Cycling in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a paradise for tourists interested in exploring the city on two wheels. Cycling in Copenhagen is very common, and locals love to do their routine work on a bicycle. A study shows that more than 49% Copenhageners use bicycles in their daily routine. Surprisingly, locals take their cycles on public transport, including buses and trains. It’s really a bike-friendly city with over 397 km of separate bike lanes.
We knew the importance of cycling in Copenhagen and were curious to experience it. We can’t imagine visiting the city of bikes without enjoying biking. So we didn’t wait for long and got bicycles on rent the very next day after arrival. After three hours of cycling, we got tired but still wanted to explore more. It was a fun and joyful experience that made our day special in the city.
How to Enjoy Cycling in Copenhagen?
Cycling is one of the most important things to do in Copenhagen for tourists. It allows you to explore the city by stopping and sightseeing wherever you want. It’s the easiest way to tour the city for sightseeing. However, there are some rules for bikers that must be followed. To avoid collisions and unhappy interactions with locals, you should learn the rules before cycling. Below are some tips to enjoy cycling in the city of bikes:
- Choose a comfortable cycle
- Plan a route on your mobile to avoid getting lost
- Follow local cycling rules
- Stay in the bike lanes and avoid pedestrian areas
- Use hand signals to turn or stop
- Keep water to hydrate yourself
- Lock your bike if stopping somewhere
How to Get a Cycle in Copenhagen?
Unlike other cities in the world, getting a bicycle in Copenhagen is very easy and affordable. So, don’t hesitate to explore the city in a unique way. Tourists can avail any of the following options to get a bike to enjoy a memorable experience:
Buy New Cycle
Keep your own cycle if you’re staying in Copenhagen for a long time. Simply go to the market, choose a comfortable cycle, pay for it, and make it your own. Finding a bike shop wouldn’t be a challenge because the city is full of bikes. Having your own bike will save you from paying on an hourly or monthly basis. Bike prices could be different based on the model and features. Normally, a new bike costs between 2500 DKK and 5000 DKK, and a used bike can be bought for 500 DKK to 2500 DKK.
Rent A Bike
Getting a bike on rent is very common among tourists in Copenhagen. It’s easy, convenient, and the best way to explore the streets of the historic Danish capital. Many rental companies operate in the city to provide bicycles to tourists on an hourly or daily basis. The average hourly rate per bike is 30 DKK. Make sure to get a bike from a well-reputed rental app or company. Some of the best bike rental companies and apps are as follows:
- Donkey Republic
- Swapfiets
- Lime
- Tropical Bikes Copenhagen
- beCopenhagen
- Bike Copenhagen
Use the Abandoned Cycle
It’s normal to see abandoned bikes on roadsides and streets. Don’t be afraid of using these abandoned bikes to take a tour of the city. It doesn’t matter to local police where you got a bike, because there is no registered owner of abandoned bikes. So, take any abandoned bike to a local bike shop, get it properly maintained, and start riding.
Ask Your Hotel
Some of the best hotels in Copenhagen offer their guests bikes to take a tour around the city. You may have to pay additional charges to rent a bike from your hotel, but it’s not a big deal to explore the city on two wheels. Try to book a hotel in Copenhagen that offers you bikes to visit the city.
Useful Tips for Cycling in Copenhagen
Copenhagen is a city where most people go to school and the office, and perform their daily routines on bikes. Tourists can also be seen strolling through the streets in groups. After experiencing it myself, I can assure you that you’ll also enjoy bike riding in the city. But keep the following tips in mind when cycling in Copenhagen.
Use Hand Signals
Remember that you’re not the only one who is biking in the city. The use of hand signals while turning or topping is very important to avoid mishaps in the shape of a collision. Make sure to let others know about your right or left turns and stops. Don’t apply a sudden brake without raising your hand to avoid unhappy interaction with others.
Don’t Take a Sharp Turn to the Left
Bike rules in Copenhagen tell you to drive on the right side of the road. If you want to turn left, instead of taking a sharp/ direct turn, make sure to cross the opposite side and wait for the green light before continuing. It’s a very useful tip that most tourists don’t know while cycling in Copenhagen.
