A Northern European tour extraordinaire, cycling from one vibrant city to another, both renowned for their urban cycling culture among other things, our new Copenhagen to Berlin cycling tour promises to be a winner. Spend four days in Denmark, pedaling across some of the country’s quintessential islands and along the Baltic Sea before traversing it to reach the “Continent.” Connecting some of the most important trading towns of the Hanseatic League which from 1400-1800 dominated the trade routes and economies of the Baltic countries. Our ride in Germany touches upon several important cities including Hamburg which considers itself a trendsetter for the rest of Germany (perhaps all of Europe), and Lübeck (home of the Hanseatic League), Potsdam, and finishes with Berlin!
Copenhagen and its cycling path network, Beaches along the Baltic, Lübeck – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Best marzipan in the world, Guided tour of Hamburg harbor, The Iron Curtain, Birding opportunities, Potsdam’s Sanssouci Palace
Includes
14 days, 13 nights accommodation
meals as noted in itinerary
ferry crossings, guided tours of Hamburg and Berlin
We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.
We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven’t been needed traditionally. Read more on the use of air conditioning in Europe here.
Separated twin beds are rare in many places; instead there will be two mattresses together that sit on the same base.
Highlights: Copenhagen considered the “most livable city and bike capital of the world”
The Danes are well known for their love of cycling and cities all around the world are now trying to emulate their bicycling success. It really is a biking heaven with over 390 kilometers (241 miles) of designated bike lanes. The world also looks to Copenhagen for the latest innovations in design, architecture, fashion and savors the extraordinary culinary revolution that has taken place here over the last decade. Enjoy an avant-garde Danish welcome dinner tonight.
Highlights: Kalvebod Fælled, Mosede Fort & Beach, Køge oldest half-timbered house in Denmark
Leave Copenhagen on one of its many extraordinary bike paths to the Kalvebod Fælled nowadays one of the biggest recreational areas around Copenhagen. Stop for lunch in Køge, a century old market town with an impressive medieval section surrounding the central square which is home to the oldest dated half-timbered house in Denmark. Continue cycling south, past Stevens Klint to our hotel on the Baltic beach of Rødvig.
Highlights: Præstø Fjord and town, Baroque mansion of Nysø, and Vordinborg
Continue pedaling south to Præstø Fjord and stop to view the famous Nysø Mansion, one of Denmark’s first and finest examples of baroque architecture overlooking the Fjord. Gather picnic supplies in the small town of Præstø which began as a merchant village in the 14th Century. Keep cycling over small country roads to our hotel in Vordinborg.
Highlights: 4 different modes of transportation – walk, train that goes on the ferry, and bike!
A short walk to the nearby train station gets you going this morning-you’ll travel on the iconic Berlin-Copenhagen line which goes directly onto the ferry to cross the Fehmarn Belt to enter Germany. Continue by train across the Fehmarn Sund bridge to the town of Oldenburg where you’ll switch modes of transportation to hop on your bike and pedal to our two night stay in this German lakes region. Enjoy your first night in Germany with some bratwurst and beer!
Highlights: Loop ride, rolling countryside and lakes, Plön
Your loop ride today is in this area of Germany, nicknamed “Holstein Switzerland” since it has some hills. In the 19th century it was very fashionable to go to Switzerland for vacations. We’re not sure it quite fits its moniker as the highest “mountain” is only 550 feet! Pedal through an ever-changing landscape of the Young Drift moraines formed during the last ice age. Small woods alternate rapidly with hedged, arable fields and the terrain is characterized by its many lakes nestle amongst low hills. Enjoy Plön and its castle, or, for those not wanting to bike today, relax in town or at the hotel.
You’ll bid farewell to the Baltic today. Ride along the beach and enjoy the waterfront of the Timmendorfer Strand before heading southwest inland to Lübeck. Before entering town, catch a free bike shuttle bus that takes you through the Herrentunnel underneath the Trave river. Lübeck is referred to as the Queen of Hanseatic cities. Its extensive Brick Gothic architecture is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. And make sure you enjoy Lübeck’s beloved delicacy – one of the best marzipan’s in the world made by Niederegger.
Highlights: Free and Hanseatic City, “Gateway to the world”
“The gateway to the world” might be a bold claim, but Germany’s second-largest city and largest port (despite being located on a river 100 km from the coast) has never been shy. Hamburg has engaged in business with the world ever since it joined the Hanseatic League back in the Middle Ages, and this “harbourpolis” is now the nation’s premier media hub and its wealthiest city.
We’ll enjoy a special dinner this evening with riders who are doing the Hamburg to Berlin stage of the ride.
