Pack up the family and join us on this two-wheel, small group adventure through the Danish Isles and the land of the Vikings. Our expert guides invite you to discover why Denmark is the perfect destination for a cycling vacation replete with luxury accommodations, the best in regional fare and our signature Austin touch of inspired, thoughtful service. From thatch-roofed farmhouses to royal palaces, get a sense of Danish tradition and national pride in one of the friendliest countries in the world. Visit the homes and memorials of some of history’s favorite characters, from Karen Blixen to Hamlet, and sip coffee in an idyllic village cafe before pedaling your way through Denmark’s pastoral countryside and into the charming fold of the next seaside town. Breathe deep of the fresh, salt-kissed air and get excited that very few hills loom ahead; Denmark’s highest point is, after all, less than 600-feet above the sea. This all-inclusive, custom trip guarantees to bring joy and delight!
Gently rolling roadways and extensive bike paths unfold beneath your spinning wheels as you island hop through Denmark’s picturesque countryside dappled with historic ruins, royal castles, thatch-roofed farmhouses and colorful fishing villages on this seven-day Danish Isles adventure. Days bookended with the finest in local accommodations and gourmet cuisine offer the perfect balance of adventure and luxury. All the while, enjoy Austin’s characteristic best-in-class service as you follow our expert guides through this most carefree, welcoming country.
Watch the changing of the guards at Amalienborg Palace (home of the Danish Queen) in Copenhagen, a city brimming with Scandinavian elegance and joie-de-vivre
Fill your lungs with fresh sea air as you pedal the Danish Riviera along a string of fishing villages en route to Helsingr, where Hamlet once roamed
Explore the museum, chapels and gardens of Hillerød Castle, the crowning achievement of the Danish Renaissance
Circumnavigate Ærø Island against a backdrop of sheer cliffs and dune-swept beaches, breaking for a coffee at a neighborhood kro (inn)
Ponder the ways of the Vikings as you tour the Viking Ship Museum in Roskilde
Marvel at a castle perched on 12,000 wooden poles over a lake in Egeskov
Savor a picnic lunch at an open-air market and a dinner of Denmark’s famous fresh, local seafood
A few more reasons why you've gotta go:
01
Tradition: Denmark has the oldest uninterrupted lineage of rulers dating back to 942 CE when Gorm the Old reigned. Danes even claim their flag to be the world's oldest national flag in use.
02
Holy mackerel: Delight in Denmark's nourishing staples of fresh fish and seafood as you spin through fishing village after fishing village.
03
The cycling culture: Danes love to bike! In Copenhagen, enjoy streets filled with more bikes than cars, and, throughout the rest of the country, 12,000 km of clearly sign-posted cycle routes mark the way.
We meet in the morning in Copenhagen. After a briefing, a bike safety talk and fitting, set out on your first ride. From Copenhagen we follow the Danish Riviera along a picturesque coastline dappled with small fishing villages. Explore the town of Klampenborg, a popular beach resort. In Helsingør, marvel at the old guns still intact at the Kronborg castle, admire the handsome halftimbered houses in the town center and stand before Hamlet’s memorial grave at Marienlyst Castle. Cool off with a dip on Julebaek beach before our welcome dinner and a comfortable night’s sleep at the Hotel Marienlyst.
About Hotel Marienlyst
The rooms at the elegant Hotel Marienlyst offer beautiful views of either the harbor or the property’s peaceful gardens. Footsteps from the beach and only a short stroll to the marina, Kronborg Castle and the medieval center of Elsinore. The pools are is open to hotel guests, with a large indoor swimming pool, children’s pool, jacuzzi, and sauna.
Wake up to stunning ocean views and a day spent exploring the sights in and around Helsingør. Stroll the beautiful statue-studded alleyways and gardens of Fredensborg Castle, the summer residence of the Danish Royal Family. This afternoon, enjoy a tasty lunch before touring the museum, chapels and gardens of Hillerød Castle, the most splendid achievement of the Danish Renaissance. Continue exploring on your own tonight and feel free to dine at any place that looks enticing.
