Cycling in Copenhagen: guided or self-guided tour?

Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, is an ideal city for getting around by bike. It’s flat and easy to get around, with an exceptional network of cycle paths providing quick links between different districts and points of interest.

We give you all our tips for renting a bike in Copenhagen, visiting the city with a bike guide and our ideas for itineraries to discover the city in 1 day.

Discover Copenhagen by bike

Why choose a guided bike tour?

Even though Copenhagen is a city where it’s easy to get around on your own by bike, a guided tour can enrich your experience. Not only do you benefit from the advice and knowledge of a local guide, but you also discover places you might have missed exploring the city on your own.

🚲 This is one of the most popular activities in Copenhagen. We recommend Tropical Bikes, a company with an excellent reputation.

The route

This three-hour bike tour takes you through Copenhagen’s most emblematic neighborhoods. You’ll usually start at the famous Nyhavn harbor, a canal lined with colorful houses, before heading to must-see sights like the Little Mermaid statue, Amalienborg Palace (home of the royal family), and Christiansborg Castle, the Danish Parliament. Along the way, the guide stops regularly to give you detailed explanations of the history of each site, while allowing you to take photos or ask questions.

🌿 In addition to the major monuments, our guides will often take you to less touristy but equally interesting areas, such as Christiania, where you can discover the city’s cultural diversity and alternative atmosphere.

🎟️ For our part, we use the Get Your Guide booking site, which offers the possibility of cancelling tickets up to 24 hours before the date of an activity and thus obtaining a full refund.

Self-service electric bikes

Donkey bike is a self-service bicycle system. These bikes are available 24 hours a day and are equipped with GPS, making them perfect for those who want to explore the city at their own pace.

You can rent a bike via the Donkey Bike mobile app, and drop them off at one of the many stations dotted around the city. You’ll pay around €11 for 6h.

💡If you have a little room in your luggage, we recommend that youtake your bicycle helmet with you. You can slip it into your suitcase and fill it with clothes to save space.

Bike rental in Copenhagen

Here are the other two options for renting a bike for the day:

• Bike rental stores: Many local stores, such as Donkey Republic or Copenhagen Bicycles, offer rentals by the hour, day or week. Most provide well-maintained bikes, with the option of renting accessories such as helmets or baskets.

• Hotels and hostels: most hotels and hostels in Copenhagen also offer classic and electric-assist bicycles to their guests. This is a practical solution, especially if you want to do a few quick rides without having to look for a rental store. When planning your stay, contact your accommodation for more information.

€ Allow around €15 for a day’s rental.

Public transport with your bike in Copenhagen

One of the great strengths of Denmark, and Copenhagen in particular, is the ease with which you can combine cycling with public transport. Whether you want to get across town quickly or explore the surrounding areas, you can easily take your bike with you. Here’s how it works:

• You have to payto transport your bike on the metro and bus. Bicycle tickets cost €1.8. There are dedicated areas for bikes at the front and rear of the trains, making transport easy and fluid, even at rush hour.
  
• Carrying your bike on the train and S-tog (suburban train network) is free, except during rush hour.

Tips for cycling in Copenhagen

Bicycle traffic rules

Although Copenhagen is a very cyclist-friendly city, it’s essential to follow certain basic rules to ride safely and avoid unpleasant surprises. Here are the main rules you need to know:

• Stay on the bike lanes: Most of Copenhagen’s main streets are equipped with wide bike lanes. Make sure you always ride on these lanes, unless there aren’t any.
• Respect traffic lights: Traffic lights for cyclists are ubiquitous in the city. Lights dedicated to cyclists are generally faster than those for cars, making traffic flow even more smoothly.
• Caution at intersections: Although priority is often given to cyclists, be extra vigilant at intersections with cars or pedestrians, especially on bridges and in tourist areas.

