you will enjoy how the attractive landscapes invite cyclists to easy and safe stages. Cyclists are given very high priority in Denmark. In the cities you will find cycle paths, and at the coastline, along the lakes, in the forests and through the green fields you will find peaceful lanes and paths specially designed for cyclists. In Denmark, you will meet picturesque villages, a countryside that varies all the time, well-preserved castles and manor houses, clean and sandy beaches, and you will enjoy the clear, fresh air.

You can rent comfortable bicycles with adjustable bicycle handlebars, hydraulic brakes and large tires that ensure you a safer ride. Equipped with an ergonomically designed saddle, handles and pedals, you are ready for any kind of bike ride. It's also possible to rent an e-bike with 8 or 10 gears, a mid-drive motor/rear motor and puncture-proof tires.

All bikes come with a waterproof saddle cover, a bell, a bottle holder, a bicycle computer, a saddlebag and a lock. Always remember to lock your bike! In addition, it's also possible to rent a kids bicycle, a child seat, tag-a-long bicycles for children, Burley bike trailers and helmets.

The models may vary, it will be this type or similar:

Read more here about the bikes and cycling equipment.