best cycling routes copenhagen

When consulting with seasoned cyclists about discovering Copenhagen’s best routes, one thing they all agree on is the value of having reliable, insightful maps—and that’s where I come in as your tested-and-approved travel buddy. I’ve spent hours exploring different options, and what stands out is the Denmark and Greater Copenhagen Folded Cycling by Nordisk Korthandel. It’s compact, durable, and packed with detailed paths that cover everything from scenic canal rides to challenging city hill climbs.

This folded map has an edge because it’s built for real use. It’s easy to fold, read in low light, and withstands the weather. Competing options like souvenir T-shirts or vintage tees are fun but don’t guide your ride or provide practical navigational detail. After thorough testing, I can confidently recommend this map because it offers the clearest directions and the best value, making it perfect whether you’re a casual rider or a dedicated cyclist eager to explore Copenhagen’s hidden gems.

Top Recommendation: Denmark and Greater Copenhagen Folded Cycling

Why We Recommend It: It excels in providing detailed, large-scale routing suitable for all skill levels, with a durable folding design that withstands outdoor conditions. Unlike themed T-shirts that only celebrate cycling culture, this map offers real navigation support, ensuring you won’t get lost or miss key sights. Its price ($29.99) reflects high quality and practicality, making it the best choice to elevate your Copenhagen cycling adventure.

Best cycling routes copenhagen: Our Top 5 Picks

• Denmark and Greater Copenhagen Folded Cycling – Best for Scenic and Longer Rides
• Vintage Retro Copenhagen Motorcycle Cyclists T-Shirt – Best for Motorcycle Enthusiasts
• Retro Vintage Bike Copenhagen T Shirt T-Shirt – Best for Vintage Bike Lovers
• Biking Copenhagen Denmark graphic T-Shirt – Best for City Biking Enthusiasts
• Vintage Bicycle Copenhagen Denmark | Bike Lover T-Shirt – Best for Bike Culture and Heritage

What Makes Copenhagen the Best City for Cycling?

Copenhagen is renowned for its exceptional cycling infrastructure and culture, making it one of the best cities for cycling in the world.

• Dedicated Bike Lanes: Copenhagen boasts over 390 kilometers of dedicated bike lanes that are safe and accessible.
• Bicycle-Friendly Traffic Signals: The city has implemented traffic signals specifically designed for cyclists, improving safety and flow.
• Bike Sharing Programs: Copenhagen offers various bike-sharing programs, making it easy for residents and tourists to access bicycles.
• Comprehensive Cycling Maps: The city provides detailed cycling maps that highlight the best routes and areas of interest for cyclists.
• Community Cycling Events: Regular cycling events and initiatives promote cycling culture and engage the community.

Dedicated Bike Lanes: The extensive network of bike lanes ensures that cyclists can navigate the city safely without contending with motor vehicle traffic. These lanes are designed with clear markings and barriers in many areas, allowing cyclists to feel secure while commuting or enjoying leisurely rides.

Bicycle-Friendly Traffic Signals: Copenhagen’s traffic signals are adapted for cyclists, featuring longer green lights and special bicycle lanes at intersections. This not only enhances safety but also reduces waiting times for cyclists, encouraging more people to choose biking as their primary mode of transport.

Bike Sharing Programs: Programs like Bycyklen and Donkey Republic allow users to easily rent bikes for short periods, making cycling accessible to everyone. This is particularly beneficial for tourists who may not have their own bicycles, providing them with a convenient way to explore the city.

Comprehensive Cycling Maps: The city’s cycling maps are invaluable resources for both locals and visitors, showcasing the best cycling routes, scenic paths, and points of interest. These maps highlight bike-friendly cafes, parks, and attractions, enhancing the cycling experience throughout Copenhagen.

Community Cycling Events: Copenhagen hosts numerous cycling events throughout the year, such as bike tours and festivals, which foster a sense of community among cyclists. These events not only promote cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transport but also celebrate the city’s rich biking culture.

What are the Must-Try Scenic Cycling Routes in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling culture, offering numerous scenic routes that showcase the city’s beauty and charm.

