Germany & Denmark: Berlin to Copenhagen Bike Tour
Nine nights; nine days of cycling on an established bikeway connecting Berlin and Copenhagen, plus a warm up lakefront ride on the first day.
“Freewheeling has got it all figured out” – John J.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Cycling between two of the most bike-friendly cities in the world!
- Mainly traffic-free route.
- Dense forests, beautiful lakes, and open countryside of the Sund Route.
- Nature parks and abundant wildlife.
- Ancient villages.
- Museum and café culture.
- Mons Klint’s sensational white chalk cliffs.
- Stevnsford UNESCO site.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
26-80km/day on paved and unpaved bikeways. In Germany, you can expect varying riding surfaces, including occasional sandy or grassy tracks, and a short stretch of cobblestone. There are a few rolling hills, but lots of level riding. GPS use is recommended. We provide the files for your device, or a small device if you need one. Please ask us at booking. Once in Denmark, the riding is paved and well-signed. This is overall a relaxing route suitable for all levels of riders. Be aware that the Danish habit of using space very efficiently can translate into small bathrooms at some of the inns. You should also expect to see occasional nudity at public beaches.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~68 km
- DAY 3: ~75 km
- DAY 4: ~68 km
- DAY 5: ~44 km
- DAY 6: Up to ~125 km
- DAY 7: ~56 km
- DAY 8: ~70 km
- DAY 9: ~55 km
- DAY 10: Farewells
Berlin to Copenhagen Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Berlin to Copenhagen Bike
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Neustrelitz train station, 15:00, day one.
Finish: Copenhagen, following breakfast, day ten. Please note your guide will depart the previous evening.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Meet this afternoon in Neustrelitz, approximately one hour by fast train from Berlin’s main railway station. Situated on the shore of a beautiful lake, Neustrelitz is a small town with a rich history. Here, you will enjoy a glimpse of 18th century Germany, a time and place governed by dukes and duchies. You can test your bike while exploring the town, perhaps stopping to see the Stradtkirche Neustrelitz, or for a swim in Glambeck See. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only; self-guided trips include breakfasts only)
Hotel Alter Kornspeicher, or, Fabrik Öko-Hotel Ferienhäuser, Neustrelitz
Neustrelitz to Waren 68km
Follow the bikeway through Muritz National Park, home to Germany’s largest inland lake. White-tailed eagles soar overhead as you enjoy gently rolling landscape through swathes of age-old forests and pristine blue lakes. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Ankershagen and visit the place where Heinrich Schliemann discovered Troy. Quiet roads and rural farmlands lead you to your final destination, the colorful city of Waren, where you can enjoy the beaches or a hike on the shore of Lake Muritz. BLD
Hotel Harmonie, or, Radlon Fahrrad Komfort Hotel, Waren
Waren to Gustrow ~75km
Detour to Palace Clinic on the northwest banks of Lake Müritz this morning, for a spectacular view of the ‘small sea’. Cycling through the Nossentiner/Schwinzer Nature Park is a pure joy, and the highlight of today’s ride. With its aromatic pine trees and untouched woodlands, it exudes an air of tranquillity that is best enjoyed by bicycle. Tonight you will stay in Gustrow, home of the expressionist sculptor and printmaker Ernst Barlach. Visit his studio or the Gustrow Palace, a marvel of Renaissance architecture. BLD
Kurhaus am Inselsee, or, Hotel Weinberg, Gustrow
Gustrow to Warnemünde ~68km
Today you will cycle another flat and paved pathway along the tranquil Bützow-Güstrow-Canal before continuing through the valley of Warnow. Options include a visit to the lighthouse and seaside resort, or an evening stroll through the picturesque New Market Square and St Mary’s Church. Built in the 13th century, this large brick Gothic Church is home to a very interesting medieval astronomical clock. BL
Strand Hotel Hubner, Rostock
Rostock to Nykøbing Falster, Guldborg, and Bandholm ~44km
Transfer to the ferry terminal in Rostock for a 09:00 sailing across the Baltic Sea to Gedser (2 hours) on the Danish coast. Follow the coast for 26km to Nykøbing Falster. Continue along the Sund Route (deemed one of Denmark’s most beautiful bike rides) from Nykøbing Falster to Guldborg, then transfer (or cycle as time permits) 25km further to your hotel at Bandholm. BD
