The Road to Copenhagen

The route starts out along the gorgeous North Sea cycle route, traversing the spectacular dyke at Afsluitdijk and crossing part of the nature reserve that straddles the border between the Netherlands and Germany. From there we cycle through large fields beneath even bigger skies, through the towns of Wilhelmshaven and Bremerhaven before getting up close and personal with the Kiel Canal (which links the North Sea and the Baltic). The Baltic cycle path takes us alongside beautiful white beaches to the last of many ferry crossings, this time into Rodby in Denmark. Cycling in the Danish countryside is quiet, the scenery is beautiful and the first hills all trip are better described as ‘slopes’! On the final day we cycle into Copenhagen on National Route 6 with time set aside for a celebratory glass of Carlsberg – probably.

Highlights

• The North Sea: Cycling along the North Sea cycle route with glimpses over the dykes to Dutch beaches and coastal resorts.
• Those cycle paths: the route does occasionally go along short sections of quiet road, but it’s mainly well maintained cycle path all the way. A rare treat and escape from the noise of traffic!
• Beautiful and important cities: like Kiel, and Groningen, and some fascinating glimpses of north sea industry including a massive windfarm factory.
• Big boats: watch the liners out at sea, or only slightly smaller boats navigating the mighty Kiel canal.
• Wheat beers, and bakery displays: what else does a self respecting cyclist need than good beer and tasty cake?

Ferry crossings and island hopping: it’s a watery part of the world, and the route makes use of numerous little ferry crossings which provide a great chance to rest your legs, before island hopping up through Denmark.
Mostly flat with occasional hills. Mostly on cycle paths (expect gravel), common roads near cities.
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