Highlights: Guided harbor cruise of the Hamburg Port
Enjoy a harbor cruise this morning and some free time to visit some of the local attractions like the impressive Rathaus (city hall) or one of the museums in the newly popular warehouse district. Or perhaps you’d like some shopping in the main streets around the train station, or a stroll along the Alster River and harbor to see the bustle.
Highlights: Storybook German brick gothic town Lüneburg, town hall
Take a ferry out of Daily Hamburg and find yourself transported to another world – the “Alte Land” a rural paradise famous for its orchards. As the landscape changes we’ll ride through the Lüneburg Heath, a nature reserve, on our way to Lüneburg town whose prosperity for centuries came from its salt. The town sat upon a massive salt dome which was mined, sold/traded throughout Northern Europe. Though salt is no longer the primary economic driver, Lüneburg has more than that going for it. For instance our hotel is the location for the German TV series, “Red Roses”. Stroll around and enjoy this fairy tale setting.
Highlights: Elbe River, Iron Curtain, Baroque gardens at our lodging
Today’s ride follows the Elbe river along a natural area of the Lower Saxony Elbtalaue. With such a picturesque landscape it’s difficult to imagine that you are traveling along the Iron Curtain. We’ll regather in Hitzacker and take a 1.45-hour shuttle to the final destination of the day, Tangermünde. Our hotel for the night is the former residence of the emperor of Tangermünde, the castle’s unforgettable charm casts a spell on all who visit. Enjoy the pool or spa this afternoon.
You will continue riding along the Elbe valley, a paradise for bird watchers because its extensive alluvial flats offer perfect conditions for a wide variety of birds. After crossing the Elbe by ferry we will be heading toward the next river, the Havel. Actually, it is more of a series of lakes rather than a river that you will be following as you enter the town of Brandenburg.
Highlights: Havel River Bike Path, Sanssouci Palace and Park
Today you will follow bike paths along the Havel River to the final destination for the day, Potsdam. This was the royal residence for Prussian kings and the German Kaiser until 1918. The palace’s name Sans Souci, translates to “without concerns”. King Frederick set-up his summer residence here in the 18th century to relax and escape the spectacle of the Berlin court. You’ll pedal through the city’s impressive park itself to reach our hotel in the center of town. Take the rest of the day to enjoy the town, its many palaces, and parks.
Highlights: Cycle to our final destination: Unified Berlin
Today we cycle to our final destination and Germany’s largest city, Berlin. Our route will take us across the bridge of spies, through the Grunewald, past the Olympia Stadium of 1936, and along bike paths to the Victory Column, through the Tiergarten Park to the Brandenburg Gate and back on bike paths to the Reichstag!
Your cycling adventure is complete, but we will spend our last morning together with a guided visit through the city. Once we finish our tour back at the hotel at around 1 p.m., we hope you have a bit more time to spend in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. It offers a little of everything for its many visitors — Happy travels!
If you must depart, we recommend you book your home bound flight for the next day as most international flights leave in the morning.
Meals : Breakfast
Visit our Tour Level page to learn more about terrain levels and how we determine day and tour levels.
Bikes
Arrival & departure
Meeting time 1:15 p.m. – on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.
Note:
As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are – in rare cases – subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.
The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.
We recommend flying into the Copenhagen Airport (CPH).
From the Copenhagen Airport to the Day 1 Hotel
Metro to Norreport station (15 min/DKK 36; we recommend using the ticket machines, credit card only)
Or Taxi from the airport to the hotel (20 min/DKK 250-300)
Your trip ends on the final day after the city tour around 1 p.m. back at the hotel.
We recommend you plan your homebound flight for the next day
The below information will help you plan your departure. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio.
Your closest departure airport is Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER).
There is a variety of options available to get to the airport, and you should check how long your chosen option takes as the trip length can vary from 1 to 1.5 hours total. You may check the public transit BVG website or ask the hotel about departing.
From the ending hotel to the BER Airport
Taxi (30min/EUR 50)
or
Public transportation:
Walk or take a taxi to Alexanderplatz (10 min/EUR 10)
Regional trains RE7, RB14 and other lines (25 min/EUR 4).
Note: Many ticket-machines are cash only. Remember to validate your ticket at one of the red boxes on the platform. Not all stations have escalators, so you might prefer a taxi.
Love the arrows, guides, route, 4 and 5 star hotels, picnics, other bikers, history lessons from guides, attention to we bikers on the road, and my bike being ready the next morning!!! Seeing the country slowly.