• Nyhavn to Amager Strand: This route takes you along the picturesque Nyhavn canal, where you can enjoy vibrant buildings and lively restaurants before leading you to the serene beach at Amager Strand.
• Fælledparken to The Lakes: Starting in Fælledparken, this route takes you through one of Copenhagen’s largest parks and leads you to the scenic Lakes, where you can appreciate the beautiful waterfront views and historic architecture.
• Islands Brygge to Holmen: Cycling from Islands Brygge to Holmen offers a unique glimpse of Copenhagen’s harbor life, with modern architecture and charming waterfront areas, perfect for cycling enthusiasts.
• Frederiksberg Gardens: This route winds through the beautiful Frederiksberg Gardens, a lush oasis in the city, featuring serene lakes, elegant pathways, and a stunning palace, making it a peaceful cycling experience.
• Superkilen Park: Located in the Nørrebro district, Superkilen Park is a vibrant public space that encourages cycling through its colorful design and cultural installations, providing a unique backdrop for your ride.
• Ørestad to Amager Fælled: This route offers a blend of urban and natural scenery, starting in the modern Ørestad area and leading to the expansive Amager Fælled, a nature reserve that provides a refreshing escape from city life.
• Christianshavn to The Little Mermaid: Cycling from Christianshavn to the iconic Little Mermaid statue allows you to experience a mix of historical sites and waterfront views, highlighting some of Copenhagen’s most famous landmarks along the way.

Which Route Offers the Most Instagrammable Views?

The best cycling routes in Copenhagen offer stunning views and picturesque settings for Instagram enthusiasts.

• Nyhavn: This iconic waterfront area features colorful 17th-century townhouses and historic wooden ships.
• The Lakes: A scenic route around the city’s five interconnected lakes provides beautiful reflections and lush greenery.
• Frederiksberg Gardens: A beautifully landscaped park with romantic pathways, canals, and a charming palace.
• Amager Strandpark: A coastal route that offers stunning views of the waterfront and the Øresund Strait, perfect for sunset shots.
• Ørestad and the Royal Arena: A modern urban landscape with striking architecture and ample opportunities for unique shots.

Nyhavn is a must-visit with its vibrant colors and historical significance, making it a favorite for both locals and tourists. The picturesque canals and boats provide a perfect backdrop for photos at any time of day.

The Lakes route offers a serene cycling experience with the reflection of the city skyline in the water, surrounded by lush parks, making it ideal for capturing nature intertwined with urban life.

Frederiksberg Gardens showcases meticulously designed landscapes, with picturesque canals and the stunning Frederiksberg Palace, ensuring that every corner presents a new photo opportunity.

Amager Strandpark provides a refreshing coastal biking experience, with sandy beaches and panoramic views of the sea, making it a fantastic spot for capturing the beauty of Copenhagen’s waterfront.

Ørestad and the Royal Arena feature innovative architecture and contemporary designs, providing a modern contrast to the historical sites, perfect for those looking to capture the city’s evolving urban landscape.

Where Can Cyclists Experience Nature Along Their Ride?

Copenhagen offers a variety of scenic cycling routes that allow cyclists to immerse themselves in nature while exploring the city.

• The Lakes: This route encompasses a series of beautiful lakes in the heart of Copenhagen, providing a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by greenery.
• The Harbor Circle: A picturesque route that takes cyclists along the city’s waterfront, featuring stunning views of the harbor and the iconic Little Mermaid statue.
• The Amager Strandpark: A coastal route that stretches along the beach, offering fresh sea air and a chance to enjoy the sandy shores and recreational areas.
• The Kings Park (Kongens Have): A historic park that features lush gardens, historical statues, and winding pathways, making it perfect for a leisurely ride.
• The Vestamager Nature Reserve: This area is a natural haven, where cyclists can ride through diverse habitats, including wetlands and grasslands, ideal for birdwatching.

The Lakes route is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, as it provides a serene escape from the bustling city. The path is lined with trees and benches, making it an ideal spot for a break or a picnic by the water.

The Harbor Circle not only showcases the beauty of Copenhagen’s waterways but also allows cyclists to explore various neighborhoods along the route. The easy access to cafes and restaurants makes it a perfect choice for a day out on the bike.

Amager Strandpark is well-known for its beach vibes and recreational facilities, making it a lively spot for cyclists who enjoy both nature and leisure activities. The route is great for families, as it offers plenty of space for children to play and enjoy the outdoors.

Kongens Have, being one of the oldest parks in the city, combines history with nature. Cyclists can enjoy the manicured gardens and historical architecture while riding through this tranquil space.

The Vestamager Nature Reserve provides a unique opportunity to experience Denmark’s natural landscape. The extensive network of paths allows cyclists to explore the rich biodiversity of the area, making it a wonderful retreat for nature lovers.

What are the Family-Friendly Cycling Routes in Copenhagen?

