Cycling in Copenhagen, between hygge and the Little Mermaid

First day

First Rides in the Bike-Friendly Capital
Welcome to Copenhagen: ready to ride like true locals! Check-in is flexible; we’re in the lively Sydhavn neighborhood. At 5:30 PM, we’ll meet at the reception desk, where our guide will welcome us for an introductory chat. Then it’s time to get into the Danish spirit right away! We’ll hop on our bikes and set off for our first evening ride: the guide will give us the basics on how to get around by bike in Copenhagen, the ultimate cycling city. The destination? A restaurant in one of the city’s coolest neighborhoods, where we can soak up the relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere of the Danish capital. A toast to our vacation in Copenhagen!

Second day

From the Little Mermaid to Strøget, pedaling along
Copenhagen is Europe’s cycling capital—there really are bikes everywhere! So it’s important for us to go over the rules for bike lanes together. Our first ride takes us through some of the city’s liveliest neighborhoods: we arrive at Nyhavn, the hub of both day and nightlife, and the maritime district of Nyboder. We arrive at Copenhagen’s symbol, den Lille Havfrue, or the Little Mermaid, the protagonist of H.C. Andersen’s fairy tale. We finish the tour in the early afternoon at Rådhuspladsen, where we park our bikes and wander along Strøget: the longest pedestrian street in the world. We return to the hotel at our leisure, looking up at the beautiful streets of the city. Dinner on your own.

Third day

Christiania and Beyond: The Freest Part of Copenhagen
Today we’re cycling to Christianshavn and the free town of Christiania. More than just a neighborhood, it’s a way of life—a rare experiment in direct democracy, always colorful and perpetually controversial. We’ll continue cycling, stopping by Parliament before heading to Frederiksberg Have park for a picnic of smørrebrød and traditional Danish pastries under the beautiful northern sky. A tip for the afternoon is to pop into the Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek museum. Dinner on your own. For the evening, we suggest a visit to Tivoli Gardens, a magical and colorful amusement park, but at the same time a journey into the world of fairy tales and fantasy that will make us feel like children again.

Fourth day

Between Royal Forests and the North Sea
It’s time for a day trip: we leave the city and cycle along the coast, with the sea breeze at our backs, heading toward Klampenborg. Our first stop is the Dyrehaven Nature Reserve, a vast forest of ancient oak trees that is home to over 2,000 deer and fallow deer: a true spectacle of nature! In the afternoon, we dive into the past (and into fun!) with a visit to Bakken, the world’s oldest amusement park, where wooden roller coasters still await those seeking an adrenaline rush. And to wrap up the day, relaxation in true Danish style: we can choose between a dip in the Øresund, the grassy beach at Charlottenlund, or the golden sands of Bellevue Beach. Dinner on your own.

Fifth day

Contemporary Copenhagen: Design and Cycling
Free morning. We’ll meet up in the early afternoon for a guided bike tour: we’ll start at Cykelslangen, the famous “bike snake,” then cycle past the public bathhouses overlooking the canal until we reach Sorte Diamanten, Copenhagen’s iconic Royal Library. We cross Christianshavn to venture into the new contemporary architecture district. We continue on to Amager Bakke, the revolutionary waste-to-energy plant transformed into a ski slope and free observation deck with an incredible view of the city. We’ll wrap up the day at the Reffen Street Market, a paradise for Danish street food, perfect for soaking up Copenhagen’s vibrant nightlife. Here, everyone picks their favorite dish (dinner not included) and we’ll enjoy the sunset over the city together.

Sixth day

Between street art, beer, and Old Copenhagen
After a free morning, we meet up in the early afternoon. We bike toward the Meatpacking District, a former industrial area transformed into one of Copenhagen’s coolest neighborhoods, featuring trendy bars, street art, and craft breweries. We ride along Istegade, the iconic street of OldCopenhagen. Continuing on, we arrive at the historic Royal Shooting Range, now part of the urban fabric of Vesterbro, nestled among historic buildings and cultural spaces. We pass through Skydebanegade, an ambitious and theatrical residential project. Finally, we’ll learn the brewing techniques behind Carlsberg and Tuborg: we’ll understand the cultural difference between those who drink one and those who drink the other... if in doubt, we can taste both! Don’t ask for Ceres, though: it’s Danish, but few people here know it. Last dinner together: we’ll wrap up our vacation with a group dinner and a toast. Skål!

Seventh day

Tak, Copenhagen: See you soon on the bike
Our trip to the Danish capital is coming to an end, but Copenhagen has a way of staying in your heart! Its perfect bike paths, vibrant neighborhoods, and laid-back atmosphere have already made us want to return soon. Cycling among canals, parks, and innovative architecture allowed us to discover an authentic and sustainable side of the city, where the bicycle reigns supreme. Those who aren’t leaving right away can enjoy the city a little longer, perhaps browsing the stalls at the flea markets on Smallegade in Frederiksberg and Israels Plads, in search of some vintage souvenirs or one last taste of local life. One last look at the canals and colorful buildings, with the promise to return soon to this extraordinary city. Tak, København!