Jeanne E., Centerville,OH
This tour had some of the most beautiful rides of any ExperiencePlus! trip to date. Miles of car-free bike paths through farms, along rivers, and through towns. Seeing first hand the differences between West and East Germany.
Every ExperiencePlus! trip we do is a new favorite and this one was no exception.
Sari R., Glastonbury, CT
Most fun you”ll have on two wheels-the only way to vacation!
John and Stacey M., Newport, OR
Fabulous!
Estelle K., Aurora, CO
Twelve days of great rides with excellent companions and guides, delicious food and wonderful scenery and sights. A wonderful route through beautiful towns, woods, and seashores. ExperiencePlus! is first class in every way. This was my third trip and I know I”ll do more.
Jane T., Milwaukee, WI
Very well planned and executed with great staff. Overall an excellent experience.
JJ Tremblay, St Albert, Canada
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Fun, educational, cultural. Great tour.
Frank B., Dayton, OH
I thought this was a great trip! Lots of fun, relatively flat terrain on good roads/bike paths, a few longer back-to-back days, and very interesting to see the difference between the former halves of Germany. Can”t wait til next year!
Kathy S., San Ramon, CA
Wonderful cycling routes, many on bike paths, varied scenery, interesting history, visiting two countries, being in places that value the bicycle as a respected mode of transportation. Thank you for a great tour!!
Linda M., Livermore, CA
Biking with ExperiencePlus! is one of the highlights of my year, can”t wait for my next trip. Thanks to the entire staff for helping your guests experience their dream trips!!
Mike T., West Caldwell, JH
Another wonderful ride. We”ll see you again next year.
Charlie P., Los Angeles, CA -June 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
Great scenery; interesting variations on cycling (train on ferry over Baltic Sea); relatively easy (201); somewhat windy but easily handled because of the flat terrain. I traveled with three other cycling tour companies (all good) before finding ExperiencePlus, and have stayed with ExperiencePlus ever since my first tour. I have seven under my belt now, and they have all been excellent.
Guy C., Brentwood, CA – June 2017
How would you describe this tour to a friend?
it was just a wonderful travel and cultural experience.
John S., Peregian Beach, Australia – June 2017
Some beautiful rides and lovely scenery; extraordinary history that takes on a whole new dimension when you are right there! Flat, windy, some rolling segments; good tour for more casual cyclists.
Trisha D., Seattle, WA – June 2017
Wonderful cycling, scenery, food, guides, and fellow guests.
Pat W., Arlington, VA – June 2017
Excellent guides and the routes were fantastic. Always a pleasure, looking forward to next time.
Nino M., Kanata, Ontario – August 2017
Cycling along the Baltic Sea and through fairy tale forests and fields of golden grains between two culturally and historically rich cities. Thanks for a really wonderful cycling route, great guides, adventures along the way, and the chalk arrows! We have already booked the next trip – France Sep 2019.
Joan M., Redwood City, CA – June 2018
Excellent social and cultural experience, well organized, easy riding, arrows excellent, leaders superb. Thanks for a great trip!!
Mike A., Vancouver, Canada – June 2018
Priceless memories.
Leanne C., Kooyong, Victoria – July 2018
This is my second trip with ExperiencePlus and I will be looking forward to my next trip!
Dorothy C., Hong Kong, China – July 2018
Easy riding on well maintained bike paths, rural roads – traffic around the cities to be expected. Hotels cozy and unique. A 5 Star customer experience.
Valya K., Fredericksburg, TX – July 2018
Great cycle paths & quiet roads a “perfect Sandy Tour”
Sandy T., Matcham, NSW – July 2019
A tour that is challenging enough to know you have exercised but not so much that you are too tired to enjoy the sights.
Nora B., Junction City, OR – July 2019
What was your favorite experience? There were many. For pure biking: Day 4, our first day in Germany. For the unexpected: Berry stop on Day 4 in Germany. For the novel: the tour of the private bike museum in Brandeberg. For hotels: Henri’s in Hamburg. For the food: our meals together the first day in Copenhagen and again in Bad Malente beside the lake in the sunshine.
Brad H., Falls Church, VA – July 2019
A tour that is challenging enough to know you have exercised but not so much that you are too tired to enjoy the sights.
Nora B., Junction City, OR – July 2019
What was your favorite experience? There were many. For pure biking: Day 4, our first day in Germany. For the unexpected: Berry stop on Day 4 in Germany. For the novel: the tour of the private bike museum in Brandeberg. For hotels: Henri’s in Hamburg. For the food: our meals together the first day in Copenhagen and again in Bad Malente beside the lake in the sunshine.
Brad H., Falls Church, VA – July 2019
A combination of beautiful scenery coupled with remarkable history.