Follow Traffic Rules
The freedom of biking in Copenhagen doesn’t mean the traffic rules don’t apply to you. Copenhageners take the traffic rules seriously and expect the same from tourists. So, don’t become an unpopular person by not following the local traffic rules while biking. There are separate traffic lights for bikes at some larger intersections, which must be followed. Only cross the intersections when the bike signal on the lights is green.
Stay in the Bike Lanes
We have seen separate bike lanes when visiting Paris and many other cities around the world, but Copenhagen takes cycling to the next level. The separate road network for bikes in Copenhagen stretches over more than 397 kilometers, which is almost impossible for tourists to cover completely. So, always keep your bike in the bike lane to avoid disturbing other traffic wherever you go.
Keep the Cycle on the Right Side
Keep your bike on the right side of the bike lane according to the local laws. Let others get past you without any trouble. It’s not only necessary to follow for others, but also for your safety. So, prove to be a responsible person by keeping your bike on the right side when cycling in Copenhagen.
Best Routes for Cycling in Copenhagen
To enjoy cycling in Copenhagen in its true sense, choose a route where most of the tourist attractions are located. Some biking routes are very beautiful and allow you to explore the scenic beauty of Copenhagen. Below are some of the most popular biking routes among tourists:
The Harbour Circle
One of the best biking routes in Copenhagen is the Harbour Circle. This 13-kilometer-long biking track passes through major tourist attractions and allows you to ride along the beautiful waterfront. You can view the Little Mermaid Statue, the Opera House, and the colorful buildings of Nyhavn while riding on the Harbour Circle.
Sydhavn to Nordhavn
It was an interesting route for me due to the modern apartments, some great architecture, and beautiful waterfront. You’ll pass through Nyhavn, Kastellet, the UN Office, and many other attractive places on this route. It takes around half an hour to cover this route on a cycle. Don’t forget to stop and capture memorable moments in front of the amazing buildings.
Nyhavn to Opera House
In case you want to enjoy cycling but don’t have enough time, then Nyhavn to the Opera House is an ideal route for you. This route consists of only 1.7 kilometers, but passes through the beautiful waterfront, bridges, and other interesting places. You’ll need to reach Nyhavn from your hotel and get a rental bike for cycling on this route.
Cycling to Amager Strand
Get rid of the city’s hustle and bustle by cycling outside the city, and Amager Strand would be the best place for you. You can enjoy the beautiful views of sunrise and sunset while cycling along the beach. Choose this route to get a more natural experience, especially in the summer. It’ll take around 20 to 25 minutes to reach Amager Strand by bicycle.
Osterbro to City Square Hall
It’s an ideal route for those bikers who want to cycle in the urban area. You’ll see beautiful cityscapes, waterfront, cafes, and parks along this route. This route consists of only 4.5 kilometers, which takes around 15 minutes to cover. Make sure to enjoy a coffee at any cafe halfway to City Square Hall.
Copenhagen Airport to City Center
Cycling from Copenhagen Airport to City Center is a great way to start your visit. This 8 to 10-kilometer route is flat and good for cycling. Some parts of this route don’t have separate bike lanes, and you need to ride carefully. Although getting a bike on rent at the airport isn’t easy, you may have to take a short metro ride to pick one up for cycling on this route. It’s an ideal route for solo travelers.
Top Places to Visit by Cycle
Some places in Copenhagen are best to visit on bikes. Whether you’re alone or with family, try to visit the following places on a cycle.
Tivoli Gardens
Denmark’s most famous amusement park is in Copenhagen, and it’s a must-visit place for everyone, especially when you’re visiting Copenhagen with kids. It’s easy to get there by bike from the city center for fun and enjoy games and rides. A secure parking space allows you to enjoy without worrying about your cycle. Many exciting things to do in Tivoli Gardens are waiting for people of all ages.
Superkilen Park
It’s a special park created for skaters and cyclists. The park is divided into parts like Green Park, Red Square, and the Black Market, and each of them is an example of its own. Superkilen is built in the Norrebro area, which is known for its cultural diversity. This park is the best for young cyclists who are in the learning process.
Fælledparken
Another great place for cycling in Copenhagen with family is Fælledparken, which is the biggest park in the city. There are separate paths for bikes where kids can learn and enjoy cycling. Parents can sit and relax in the park and watch their kids cycling and having fun. It’s the best place for kids to show off their cycling skills.
