Denmark’s Top Cycling Routes

With flat terrain, safe bike paths, and landscapes ranging from royal castles and Viking towns to sandy beaches and Baltic cliffs, it’s easy to see why cycling is one of the best ways to experience Denmark.

This guide introduces the top cycling routes in Denmark, each with its own highlights, character, and level of challenge. From cultural city-to-city journeys to island-hopping adventures and relaxed coastal loops, Denmark offers a wide variety of routes that showcase the country’s landscapes and cycling traditions.

Most Iconic Danish Routes:

1. The Berlin to Copenhagen Route

One of Europe’s most iconic cycling journeys, the Berlin to Copenhagen Route stretches about 630 kilometers, connecting two capitals known for their cycling culture. The Danish stages wind through forests, islands, and fishing villages, linked by ferries and bike-friendly backroads.

What to expect

• 630 kilometers long – a cross-border route linking Berlin and Copenhagen
• Flat terrain with occasional gentle climbs, suitable for amateur riders
• Island-hopping across Falster, Bogo, and Mon with ferry connections
• Well-marked cycling paths and quiet country roads, ideal for multi-day touring
• Connects two historically rich European capitals

Highlights

• Stubbekobing – a historic merchant town on Falster with a charming old harbor and ferry link to Bogo.
• Bogo Island – a tranquil island where country roads and coastal views make for a peaceful cycling stage.
• Faxe Ladeplads – a coastal town known for its beaches and as a gateway to the impressive Faxe Limestone Quarry.
• Koge – one of Denmark’s oldest market towns, with a lively central square and well-preserved medieval streets.

Cycling types: road, trekking, e-bike

Best for: cyclists with a moderate to solid fitness level. The 630-kilometer distance and rolling terrain with occasional climbs make it ideal for active riders who enjoy multi-day touring. E-bikes are a great option for those wanting the experience with less physical demand.

2. The Royal Zealand Route

Just north of Copenhagen, the Royal Zealand Route combines seaside towns, sandy beaches, and the Danish Riviera with stretches of forest and countryside. It’s an accessible loop with short daily distances, perfect for combining cycling with cultural stops and leisurely breaks.

What to expect

• Fishing harbors with fresh seafood and local charm
• Seaside resorts along the Danish Riviera
• Forested nature reserves are ideal for peaceful cycling breaks
• Sandy beaches and coastal views are within easy reach of Copenhagen

Highlights

• Bellevue Beach – a sandy beach north of Copenhagen, famous for its modernist lifeguard towers designed by Arne Jacobsen.
• Hornbaek – a classic seaside resort town with wide beaches, art galleries, and a lively summer atmosphere.
• Gilleleje – a charming fishing village on the northern tip of Zealand, with an active harbor and links to WWII resistance history.
• Tisvildeleje – a laid-back coastal town known for its beaches and nearby Tisvilde Hegn forest, one of Denmark’s oldest protected woodlands.

Cycling types: trekking, road, e-bike

Best for: leisure cyclists and those with basic fitness. The mostly flat terrain with gentle swings makes this route ideal for families, casual riders, or anyone looking to combine sightseeing with relaxed daily rides.

3. The Baltic Little Belt Route

This route winds along the shores of Funen and South Jutland, combining gentle countryside with small towns and scenic coastlines. Island ferries add variety, while the route offers a perfect balance of culture, history, and relaxed seaside cycling.

What to expect

• Scenic island ferries that connect Funen and South Jutland, adding variety and charm to the journey
• Rolling farmland and countryside dotted with traditional Danish villages
• Coastal views and sandy shorelines–ideal for leisurely stops
• Historic manor houses and small harbors reflecting Denmark’s maritime culture

Highlights

• Christiansfeld – a UNESCO World Heritage town built by the Moravian Church in the 18th century, famous for its honey cakes and symmetrical architecture.
• Middelfart – a lively harbor town on the Little Belt, known for porpoise spotting and its historic half-timbered houses.
• Strib Lighthouse – a small but scenic stop near the Little Belt Bridge, overlooking sandy beaches and coastal views.
• Brobyvaerk Kro – one of Denmark’s historic inns, dating back centuries, offering a traditional stop in the heart of Funen.

Cycling types: gravel, trekking, e-bike

Best for: cyclists with basic fitness who enjoy relaxed touring. The route features mostly gentle terrain with a few rolling hills, making it suitable for leisure riders and those who prefer moderate daily distances. Families and casual cyclists will find it especially enjoyable.

4. The Bornholm Coastal Route

The Bornholm Coastal Route is a 105–kilometer loop around Denmark’s Baltic island, offering some of the country’s most varied cycling in a compact area. Smooth coastal roads link together beaches, cliffs, forests, and artisan towns, making it a favorite for riders seeking both scenery and culture.

What to expect

• Dramatic coastal cliffs and panoramic sea views that are unique to Bornholm
• White-sand beaches such as Dueodde, backed by dunes and pine forests
• Picturesque fishing villages with colorful harbors and smokehouses
• Round churches and medieval ruins offering glimpses into Bornholm’s history

Highlights

• Hammerknuden Nature Reserve – a dramatic landscape of granite cliffs, coastal trails, and the Hammeren lighthouse at Bornholm’s northern tip.
• Helligdomsklipperne (Sanctuary Cliffs) – towering coastal rock formations, with the Bornholm Art Museum perched above, offering culture with a view.
• Almindingen Forest – one of Denmark’s largest forests, crisscrossed with cycling paths and home to medieval ruins like Gamleborg Castle.
• Aakirkeby & NaturBornholm – a small inland town with a 12th-century church and a modern science center that tells the story of the island’s geology and dinosaurs.

Cycling types: gravel, trekking, e-bike, MTB (short inland trails)

Best for: riders with basic fitness looking for a scenic island adventure. The terrain is mostly gentle with light undulations, making it perfect for families and casual cyclists.

Other Cycling Routes

Denmark’s national cycle network includes 11 long-distance routes, all well-marked, bike-friendly, and varied in character. From windswept coastlines to gentle inland trails, these rides showcase the full range of Denmark’s landscapes and connect seamlessly with its cycling infrastructure.

• North Sea Cycle Route (Route 1) – Runs along Denmark’s west coast with beaches, dunes, and fishing villages. Long sandy stretches and coastal winds make it a challenging but rewarding ride for cyclists who enjoy open views.
• Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Route 8 / N8) – At 820 kilometers, Denmark’s longest route connects Zealand, Funen, and South Jutland. It combines harbors, ferries, rural backroads, and scenic viewpoints, making it suitable for extended trips.
• Copenhagen to Gedser (Route 9) – A 300-kilometer coastal route linking the capital with Denmark’s southern ferry port to Germany. Flat and easy to navigate, it passes beaches, towns, and countryside, offering a straightforward option for cross-border cycling.

Not sure where to start?

Cycling in Denmark offers a unique way to experience the country’s landscapes, history, and traditions. Each route highlights a different side of Denmark, from coastal towns and islands to cultural landmarks and countryside paths, and each one offers something different.

Need to pick a route that matches your riding style or timeframe? That’s what we’re here for. We:

• Help you choose from Denmark’s top cycling tours
• Provide easy-to-use GPS tracks for the most scenic routes
• Handle all logistics so you can simply enjoy the ride

Get in touch with our cycling expert and let’s plan the Denmark bike adventure you’ve been waiting for.