Start and finish by cycling through the heart of Copenhagen, one of the world’s most bike-friendly cities
Cycle along scenic coastal cycle paths with views across the Øresund to Sweden
Cycle through the ‘Royal Deer Park’ and visit Bakken – the world’s oldest amusement park
Discover stunning white-sand beaches, tranquil forests, and serene lakes
Visit Hamlet’s castle in Elsinore and the magnificent Frederiksborg castle in Hillerød
Self-guided cycling holiday in Royal Zealand
Easy and relaxed cycling holiday with short stages on flat and very safe cycle lanes, as well as quiet country roads and woodland paths.
This cycling holiday is ideally suited to families, who would like to enjoy an active cycling holiday while also having plenty of time to explore the many natural and cultural attractions of Northern Zealand
The tour starts and finishes with a cycle through the heart of Copenhagen, the ‘cycling capital of the world’. Leaving Copenhagen, you will cycle past the famous bronze statue of the Little Mermaid, of Hans Christian Anderson fame. You follow the coast road Strandvejen, passing luxury villas, marinas, and perfect white-sand beaches (don’t forget your swimwear!).
Strandvejen ends in the town of Helsingør (Elsinore), where you will find Kronborg Castle, world-famous as the setting for William Shakespeare’s Hamlet. You then make your way along the north coast, where you will find lovely seaside villages such as Hornbæk and Gilleleje, as well as excellent beaches, charming thatched cottages and historic lighthouses.
Turning south from Gilleleje, you make your way back to Copenhagen via lovely countryside and tranquil forests. As you arrive into Hillerød, you will cycle through the magnificent grounds and baroque gardens of Frederiksborg Castle; one of Northern Europe’s most majestic Renaissance castles.
The relatively short cycling distances will leave you with lots of time to visit some of Denmark’s best museums, such as the Museum of Modern Art – Louisiana, The Karen Blixen Museum in Rungsted and The Danish Maritime Museum in Elsinore.
| 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS | From €999 per person sharing*
*Discounts available for groups of 4 or more. Please enquire for info. |
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| BIKE RENTAL | If you don’t bring your own, you can rent a bicycle from us. Our touring bikes are high quality bikes with hydraulic disc brakes, 21 external gears and suspension fork. All touring bikes are as standard equipped with; mudguards, rack, chain locks, lights and puncture repair kit.
You will pick up your rental bike on the morning of your first cycling day and return it there on the afternoon of your last cycling day. The bike rental shop is just a short walk from your hotel. Bike hire prices (5 days)
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| ACCOMMODATION | 5 overnight stays with continental breakfast buffet in *** hotels and 1 night in a comfortable and modern **hotel in Copenhagen.
All rooms have private facilities. |
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| AVAILABILITY | You can start on any Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday (subject to availability), between April 1st and October 31st. | ||||||||||||||||
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| DIFFICULTY | This trip is rated as easy overall and is ideally suited to families. The route is mostly flat with occasional small hills. You will cycle on safe dedicated cycle lanes in Copenhagen and along the coast. There are also some sections on quiet minor roads and forest paths. The average cycling distance per day is just 30 km. | ||||||||||||||||
Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen
Arrive at your centrally located hotel and explore nearby sights such as Amalienborg Palace and the brightly coloured houses of Nyhavn.
Overnight: Copenhagen
Day 2: Cycle from Copenhagen to Vedbæk
Distance: 23 km | Ascent: 147 m | Descent: 146 m
You begin your first ride by taking a loop around the ramparts of the Kastellet fortress, passing the famous bronze statue of the Little Mermaid. From here, you head northwards out of the city, passing through the wealthy suburb of Hellerup and another fortress and pleasant beach at Charlottenlund, before reaching the lovely Bellevue beach in Klampenborg. Here, you turn inland and pass through the gates of the Royal Deer Park (Jægersborg Dyrehaven). You can make a stop at the world’s oldest amusement park Bakken, before continuing past the Royal Hunting Lodge (Ermitageslottet). Your route ends back at the coast in the pleasant seaside village of Vedbæk.
