A touring bicycle with panniers leans against a rock at Kungsvik Harbor on Sweden’s west coast. A perfect summer stop on a cycling trip, with rocky shores, old boathouses, and blue water
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Copenhagen to Oslo: Grand Scandinavian Tour

20 days / 19 nights

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Ride from Copenhagen to Oslo on a self-guided Scandinavia bike tour, from Hamlet's castle along Sweden's granite coast to the Oslofjord, across three kingdoms.

Starting Point

Copenhagen

Finish Point

Oslo

Activity Level

4/5

Season

From May to September

Bike Type

Trekking Bike / E-Bike / Gravel Bike

Accommodation Level

Comfort

Daily Distance

21 – 44 mi

Bike Type

Inn-to-Inn

Daily Elevation

318 – 2428 ft

Highlights

  • Leave Denmark below Kronborg, the castle Shakespeare turned into Hamlet's Elsinore
  • Lars von Trier shot Melancholia at Tjolöholm, a Tudor castle on a Swedish fjord
  • Smögenbryggan, a timber quay where fishermen's sheds face Sweden's open sea
  • Climb the King's Cleft above Fjällbacka, the harbor town of Ingrid Bergman's summers
  • Some 3,000 years old: the UNESCO rock carvings of ships and hunters at Tanum
  • Finish by climbing the white roof of Oslo's Opera House, sloping straight into the fjord

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.

INCLUDED

19 nights in 3-star hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Tour design and organization
Service and support during your tour

NOT INCLUDED

Ferry ticket Helsingør – Helsingborg on day 2 (about 7 € per person; bikes travel with the foot-passenger ticket)
Ferry ticket Fiskebäckskil – Lysekil on day 14 (paid on board, about 3 € per person)
Optional summer boat Son – Oslo on day 19
Train tickets for optional shortcuts
Airport transfer
Individual travel insurance
Bike rental (available as an optional extra: regular, e-bike or gravel bike)
Tourist tax
Accommodation levelComfort

Carefully selected hotels, guesthouses and seaside inns, all with breakfast included. Expect comfortable, well-appointed rooms with attentive hospitality, typically in convenient and scenic locations, some properties also offer on-site dining.

Copenhagen to Oslo by bike joins two capitals, and the road between them crosses three kingdoms on one unbroken coast. Eighteen riding days lead from the Øresund to the Oslofjord, each ending at a hotel with breakfast.

The first half is the gentle one. Below Kronborg a ferry takes you to Sweden, and the Kattegattleden, Sweden's first national tourist cycle route, runs past beach towns, dunes, fortresses and Tjolöholm's Tudor castle to Gothenburg.

North of Gothenburg the Bohuslän coast turns to pink granite: islands joined by bridges and short ferry crossings, fishing villages built on bare rock, Ingrid Bergman's Fjällbacka and the Bronze Age carvings of Tanum. The old bridge at Svinesund takes you into Norway, and the last days follow the Oslofjord to its capital.

The halves ride differently. The Kattegat coast is mostly level, while Bohuslän and Østfold bring short, steep climbs nearly every day. The tour suits riders with regular cycling fitness, level 4 out of 5, and an e-bike takes the edge off the granite hills.

Hotels, guesthouses and seaside inns host you each night, and regional trains run near much of the route if a day needs shortening. Many guests ride it end to end; others pick one half or add a rest day in Gothenburg.

Coming from Germany? Start earlier with the Berlin to Copenhagen Bike Tour, whose last night is in Copenhagen; joined together, the two cover the coast from Berlin to Oslo. Send us your dates and we will put the whole trip together.

Things to know

Yes. The route also runs as two 11-day tours, Copenhagen to Gothenburg and Gothenburg to Oslo. Mölle and Gothenburg make good places for a rest day, and regional trains can shorten several stages. Write to us with the version you prefer, and we will shape the plan around it.

Mostly in the first half, where Denmark's coastal Route 9 and then the Kattegattleden guide you to Gothenburg. Along the Bohuslän coast there is no continuous signed route, and the way follows quiet side roads on our GPS tracks. From Halden to the capital, Norway's signed national cycle route 1 guides you once more.

Two borders lie ahead, Sweden on Day 2 and Norway on Day 16, so pack a passport or national ID card. Three days include a boat:

  • Helsingør – Helsingborg (Day 2): about 7 € per person, bikes free

  • Malöleden and Ängöleden (Day 13): free

  • Fiskebäckskil – Lysekil (Day 14): about 3 € per person, paid by card on board

Cards work almost everywhere in all three countries, so you rarely need cash.

Fitness 4 of 5. The Kattegat half is flat but often windy. Bohuslän and Østfold bring short, steep climbs every day, up to 740 m (2,430 ft) of ascent on Day 16, the hardest. The same stages work from Oslo to Copenhagen, though summer winds mostly blow from the southwest, which favors riding north.

Often. Regional trains run near the route on most days from Båstad to Gothenburg, and Vy trains stop in Halden, Fredrikstad, Moss and Oslo; bikes ride along if there is space on board. Most Bohuslän stages have no suitable train, but they are also among the shorter ones. In summer a Ruter boat links Son with central Oslo, space for bikes permitting.

Copenhagen Airport has a direct metro to the city center.

At the end, airport express trains leave Oslo Central Station about every 10 minutes for the roughly 20-minute run to Gardermoen. Transfers at either end can be added as extras, and on request we can move your luggage between hotels from Gothenburg to Oslo for a fee per group. Your own bike is welcome too; just plan how it travels home from Oslo.

Set off on a self-guided cycling adventure, crafted for a personalized and flexible experience on two wheels. Discover wonders at your leisure, with the liberty to modify your route or itinerary as you wish. Our committed team meticulously takes care of all aspects, including accommodation arrangements, comprehensive planning, GPS navigation assistance, and ongoing support, to ensure a peaceful and captivating trip. This journey celebrates independence, personal discovery, and authentic cultural encounters.

Our tours are divided into three levels of difficulty: Leisurely, Moderate, and Challenging, defined by the typical daily itinerary, though there can be variations in challenge during the trip.

Leisurely tours are perfect for those looking for a relaxed journey amidst beautiful landscapes, without the need for long-distance cycling or navigating difficult terrains. Typically, these tours cover 30-50 km per day, with an elevation gain of up to 500m. This allows for numerous opportunities to enjoy the scenery, sample local cuisine, and visit quaint villages and towns along the route.

Moderate bike tours cater to those who desire a combination of picturesque routes and a bit of a challenge. Covering 50-80 km per day with an elevation gain of up to 1000m, these tours take you through beautiful landscapes and charming villages, featuring both flat and hilly terrains. They provide plenty of chances for exploration and also offer a rewarding cycling experience.

Challenging bike tours are designed for seasoned cyclists looking to challenge themselves. These tours cover 80-120 km daily with an elevation gain of up to 2000m and involve steep climbs and challenging routes. Suitable for those with a high level of fitness and stamina, they offer a sense of achievement and stunning views, making the effort worthwhile.

Hassle-Free

We take care of route planning, accommodations, luggage transfers, and all logistics, so you can focus purely on enjoying your ride.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Our cycling routes are hand-picked & tested, to ensure breathtaking landscapes, smooth roads, and maximum safety - giving you the perfect ride every day.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, ensuring your cycling holiday runs smoothly and your well-being is always our top priority.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

from 4.705 € /person