With historic ruins dating to the 8th century A.D., gentle terrain, and the most extensive bike path system in Europe, Denmark is ideal for cyclists. This tour explores the Danish islands of Funen, Aero, Lolland and Zealand to give you a feel for the culture that created the Vikings, H.C. Andersen and the oldest monarchy in Europe. Along the way, we visit ancient burial mounds, royal castles, thatched farmhouses, and the colorful fishing villages for which Denmark is famous. This is a great tour for cyclists of all levels.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Arrive today in Odense on the island of Funen, birthplace of Denmark's best-known writer, Hans Christian Andersen. We'll fit bikes this afternoon, then you're free to visit Andersen's house, as well as some of the many museums and parks in this university town. We'll gather for a glass of wine before dinner together this evening in the heart of old-town Odense.
(D)
Day 2:
Half-timbered farmhouses, whitewashed churches and a royal castle line our way today. We follow city bike paths out of town, then head into the Danish countryside along quiet farm roads. As we near the sea, the sound of fishing boats returning to harbor and the smell of salt air welcomes us to our seaside hotel in colorful Kerteminde, where we'll spend the next two nights. Dinner together this evening. Mileage: 42 km (25 miles).
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Sleep in this morning or take an early walk along the pier to watch the fishing boats head out for the day. Whatever you choose, you'll enjoy the small-town feel of Kerteminde, a long-time haven for artists yet undiscovered by American tourists. We'll offer an optional ride to the chalky cliffs of Funens Hoved, the northernmost point on the island of Funen. Wildflowers, windmills, and a number of Viking burial mounds just a short hike from the road make this an unforgettable ride. Dinner on your own this evening. Mileage: 58 km (35 miles)
(B)
Day 4:
Thatched farmhouses and several castles line our route today as we pedal our way down the coast of Funen. Our first stop is Nyborg, where you can visit its 12th-century castle - the oldest secular building in Denmark - and have lunch. Then we'll continue south along tree-lined roads past the castles of Holckenhavn and Hesselagergard to Svenborg. Dinner together. Mileage: 90 km (54 miles)
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Tasinge and Aero await us today, as we island hop our way south from Funen. Our first stop is Valdemars Slot, the 17th-century castle constructed by King Christian II for his son Valdemar, who was killed during the Prussian Wars. The castle is one of the best preserved in Denmark, complete with period furniture and artwork. From there, we follow forests of hemlock, oak and elm to Rudkobing, where we'll catch the ferry to the island of Aero. We end our day with a short 13 km ride to Aeroskobing, our home for the next two nights. Dinner together. Mileage: 41 km (25 miles).
(B) (D)
Day 6:
Since Aero is accessible only by ferry, the island has few cars and is ideal for cyclists. We've planned a variety of optional rides today to help you explore the white chalk cliffs, windmills and historic little towns on the island. Or, you're free to spend the day quietly taking in the sea and shops in Aeroskobing - in fact, you may find it hard to leave the colorful row houses and cobblestone streets of this 17th-century village. Dinner on your own. Mileage: your choice, 0-60 km (0-36 miles).
(B)
Day 7:
We leave Aero behind this morning and ferry to Langeland and then to Lolland. Our ride is nearly flat as we pedal through fields of wheat and sugar beets in Denmark's foremost agricultural region. We're headed for Maribo, a pleasant town that sits on a lake in the center of the island. Dinner together. Mileage: 67 km (40 miles).
(B) (D)
Day 8:
We head north this morning across the islands of Lolland and Falster before reaching Zealand, the largest of the Danish Isles. Once there, we'll stop for lunch in Vordingborg. While the modern world seems to have overtaken this former home of the Valdemar monarchs, there still are some interesting sights to see, including the 14th-century Gåsetårnet ('goose tower'). We end our day in Naestved with its medieval Rådhuset (town hall) and 14th-century church frescoes. Dinner together. Mileage: 77 km (46 miles).
(B) (D)
Day 9:
Brilliant fields of yellow canola dot the rolling hills of central Zealand as we continue north to Roskilde, Denmark's first capital, and its medieval Domkirke (cathedral). Denmark's first Christian church was built on this site in 986 A.D. by Viking King Harald Bluetooth. Today, Roskilde retains its Viking heritage with the largest Viking ship museum in the country. You'll have a chance to visit the museum either this afternoon or tomorrow morning. Dinner together. Mileage: 77 km (46 miles).
(B) (D)
Day 10:
Our last day of cycling takes us from Denmark's first capital in Roskilde to the present capital, Copenhagen - truly the gem of Scandinavian cities. You have two cycling options. Take the direct route, and arrive mid-morning, or take the scenic route and arrive early afternoon. Either way, you'll have plenty of time to visit the Little Mermaid, the Strøget and world-famous Tivoli Gardens. We'll celebrate this evening with a great farewell dinner together. Mileage: 33-61 km (20-36 miles), your choice.
(B) (D)
Day 11:
Our tour ends after breakfast this morning, but there's still plenty of Denmark and Scandinavia left to see. The fjords of Norway are a short flight away. Whatever you choose, hår en god tour! Total mileage: 485-573 km (291-343 miles).
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Single Supplement is $350.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Denmark
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Archeology/History
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