Tips for a safe ride

Here are a few tips to make your bike ride as enjoyable as possible:

• Wear a helmet: Although not compulsory for adults in Denmark, helmets are strongly recommended.
• Avoid rush hours: If you want to avoid the rush of local cyclists heading to work, avoid riding between 7:30 and 9:00 am in the morning, and between 4:00 and 6:00 pm in the afternoon. Cycle paths can be very busy during these periods.
• Check the weather: Copenhagen’s climate can be temperamental, especially in autumn and winter. Before you leave, be sure to check the weather forecast and adapt your equipment accordingly. A raincoat or cape may be essential!
• Be careful when securing your bike, as theft is common in all major cities.

Copenhagen by bike with your family

• Many rental agencies offer bikes equipped with trailers or child seats. Cargo bikes are also popular for transporting several children in comfort.
• The Traffic Playground, in the Osterbro district (location on our map) : an area where children can learn to ride a bike (free + bike loan).

Cycle routes in Copenhagen

Here are some of the most popular cycling routes, so you can get the most out of the city by bike.

We recommend that you use the Komoot mobile application.

1. Copenhagen Harbour cycle path

For a magnificent view of Copenhagen harbor, take the bike path along the quays. This route allows you to discover Copenhagen’s main districts, as well as must-see sites such as Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid, the Botanical Gardens and superb modern buildings like the Copenhagen Opera House.

The route is flat and easy, ideal for a leisurely stroll, while offering plenty of opportunities to pause and admire spectacular views of the sea and the city’s iconic buildings.

2. Refshaleøen and Reffen: a creative alternative corner

Located just a few kilometers from the city center, Refshaleøen Island is one of Copenhagen’s hippest spots. Formerly an industrial zone, it is now a thriving cultural and creative center. For two-wheeled enthusiasts, it’s the perfect place for a ride with a difference. Ride along the quays and stop off at Reffen, Scandinavia’s largest street food market, to sample dishes from around the world. The view of the port and the city from here is superb, especially at sunset.

3. Amager Island and Amager Strandpark

For those who like to ride by the water, the island of Amager is an ideal destination. Just a few minutes by bike from the town center, you can reach Amager Strandpark, a long artificial beach with dunes, paths and cycle tracks. You can even enjoy a picnic here or try your hand at swimming in summer. For the more adventurous, continue on to Kalvebod Fælled Nature Reserve, a protected area in the south of the island, where the cycle paths will take you through wild and tranquil landscapes.

4. Cykelslangen bridge and Islands Brygge

Another must for cycling enthusiasts is theIslands Brygge district, easily accessible via the famous Cykelslangen bridge in the Vestebro district. This cyclist-only bridge winds over the harbor, offering panoramic views of the water and the city’s modern skyscrapers. After crossing the bridge, you’ll arrive at Islands Brygge, a young and dynamic district. In summer, you can even take a dip in the harbor thanks to the public baths along the canal.

5. Superkilen: an unusual urban park in Nørrebro

If you’re curious to discover a place with a unique atmosphere, Superkilen, located in the multicultural district of Nørrebro is a must-see. This urban park is a public space where modern design meets street art and cultural influences from around the world. With its three sections (red, black and green), it’s a fascinating mix of colors, structures and artistic installations.

6. Copenhagen lakes: a tranquil loop in the heart of the city

For a more relaxing stroll, Copenhagen’s lakes (Søerne) offer a peaceful setting right in the city center. These are actually three large artificial lakes stretching from the Nørrebro district to Østerbro, surrounded by wide paths perfect for cycling. Cycling around the lakes is a great way to take a break in the heart of the city while staying close to nature. It’s an ideal ride in the morning or late afternoon, when the locals come to relax by the water.

Map of things to do in Copenhagen

💡 To help you find your way around, here’s our summary map of our best activities, bars, restaurants, monuments… in Copenhagen that you can save to your favorites or download for offline use.

🗺️ How do I do this? Open the map on Google maps, then click on the icon representing the three vertical dots in the top left-hand corner, or on the map description. Finally, select the “Add to my saved places” or “Save map” option, depending on your version of the application.