Denmark & Sweden: Copenhagen to Gothenburg Kattegattleden Bike Tour

Meet in Denmark’s fascinating capital city, Copenhagen, for a warm-up loop ride. Trade the bustle of the city for quiet bike paths running alongside the beautiful Baltic sea on the way to Amager Island. Popular with local nature lovers and sports enthusiasts due to its sandy lagoons and protected nature areas, Amager Island has been called the ‘kitchen of Copenhagen’ thanks to its fertile soil. Return to the city to enjoy the local scene and sample some traditional flavours during a welcome dinner. D (Meal inclusions shown for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts.)

Scandic Palace Hotel, or, Andersen Boutique Hotel, Copenhagen

Cycle north to Helsingør, best known for its Kronborg Castle, the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s setting of Hamlet. A 20-minute ferry crosses into Sweden to begin riding on the Kattegattleden, Sweden’s first national bicycle route. This part of Kattegattleden offers a lovely coastal tour all the way from Helsingborg to Höganäs, with staggering views of Öresund, and out to Danish Zealand. The path is dotted with picturesque little marinas and fishing villages, such as Domsten and Viken. Farming’s pivotal role in the region is evident in the quaint market shops and fine vineyards found in Höganäs, your destination today. BL

Hotel & Co, Höganäs; or, Hotel Kullaberg, Mölle

Continue along the path from Höganäs toward the gorgeous, rocky landscape of Kullahalvön. This unique setting has been attracting artists and tourists with bathing suits in hand for centuries. On the furthest tip of Kullahalvön is the Kullaberg Nature Reserve; if you have time for a detour, it’s well worth a visit. You will pass countless pretty beaches, scenic harbours, vineyards, and little farm shops, and chances are high that you’ll spot seals and porpoises on your ride today. The tour continues around the dramatic Kullahalvön peninsula toward the 500-year-old coastal town of Ängelholm. A potters’ town with artistic creativity in abundance, visitors are welcome in many of the local studios. BLD

Hotel Lilton, or, Klitterhus Havsbadshotell, Ängelholm

From Ängelholm, the Kattegattleden continues along the coast past the river Rönne and small villages such as Skepparkrogen and Björkhagen before reaching Vejbystrand. Cycle through open shoreline meadows, charming coastal communities, and small stretches of forest. Follow the path west, riding into the heart of Bjäre. The scenery changes to a modern agricultural setting of large fields, gradually reaching the agricultural countryside that has been typical of Bjärehalvön since prehistoric times. Arrive at the port in Torekov, travelling along the coast before returning into the heart of Bjäre for a thrilling ride down the ridge. Savour magnificent views over the sea as you descend into the harbour town of Båstad, your home for the night. BL

Hotel Skansen, or, Hotel Rivier, Båstad

Enjoy a beautifully easy stretch toward Halmstad today as you journey along long sand dune beaches. A quick diversion into downtown Laholm is well worth a visit, with its narrow cobblestone streets and cozy atmosphere. Continue alongside one of Sweden’s longest beaches and swimming areas before cycling through the Hökafältet pine forest, a nature reserve of 417 hectares protected since the early 1970s. Lagaoset, where the Lagan River meets the ocean, provides a unique glimpse into the changing faces of nature; languid currents gradually form new beach trails, and spectacular view can be enjoyed from the dune tops. Continuing inland, an optional detour to Påarps shingle field displays an Iron Age burial ground. Visit the 220 graves before passing through Trönninge, where the Battle of Halmstad took place in 1676. Arrive in Halmstad, a port, university, industrial, and recreational city at the mouth of the Nissan River. Those staying in Tylösand will continue along the route for approximately 8km. BD

Hotel Tylösand, or, Clarion Collection Hotel Norre Park, Halmstad

Depart from Halmstad or Tylösand, cycling past Frösakull, Ringenäs, and Vilshärad beaches before the path turns east to connect to the coastal road. Visit the picturesque windmill in Särdal, where you’ll find a café and a farm shop. You’ll pass several pristine nature reserves and unique beach meadows surrounding the charming village of Steninge. Watch as the scenery evolves from lush forest to barren, stony landscape, fondly dubbed ‘Molom’ in songs by famous local poet and singer Alf Hambe. Reach the moody Steninge beach (referred to as Steninge Skäret) to marvel at the skerries flattened and smoothed by the sea. B

Hotell Hamngatan 27, Falkenberg

Cycle from Falkenberg, among the oldest of Halland’s medieval towns, along the water through the wide-open scenery. On the way to Varberg you’ll find some picturesque fishing villages, sweet little farm stands, and myriad beaches, including Apelviken, which draws windsurfers from all over Europe. Enter the town by boardwalk, relishing the views of the Varberg Fortress before retreating to your resting place for the evening. B

Hotel Gästis, or, Hotell Havanna, Varberg

As you ride north of Varberg, sandy beaches become rocky cliffs, and scattered, tiny islands emerge. Ride through Bua Harbour, one of Halland’s biggest fishing villages. The path has mixed traffic through Frillesås, and then continues on the old railway embankment where you can enjoy a car-free stretch along the coast. Rest at one of the swimming beaches in Åsa to enjoy an ice cream at the café or coffee and a treat at the bakery. Tjolöholm Castle – Sweden’s only Tudor castle – makes for a pleasant detour. Next, visit the Li Grave Stones, a late Iron Age burial site once containing over two hundred standing stones, of which about one hundred remain. With Fjärås Bräcka behind you, you’ll cycle along small roads and the bike path, beside fields, horse pastures, and through towns such as Kungsbacka, one of the biggest trade centres in western Sweden. Follow the bike paths alongside the Kungsbacka fjord and quiet roads on the Onsalahalvön peninsula to reach tonight’s lodging in Särö.  BLD

Säröhus Hotel, Särö, or Gottskär Hotell, Onsala

Originally an agricultural area, Särö became popular during the late 19th century as a summer resort for royalty and Gothenburg’s high society. Take a short detour for an oceanside stroll in the Särö Västerskog nature reserve to find out why. Once you’ve left the seaside town behind, you’ll reach the railway embankment on the old Säröbanan track that runs along the water. Cliffs, lush forests, bays, and little harbours line the trail, and there are plenty of opportunities for a swim. As you approach central Gothenburg, the trail will take you past the Klippan Culture Reserve, home to Älvsborg’s old fortress and St. Birgittas Chapel. The final stretch of the route leads along Göta älv, a majestic river that drains lake Vänern into the Kattegat, before arriving at your centrally located hotel in Gothenburg. Your guides will bid you farewell this afternoon, following your check in at Gothenburg. BL

Scandic No 25, or, Hotel Royal Gothenburg, Gothenburg

Your tour concludes this morning following breakfast. Extra nights in Gothenburg may be arranged on your behalf; please inquire at your time of booking.