Must-See Places when Cycling in Denmark

Just west of Copenhagen, Roskilde Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial church of Danish kings and queens. Nearby, the Viking Ship Museum displays five original ships recovered from the fjord, giving you an up-close look at Denmark’s seafaring past. Together, they make Roskilde one of the most historically rich stops on any cycling route.

Denmark’s capital is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the world, where more bikes than cars fill the streets. You can ride to highlights like Nyhavn waterfront district, the Little Mermaid statue, or cross the city on its famous bike highways and bike bridges such as the Cykelslangen (Cycle Snake). Copenhagen combines history, design, and modern Nordic lifestyle in one vibrant package.

This Renaissance castle on the coast is world-famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kronborg Castle is a highlight of North Zealand and can be reached by a scenic coastal ride from Copenhagen. Its dramatic location at the entrance of the Oresund makes it one of Denmark’s most iconic landmarks.

Inland from Helsingør lies Frederiksborg Castle, the largest Renaissance castle in Scandinavia. Surrounded by lakes and baroque gardens, it houses the Museum of National History with centuries of Danish art and portraits. Cycling to Frederiksborg means entering a fairy-tale setting where architecture, culture, and landscape come together.

South of Copenhagen lies Stevns Klint, a 15 kilometers-long chalk cliff and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It preserves the geological layer that marks the asteroid impact, which wiped out the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Cycling along its edge gives you panoramic sea views and a direct link to Earth’s history.

Located on the island of Funen, Odense is the birthplace of fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen. The city celebrates his legacy with museums and charming old streets that inspired his stories. Odense also blends culture with cycling, offering plenty of bike paths through parks, along rivers, and into its historic core.

This coastal town is a gateway to the archipelago and one of Denmark’s prettiest small towns. Its old quarter has narrow streets and colorful houses, while the harbor buzzes with island ferries and fishing boats. From here, you can cycle into rolling countryside or out along the coast for sweeping sea views.

On the western edge of Funen lies Middelfart, overlooking the strait of the Little Belt. The town is known for whale-watching, but cyclists come for the views across the bridges connecting Funen and Jutland. Riding here offers a mix of maritime scenery and modern engineering.

Just across the Little Belt in Jutland, Koldinghus is a medieval fortress turned museum. Its striking mix of ruins and modern architecture tells the story of Denmark’s royal past. The castle makes for an impressive cultural stop on a cycling route that already blends nature, coast, and island life.

Perched dramatically on a rocky cliff, Hammershus is Northern Europe’s largest medieval castle ruin. Its remains overlook the Baltic Sea and offer a fascinating glimpse into Denmark’s medieval history. The climb to the ruins is rewarded with one of the island’s most striking views.

The island is home to four unique round churches, dating back to the 12th century. These fort-like churches once served both religious and defensive purposes, and today stand as some of Denmark’s most distinctive landmarks. Cycling between them adds a historical twist to your ride.

On Bornholm, Dueodde Beach stretches out with white sand so fine it was once used in hourglasses. The beach is backed by dunes and pine forests, with a lighthouse offering panoramic views over the Baltic Sea. It’s one of the most spectacular natural stops on a Denmark bike adventure and a must-see on the island’s coastal cycling loop.

Often called Denmark’s most beautiful town, Svaneke is known for its half-timbered houses, artisan shops, and small breweries. Cycling into this harbor town feels like entering a living postcard, with plenty of chances to pause for smoked herring, ice cream, or craft beer.

This hillside harbor town is as picturesque as it gets, with steep cobblestone streets leading down to the sea. Gudhjem is famous for its smokehouses, serving traditional herring dishes like Sol over Gudhjem. It’s also a gateway to nearby islands like Christiansø, making it a perfect cultural and culinary stop.

Small and peaceful, Bogo is often reached via ferry on the way to Mon. Its rural scenery, traditional farms, and small harbor create a perfect short cycling escape. It’s a quiet contrast to the larger surrounding islands, and a reminder of Denmark’s island-hopping charm.

One of Denmark’s most spectacular natural sights, Mons Klint towers 120 meters above the Baltic Sea. These white chalk cliffs stretch for 6 kilometers and are part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Cycling here gives you panoramic views, while walking the cliffside trails adds an unforgettable detour.

With its colorful houses and historic harbor, Praesto is one of South Zealand’s prettiest small towns. It’s also known for its food scene, with local restaurants focusing on seasonal produce and fresh seafood. A great stop for riders wanting a mix of culture and culinary treats.

Founded in the 8th century, Ribe is Denmark’s oldest town and one of the best preserved. Its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and Viking history make it feel like a living museum. Cycling into Ribe is like stepping back in time, with the town’s cathedral and old harbor at its heart.

Marking Denmark’s westernmost point, the Blavandshuk Lighthouse has stood since 1900. Cyclists can stop here for panoramic views of the endless beaches and the wild North Sea. The ride out is exposed and windy, but that’s part of Jutland’s raw appeal.

The port city of Esbjerg is Denmark’s gateway to the North Sea. Just outside town stands the striking "Men Meets the Sea" monument — four giant white statues gazing out across the waves. It’s a modern landmark that captures the region’s maritime spirit.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast tidal landscape stretching along Denmark’s west coast. It’s one of the world’s most important areas for migratory birds, with millions passing through each year. Riding along its edge gives you wide open views where sky and sea meet.

From endless sandy stretches to high dunes shaped by the wind, the beaches of West Jutland are among the most dramatic in Denmark. They’re perfect for a rest stop, a picnic, or simply soaking in the vastness of the coast. For many riders, these wide-open landscapes are the ultimate highlight of cycling Denmark.