Nyhavn
One of the great experiences in Copenhagen is cycling in Nyhavn. Strolling through the streets decorated with colorful buildings along the waterfront would be a memorable experience. The streets are flat and good for cycling. Don’t forget to grab a coffee from any shop while cycling in Nyhavn.
Christiana
Enjoy a unique cycling experience in a totally different area from Copenhagen. Slow-paced cycling along the handmade houses, artistic streets, and colorful murals would be fun. Cycling in Christiana will be a nice way to discover street art by local artists and enjoy your beautiful surroundings.
Islands Brygge
A car-free zone is always a perfect place for cycling, and Islands Brygge is one of them. There are wide lanes for cycling, where kids can enjoy riding along the harbour. The ideal location and family-friendly environment make the area best for cycling, swimming, and relaxing in the green area.
Other Places
Copenhagen is a bike-friendly city, and the places discussed above are only a few examples. Many other areas can be best explored by cycle for a true experience. The following areas are also best explored by cycle in Copenhagen:
- Deer Park (Dyrehaven)
- Raffen Street Food Market
- Frederiksbergs Gardens
- Kastellet
Common Mistakes by Tourists during Cycling
Enjoying cycling in Copenhagen could be a wonderful experience if we follow the local rules and take safety measures. Don’t create problems for yourself by cycling without understanding local rules and customs. One of the things not to do in Copenhagen is cycling before you’re fully aware of traffic rules and how the bike lanes and lights work. Here are some common mistakes that tourists make during cycling in Copenhagen:
Cycling Outside Bike Lanes
Don’t leave the bike lanes to avoid collisions and mishaps. It’s important to know how the bike lanes work and what the rules and customs for cycling in Copenhagen are. Locals strictly follow bike lanes and expect the same from tourists. Cycling in the pedestrian areas or on roads where a bike lane exists can be harmful to you.
Not Using Bells
Copenhageners always use bells to let others know they are crossing. It’s important to avoid mishaps in the shape of collisions. Almost all rental bikes in Copenhagen come with a bell, which you should use when needed. Overusing the bell should also be avoided by being a responsible cyclist.
Not Using Hand Signals
A very common cause of accidents in Copenhagen is cyclists not using hand signals when turning or stopping. We saw a tourist suddenly stop without signaling, and the other cyclist crashed into him. Such incidents are caused by tourists who don’t know the importance of hand signaling while cycling in Copenhagen. Make sure to signal others with your straight hands when turning left or right. Raise your left hand when you’re stopping.
Keeping Bicycle Unlocked
Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in Europe, but thousands of bike theft complaints are still registered annually. Choose a secure parking area and make sure to lock your bike if you’re going away from it. Many locals use double locks on their bikes for security, especially in public places like metro and bus stations.
Not Wearing Safety Guards
Although it’s not necessary to wear gloves, guards, and a helmet, it’s safer to take precautions by wearing them. Many tourists do not wear them for their comfort, but get injured even after a minor collision. These safety measures provide confidence for cycling in a city you’re not familiar with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Wearing a helmet for cycling isn’t a legal requirement in Copenhagen. Many locals are seen cycling without wearing a helmet, but you should use one for your safety. It’ll protect you from injuries and keep you safe.
After cycling in many European cities, including Rome and Paris, I found Copenhagen much safer than the others. Local traffic rules and a network of more than 397 kilometer long separate bike lanes make cycling in Copenhagen safe and efficient.
There is no requirement for a license or any other special permit for cycling in the Danish Capital. Tourists can simply hop on a cycle and start riding wherever they want.
Yes, it’s an interesting fact that you can take your cycle along with you on a bus or train. It’s very common in Copenhagen and helpful for those who get tired of cycling and want to get home without riding anymore.
Yes, the cycling rules in Copenhagen are strict, and any violation could cost you dearly. Both locals and police take the law seriously, and you may be fined for ignoring traffic lights, taking a wrong turn, stopping at bus stops, and other violations.
Conclusion
Tourists must enjoy cycling in Copenhagen whenever they get a chance. It’s a bike-friendly city with a wide network of special bike lanes. Unlike people in other countries, Copenhageners prefer to go to their schools and offices on bikes. Cycling in the Danish capital will be a wonderful experience for you and your family. Before going for cycling, the only thing you should ensure is your safety and awareness of local traffic rules. We hope this guide helps you enjoy cycling in Copenhagen.