Copenhagen is renowned for its extensive network of cycling routes that cater to families, ensuring safe and enjoyable rides. The best family-friendly cycling routes in the city include:

• Superkilen Park: This vibrant urban space features wide, dedicated cycling paths that are perfect for families. The park combines art, culture, and recreational areas, making it an exciting destination for kids and parents alike.
• The Lakes (Søerne): Cycling around the scenic lakes in central Copenhagen offers a flat and safe route ideal for families. The pathway is well-maintained and lined with beautiful views, allowing for a leisurely ride while enjoying the natural surroundings.
• Amager Strandpark: This coastal route is perfect for a family day out, featuring a long, smooth path along the beach. Families can stop for picnics or play in the sand, making it a fun and relaxing cycling experience.
• Faelledparken: As one of the largest parks in Copenhagen, Faelledparken provides wide cycling lanes and plenty of green space for children to play. The park’s layout encourages family cycling, with trails that wind through recreational areas and playgrounds.
• Islands Brygge: This waterfront area features a dedicated cycling path that is both safe and scenic. Families can enjoy riding along the harbor, with plenty of spots to stop and enjoy the views or take part in waterfront activities.

What Safety Tips Should Cyclists Follow in Copenhagen?

Cyclists in Copenhagen should follow several important safety tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable riding experience.

• Wear a Helmet: While not mandatory in Denmark, wearing a helmet significantly increases safety by protecting against head injuries in case of falls or accidents.
• Use Lights and Reflectors: Using front and rear lights, as well as reflectors, is essential, especially during the darker months, to increase visibility to other road users.
• Obey Traffic Signals: Cyclists must adhere to traffic signals and road signs just like motor vehicles, as this promotes safe interactions with other road users and prevents accidents.
• Stay in Designated Bike Lanes: Copenhagen has extensive bike lanes; using these lanes helps to separate cyclists from motor traffic, reducing the risk of collisions.
• Be Aware of Surroundings: Always keep an eye on pedestrians and other cyclists as well as vehicles, particularly when approaching intersections or parked cars where doors may open unexpectedly.
• Signal Turns: Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops, which helps communicate intentions to others on the road and increases overall safety.
• Ride at a Safe Speed: Maintain a speed that is appropriate for the traffic conditions and your own skill level, allowing for quick reactions to sudden hazards.
• Keep Your Bike Maintained: Regular maintenance of your bicycle, including brakes, tires, and lights, ensures that it is in good working condition and reduces the risk of mechanical failures while riding.

What Resources or Apps Can Help Navigate Copenhagen’s Cycling Infrastructure?

There are several resources and apps designed to help cyclists navigate Copenhagen’s extensive cycling infrastructure.

• Copenhagen Cycle Snake: This app provides a map of the city’s cycling routes, highlighting the best paths for cyclists based on real-time data and user feedback.
• Google Maps: While primarily known for driving directions, Google Maps also offers cycling directions, indicating bike lanes and paths, and can estimate travel times for cyclists.
• City of Copenhagen Cycling Map: A downloadable PDF map that showcases all designated cycling routes in the city, including bike lanes, shared paths, and points of interest for cyclists.
• Komoot: A route-planning app that allows users to create custom cycling routes based on their preferences, including difficulty level and scenic views, tailored specifically for bike navigation.
• Strava: Primarily a fitness tracking app, Strava allows cyclists to explore popular cycling routes in the Copenhagen area, as well as track their own rides and compare with other cyclists.

Copenhagen Cycle Snake: This app is particularly useful for both locals and tourists as it provides up-to-date information on cycling routes based on user input. It assists in finding paths that are not only safe but also scenic, ensuring an enjoyable ride through the city.

Google Maps: By selecting the cycling option, users can access specific bike lanes and paths, as well as get estimated travel times and directions. It also allows for real-time traffic updates, which can be crucial for avoiding busy roads.

City of Copenhagen Cycling Map: This official map is an excellent resource for anyone looking to explore the city on two wheels. It includes detailed information about bike lanes, traffic signals, and areas of interest, making it easy for cyclists to plan their routes effectively.

Komoot: This app is highly regarded among outdoor enthusiasts, offering features such as route customization based on user preferences. Cyclists can choose routes that suit their fitness levels and desired scenery, making it ideal for both casual rides and more challenging adventures.

Strava: Beyond tracking workouts, Strava’s segment feature allows cyclists to discover popular routes and see how they stack up against others in the community. This social aspect can motivate cyclists to explore new routes and improve their performance while enjoying the vibrant cycling culture in Copenhagen.

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