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 Hamburg 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 the important cities of Lübeck (home of the Hanseatic League), and finishes in up and coming Hamburg!
* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.
** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.
Copenhagen and its cycling path network, Beaches along the Baltic, Lubeck - UNESCO World Heritage Site, Best marzipan in the world, Guided tour of Hamburg, The Iron Curtain, Birding opportunities
Keep in Mind: 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.
Includes
8 days, 7 nights' accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; ferry crossings; guided tour of Hamburg; and the usual (see below).
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
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.
DAY 4: Southern Seeland to Oldenburg continuing to Bad Malente
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.
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)
Day 8: Departure Information
Hamburg
Your trip ends on the final day after the city tour back at the hotel around 12 noon.
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.
We recommend flying out of the Hamburg Airport (HAM).
From the ending hotel to the Hamburg Airport
Taxi (20 min/EUR 25)
Walk 7 min to central station and take commuter train S1 from Hauptbahnhof to the airport (20 min/EUR 3.50)
Keep in Mind
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.
Pre-Trip Planning Checklist
To do right after you booked!
Read through your Reservation Confirmation and After you Book Information (link sent to you by e-mail), it has important information to help you plan your trip!
Check the date on your passport. The expiration date should extend three months past your date of return to your home country.
Refer to your Tour Packet/Itinerary to see step-by-step arrival and departure information for your tour, meeting place and time, if a reservation on a complimentary ExperiencePlus! Shuttle (if applicable) is required, and other important information to help you plan your arrival and departure.
Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed.
Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights.
Begin your chosen training program.
Final payment is due 90 days (120 days for Bike &Barge/Boat tours) prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail we send 10 days prior to the due date for detailed instructions.
We'll email you your access code to Digital Daysheets, Hotel Itinerary, Participant Roster, names and contact information of your Tour Leaders, emergency phone numbers, and other important departure information about 2 weeks prior to your tour start date. All this will be provided to you via a feature called Experiences via the RideWithGPS App (tracks available but not necessary for navigation on Classic, Expedition and Bike & Boat tours).
Day of Your Flight
Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!
What to Expect on Tour
Classic Tour Style
Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Rolling Hills
Rolling hills featuring multiple gentle slopes (average grade of 3-4%) usually less than 3 km (2 miles). There may also be an occasional shorter (less than 2 km -1 mile) but steeper climb. Or a longer climb where the average grade is less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Gentle terrain includes mostly undulating/flat sections and a rare longer climb (less than 3 km - 2 miles) with an average grade less than 3%.
Hilly
Hilly terrain has climbs up to 3 km (2 miles) with an average grade between 4% and 6%. There may also be climbs longer than 3 km (2 miles), but with an average grade less than 4%.
Very Hilly
Very hilly terrain includes one or more climbs, some of which maintain an average grade (meaning you will have short sections both steeper and less steep in the same climb) of 7% and 8% for no more than 3 km (2 miles). There will also be some longer climbs, but with a lower average grade.
Mountainous
Mountainous terrain includes one or more climbs with an average grade over 8%. Mountainous rides can also include longer climbs (more than 5 km - 3 miles) with an average grade up to 6%.
Tour Levels
Level 1 - 1.5
For those desiring gentle rides with a limited amount of climbing.
Level 5, also known as our Expeditions, are multi-week tours designed for strong riders looking for the challenge of riding across countries or continents.
Rolling hills
Hilly
Very hilly
Mountainous
Cycling Hamburg to Berlin
Cycling Copenhagen to Berlin
Bicycling Secret Bavaria Plus! the Austrian Alps
