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?
- Cycle through two of the world’s top bike-friendly cities, Copenhagen and Berlin.
- Visit Müritz National Park, home to Germany’s largest lake and plenty of white-tailed eagles.
- Ride Denmark’s scenic Sund Route, with coastal views and lush countryside.
- See dramatic chalk cliffs at Møns Klint and UNESCO-listed Stevns Klint.
- Explore medieval towns, Renaissance palaces, and ancient burial sites.
- Enjoy local culture at cafes, markets, and the ARKEN Museum of Modern Art.
- Discover history at Güstrow’s palace and Ankershagen, linked to the discovery of Troy.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
40-80km/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. Once in Denmark, the riding is paved and well-signed. Overall, this is a relaxing route suitable for all levels of riders.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Introductions; Zierker Lake Loop ~13km (+73m / -73m).
- 2: Neustrelitz to Waren ~67km (+420m / -415m).
- 3: Waren to Güstrow ~76km (+488m / -529m).
- 4: Güstrow to Rostock ~58km (+301m / -312m).
- 5: Ferry to Gedser; Gedser to Guldborg ~44km (+161m / -156m); van transfer or continue cycling to Bandholm ~25km (+89m / -86m).
- 6: Bandholm to Møn, up to ~111km (+423m / -422m).
- 7: Optional Møns Klint Loop ~32km (+279m / -279m); Møn to Præstø ~40km (+176m / -153m).
- 8: Præstø to Køge ~83km (+337m / -340m).
- 9: Køge to Copenhagen ~57km (+211m / -208m).
- 10: Departure.
(Click image to enlarge)
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.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Introductions; Zierker Lake Loop ~13km (+73m / -73m).
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 Stadtkirche Neustrelitz, or for a swim in Glambecker See.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Hotel Alter Kornspeicher, or Fabrik Öko-Hotel Ferienhäuser, Neustrelitz.DAY 2:
Neustrelitz to Waren ~67km (+420m / -415m).
Follow the bikeway through Müritz National Park, home to Germany's largest inland lake. White-tailed eagles soar overhead as you enjoy a gently rolling landscape through swathes of age-old forests and pristine blue lakes. Stop at Ankershagen to 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 Müritz.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Harmonie, or Radlon Fahrrad Komfort Hotel, Waren.DAY 3:
Waren to Güstrow ~76km (+488m / -529m).
Begin your day with a scenic ride along the northwest banks of Lake Müritz, enjoying breathtaking views 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 Güstrow, home of the expressionist sculptor and printmaker Ernst Barlach. Visit his studio or the Güstrow Palace, a marvel of Renaissance architecture.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Kurhaus am Inselsee, or Hotel Weinberg, Gustrow.DAY 4:
Güstrow to Rostock ~58km (+301m / -312m).
Today you will cycle another flat and paved pathway along the tranquil Bützow-Güstrow Canal before continuing through the valley of the Warnow. Enjoy an evening stroll through the picturesque Neuer Markt and past St. Mary's Church. Built in the 13th century, this large brick Gothic church is home to a very interesting medieval astronomical clock.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Vienna House by Wyndham Sonne, or Hotel Motel One, Rostock.DAY 5:
Ferry to Gedser; Gedser to Guldborg ~44km (+161m / -156m); van transfer or continue cycling to Bandholm ~25km (+89m / -86m).
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 26 km to Nykøbing on the island of 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) 25 km further to your hotel in Bandholm, located on the island of Lolland.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Bandholm Hotel, Bandholm.DAY 6:
Bandholm to Møn, up to ~111km (+423m / -422m).
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 Stubbekøbing, depart by ferry to the small island of Bogø. Cross the dike onto the island of Møn and enjoy its beauty: a paradise of steep chalk cliffs, salty meadows, and quiet country roads.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Egn Boutique Hotel, Stege.DAY 7:
Optional Møns Klint Loop ~32km (+279m / -279m); Møn to Præstø ~40km (+176m / -153m).
This morning you may have the opportunity to visit 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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Frederiksminde, or Jungshoved Præstegaard, Præstø.DAY 8:
Præstø to Køge ~83km (+337m / -340m).
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.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Comwell Køge Strand, or Zleep Hotel Køge, Køge.DAY 9:
Køge to Copenhagen ~57km (+211m / -208m).
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) or support person. Your lodging tonight is included, and we can arrange extra nights on your behalf if you wish to stay longer.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Scandic Palace Hotel, or Andersen Boutique Hotel, Copenhagen.DAY 10:
Departure.
Your tour officially concludes this morning following breakfast.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
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(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: C 6995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 10 days, 9 nights, 9 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 7 dinners, guide and vehicle support, route instructions, maps, luggage handling, hybrid bicycle rental, 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 6495 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 10 days, 9 nights, 9 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential ground transportation, on-call emergency support, hybrid bicycle rental, 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: Add C 1655
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Flat bars. Giant Escape or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lightweight aluminum frame, 700c wheels.
Change to Road: Included
Drop bars. Giant-TCR1 or similar, aluminum frame, carbon upgrade available.
Change to E-bike: C 300
Flat bars. Giant-Explore-E2 or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Small and XS sizes limited availability.
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.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is May to October.
- Spring, April to May, average temperatures range from 10 to 20 °C (50 to 68 °F).
- Summer, June to August, typically peaks around 25 °C (77 °F). Summer months tend to have the highest rainfall.
- Autumn temperatures in September and October are normally mild, similar to spring.
GET TO THE START
Fly into Berlin Airport (BER). Most participants take the one hour train ride from Berlin’s main train station (Berlin Hbf) to Neustrelitz for the start of the tour (www.bahn.com), though there are numerous connecting cities. Alternately, getting around Germany by coach is easy and affordable, using FlixBus; buses from Berlin to Neustrelitz take approximately two hours.
AFTER THE FINISH
Your tour ends on the morning of day ten, in Copenhagen. Most major airlines offer direct flights from Copenhagen to larger cities around Europe and abroad.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
We highly recommend spending time in Berlin before your tour, and in Copenhagen afterward.
In Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie has been recommended. As has the fat tire tour of Berlin. You can also visit the Berlin Wall Memorial and the Holocaust Memorial Site. Unter den Linden, from Reichstadt to the Brandenburg Gate, is a beautiful boulevard, several kilometers long, linking many worthwhile sights.
In Copenhagen, the Little Mermaid sculpture is a must-see. Enjoy the Carlsberg Brewery tour or take in a perfomance at the spectacular Royal Danish Opera House. Visit the shops and restaurants of Nyhavn or take a canal tour or wander through the lush historical blooms of Tivoli Gardens. There are also some Viking castles to visit.
Join the Grand Day Trip around Copenhagen with Hamlet Tours, including visits to Kronborg Castle, Frederiksborg Palace, Roskilde Cathedral and the Viking Ship Building Museum in the former capital Roskilde.
If you have several days:
Link to another Freewheeling Adventure in Europe.
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.
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