Bandholm Hotel, Bandholm
Bandholm to Mon, up to ~125km)
Start your day by returning to Nykøbing Falster (by vehicle or bike) then cycle north along the Baltic Sea passing the forest of ancient monuments at Halskov Vænge, a magical place where lay six ancient dolmens and over 70 burial mounds dating back to the Neolithic Age. In the old Merchant town of Stukkeboking, depart by ferry to the small Island of Bogo. Cross the dike onto the Island of Mon and enjoy its beauty: a paradise of steep chalk cliffs, salty meadows, and quiet country roads. BLD
Liselund Ny Slot Hotel, Borre
Mon to Præstø ~50km
This morning you will discover one of the most unique and wondrous natural formations in all of Denmark; the incredible white cliffs of Mons Klint. The cliffs are composed of millions of shells of microscopic creatures deposited about 70 million years ago. The medieval port town of Stege makes a wonderful spot to rest and enjoy coffee before continuing across the bridge to the island of Zealand. Finish in the picturesque town of Præstø where you will enjoy the comforts of your well-appointed hotel and its Michelin rated restaurant. BLD
Hotel Frederiksminde, Præstø
Præstø to Køge ~70km
Early in the day you can visit the UNESCO recognized limestone cliffs at Stevns Klint, and the cold war museum at Stevnsfort. You will then continue along the coast of Køge Bay, stopping as you wish at any of the sandy beaches you pass along the way. Køge is a small city with a vibrant market place. BLD
Hotel Nielsjuel, or, Comwell Køge Strand, Køge
Køge to Copenhagen ~55km
From Køge, you have a leisurely bike ride past the Arken Museum of Modern Art at Ishoj and into one of the loveliest biking cities in the world: Copenhagen. There are more bikes in Copenhagen than people and you’ll quickly be immersed among the locals as they whizz about their daily lives. There is an etiquette among cyclists here and your arrival well before rush hour on a mostly car free route will help you integrate with ease. Finish in the early afternoon at your hotel, where you will bid farewell to your guide(s). Your lodging tonight is included, and we are happy to arrange extra nights on your behalf if you wish to stay longer. BL
Scandic Palace Hotel, or, Andersen Boutique Hotel, Copenhagen
Farewells
Your tour officially concludes this morning following breakfast. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 7-16
- May 28-Jun 6
- Sept 10-19
2024 Guided:
- May 5-14
- May 26-Jun 4
- Sep 8-17
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 6375 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 10 days, 9 nights, 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, guide and vehicle support, route instructions, maps, luggage handling, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 5855 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 10 days, 9 nights, 9 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential ground transportation, on-call emergency support, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1350
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to Electric: 200
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
This adventure follows a newly established bikeway through Northern European plains and islands, between two of its most bike friendly metropolises. The cycling begins in Neustrelitz, just outside Berlin, on a flat, paved path through the protected woodlands and lakes of two of Germany’s most beautiful parks – Muritz National Park, and Nossentiner-Schwinzer Nature Park in the Mecklenburg Lake District. You will pass through ancient villages once ruled by dukes and duchies, where you can visit museums and stop at delightful cafes. Further north, you will cross the Baltic Sea by ferry, and enjoy a change of scenery as you embark on the island-hopping Danish part of your adventure. Following the bikeway between coastal towns, you will pass many thatched houses and myriad farmlands. From Nykobing Falster, you will enjoy one of Denmark’s most beautiful bike rides – the Sund Route; a 44km ride passing through beach forests, lakeside villages, and gorgeous countryside. Continuing North through Zealand, the sensational white chalk cliffs of Mons Klint are the highlight of Mons Island. A satisfying ride into the great cycling city of Copenhagen makes a wonderfully fitting climax for this adventure in Europe’s historic and wonderfully cultured northern plains and islands.
