Copenhagen, often hailed as the world’s cycling capital, is a haven for bike enthusiasts. After exploring this vibrant city on two wheels, we can only echo the sentiment that Copenhagen is a cyclist’s paradise, offering a unique and exhilarating way to experience a bustling metropolis.
It’s more than just the geography that makes it easy — Copenhagen is more or less entirely without heights. In addition, for many years, they have invested in expanding cycle paths and adapting the streets.
We travelled from Nørreport via Botanisk Have (the Botanical Garden), Kastellet, Den Lille Havfrue (the Little Mermaid), Nyhavn, Operaen på Holmen (the National Opera House), Reffen and Christianshavns Kanal (Christianshavns Chanel). We finished the route at Hovedbanegården (the Central Sation). This lovely route is a testament to the beauty and charm of Copenhagen, and we’re thrilled to share our tips for those who wish to explore the city on a bike.
Nørrebro to the Botanical Garden
We start our journey at Nørreport. From there, we went to the Botanical Garden (Botanisk Have) – a marvellous park with a classic greenhouse that attracts adult and young visitors. Maybe not something you look forward to on a nice summer day – better to enjoy the plants outdoors.
The botanical garden is perfect for a picnic in the green, so bring a blanket from home. From the park, it is close to the dynamic Nørrebro on the other side of the small lakes. However, we choose to cycle further along Øster Voldgade. To the right is the beautiful Rosenborg Castle with the King’s Garden, which is well worth a visit.
The Botanical Garden’s in Copenhagen
Cycle from Øster Voldgade to the Opera on Holmen
After a while on Øster Voldgade, with lovely wide bike lanes, we turn right towards Kastellet – a 17th-century fortress with ramparts and a museum. There is a café inside the fortress for those needing a coffee. The beautiful Frihedsmuseet is also nearby.
It’s only a ten-minute bike ride from the fortress to the Little Mermaid (Den Lille Havfrue) . Edvard Eriksen’s famous bronze mermaid depicts a character from H. C. Andersen’s fairy tales. Perhaps most interesting is how this sculpture attracts such large crowds of tourists.
From the Little Mermaid, cycling along the quay down towards Nyhavn is nice, but this time, we chose to take the newly built bicycle and pedestrian bridge over to Christianshavn. Here, the cyclists swarm, so remember to keep up with the pace of traffic. Those who cycle in width and chat will be less popular. Slightly slower cyclists do best to stay to the right.
We continue north towards the Opera House on Holmen. This spectacular building was inaugurated in 2005 and is well worth a visit.
Towards Reffen
As we pedalled further, we discovered a hidden gem: Reffen. Reffen is an area that has blossomed in recent years, offering a global culinary experience with its diverse street food. It’s the perfect spot to unwind on a balmy summer evening, adding a unique flavour to our cycling adventure.
However, just before Reffen, there is a café that we chose to try. La Banchina serves simple lunches. Enjoy them indoors on a slightly chilly day or in the shade under some trees. And for those who want to, you can sunbathe and swim afterwards—definitely a destination worth spending a few hours at!
Right next to La Banchina is the Copenhagen Contemporary Art Centre. Check online to see what current exhibitions are on display.
Cycle from Christianshavn Canal to Café Wilder
From Reffen, it takes half an hour to reach the next destination: Christianshavn. Here, there are some lovely neighbourhoods around Christianshavn’s canal, with beautiful 17th-century houses and many cosy cafés. An exciting place to visit nearby is Vor Frelsers Kirke. Climb the tower and enjoy a fantastic view of Copenhagen. We recommend buying a ticket in advance. We skipped the church visit this time and returned to Café Wilder, a favourite restaurant.
From Christianshavn, it’s just a short bike ride to the Central Train Station (Hovedbanegården), from which we will take the train back home.
Erik Osvalds