Overnight: Vedbæk
Day 3: Cycle from Vedbæk to Elsinore
Distance: 25 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 100 m
On your second cycling day, you will follow the coastal road Strandvejen (beach road). For most of your route, you will follow a wide cycle lane right next to the sea. Expect to see lots of luxury villas and vintage cars!
Along the way, you will pass three of Denmark’s very best museums. First up is the former home of Danish author Karen Blixen (writer of “Out of Africa”). Next is the wonderful Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is as well-known for its beautiful location as its exhibitions. Finally you reach Elsinore (Helsingør), where the main attraction is undoubtedly the beautiful Kronborg Castle, best known as the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Also well worth a visit is the Danish Maritime Museum.
If you like, you can include an extra night here and take a day trip over to Helsingborg in Sweden. The ferry runs regularly throughout the day and the journey takes just 20 minutes.
Overnight: Elsinore
Day 4: Cycle from Elsinore to Gilleleje
Distance: 25 km | Ascent: 160 m | Descent: 160 m
After a short climb out of Elsinore, you cycle on peaceful forest paths to the seaside village of Hornbæk. You can take a refreshing swim at the lovely white-sand beach and/or enjoy a seafood lunch at one of the excellent restaurants before continuing along the coast towards Gilleleje.
Shortly before Gilleleje you can visit the old lighthouse at Nakkehoved and explore the Danish lighthouse history at the small Lighthouse Museum.
Gilleleje is a charming port and fishing village at Zealand’s northernmost point. The narrow streets of the old village are lined with charming thatched fisherman’s cottages and flowering gardens. You can take a stroll around the harbour to soak up the lovely maritime atmosphere before enjoying a delicious meal of fresh seafood straight from the sea!
Overnight: Gilleleje
Day 5: Cycle from Gilleleje to Hillerød
Distance: 31 km | Ascent: 242 m | Descent: 222 m
After passing through Gilleleje, with its thatched cottages, lovely beach and lively marina, you follow a tranquil cycle path southward through the idyllic North Zealand countryside. The second part of your route follows undulating woodland paths through the serene Gribskov forest.
You arrive into Hillerød through the stunning baroque gardens of Frederiksborg Castle. Your route takes you right through the castle grounds and courtyard, to the main square with lovely views across the lake.
Overnight: Hillerød
Day 6: Cycle from Hillerød to Copenhagen
Distance: 40 km | Ascent: 211 m | Descent: 229 m
(18.5 km if you take the train from Farum)
Your final cycling stage begins on quiet roads through countryside and lovely woodlands to Farum. You then have the option to take the train to Copenhagen or continue along the cycle path and entering the city via the lively northern district of Norrebro. You will cross Queen Louise’s Bridge and then turn left, passing the Botanic Gardens, Rosenborg Castle and the National Art Gallery before finishing back at the bike shop to return your rental bike.
Overnight: Copenhagen
Day 7: Departure
Your cycling holiday in North Zealand comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us.
Travel info
Tour Reviews
A pleasant time was had by us, a 70 year old couple from California. Excellent bike paths through beautiful scenery on a well organized tour. And mostly FLAT! Surprisingly good weather in mid-September, I even had a short dip into the sea. We completed all the daily distances, found the comfortable hotels, and enjoyed a good meal and cold beverage at day’s end. Thanks for a great trip, Niall, we hope to tour with with you again
My wife and I just competed the Royal Zealand Tour. Prior to the tour we had several questions about details. All those were answered quickly and professionally. When we arrived to begin the tour my wife became ill. I contacted Nial and he was very supportive. He adjusted the schedule by changing some reservations and modifying others. He told us how to use the train to take short cuts. We lost 2 days, but otherwise had a fine time. The cycling is almost all along bike trails away from cars. The trails are beautiful and in good shape. If you are interested in cycling in Denmark this company is a good one to help you do it.
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