Morning transfer to Svendborg on the island of Funen, with a stop along the way in Roskilde to visit the Viking Ship Museum and to marvel at the royal tombs and sarcophagi at the Roskilde Cathedral. This afternoon, and optional bike ride along the coast to Troense, a historic half-timbered seafaring town. Continue on to Bregninge to climb the village church tower for dramatic island views. Back in Svendborg, ramble picturesque pedestrian friendly streets, listening for the carillon played four times daily from the Gothic Vor Frue Church. Dine tonight along the seaside at the hotel.
About Stella Maris Hotel De Luxe
Located on the Svendborg Sound, the Stella Maris Hotel de Luxe is perfectly placed on the southern coast of Funen island. Offering guests a personal and attentive experience, this luxurious boutique property is set in a carefully modernized mansion, originally built in 1904.
This morning we hop on the ferry for an invigorating ride around Aerø Island, renowned for its quaint harbor towns, steep cliffs and dune-swept beaches. In Aerøskøbing, pause to admire the oldest post office in all of Denmark (built in 1749), dip your feet in the water at Vesterstrand beach and marvel at the craftsmanship of “Flaske Peder” at the Bottled Ship Museum. Explore the Maritime Museum in Marstal and snap photos of the spectacular Ice-Age-old cliffs in Voderup Klint. Opt for a coffee break in the quaint garden of the Bregninge Kro before returning to Svendborg with time to window shop before finding a place for dinner on your own.
Today we bike from Svendborg to Faaborg through a postcard-perfect, gently undulating landscape. Pause for a coffee break at a local kro in Vester Skerninge, a typical village of half-timbered, thatched-roof homes. In Egeskov, admire a Renaissance castle perched on 12,000 wooden poles over a lake, savor a fragrant walk through a rose, fuchsia and herb garden and “ooh” and “ahh” over a collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and airplanes at the Veteran Car Museum. Take a break and enjoy a fresh picnic together. Stroll the narrow streets of Faaborg, one of Denmark’s best preserved market towns, before retiring for a restful night’s sleep at the Faaborg Fjord Hotel.
About Hotel Faaborg Fjord
Situated next to Faaborg Fjord and Klinten Beach, Hotel Faaborg Fjord offers water sports activities (and in the summertime, it’s own private beach!) and excellent views from a terrace bar and restaurant. The indoor pool is a delight for young and old.
Cycle to Odense, a quaint city brimming with history. Named after Odin, the Viking god of wisdom and war, Odense is home to the Hans Christian Andersen Museum and the 13th century Saint Knud’s Church, among other not-to-be-missed sites. Feast on fresh, local seafood and other Danish specialties at a special farewell dinner.
About Hotel Odeon
Hotel Odeon is an oasis in the heart of the vibrant center of the Hans Christian Andersen neighborhood, close to shopping, attractions, restaurants and nightlife – and just a stone’s throw from the newly redesigned cultural center. The hotel combines first class international standards with relaxation and leisurely contemplation, in a warm and calm ambiance.
Reflect on your trip over breakfast before you take your shuttle to the Copenhagen airport in time for your flight home, or decide to spend another night in exciting Copenhagen.
*Trip itineraries are subject to change without notice due to road, weather and other factors outside of our control, for the safety and enjoyment of our guests, as deemed necessary and appropriate by Austin Adventures.
Prior to the trip, arrive at your own convenience in Copenhagen. On Day 1, we will meet you in the lobby of Hotel Phoenix in Copenhagen at 8:30 a.m. After a briefing and bike fitting, you are ready to roll out of town. After breakfast on Day 7, we take you to the airport, train station, or the hotel of your choice in Copenhagen (two hour transfer).
Activities
Biking:
Day 1 mileage options: 30 / 36
Day 2 mileage options: 20 / 40
Day 3 mileage options: 14 / 20
Day 4 mileage options: 21 / 32 / 39
Day 5 mileage options: 37 / 42
Day 6 mileage options: 36
Austin Adventures guides are experienced facilitators and regional experts. They will take the time to fit you to your bikes, explain the details of each ride and answer any questions. Each day your guides will help you choose the distance and route that is right for you.
Cultural Discoveries
This visit to elegant lake-dappled Denmark offers long summer days filled with magical vistas, chic resorts and historic harbor towns. We’ll be island hopping on a gently rolling route that unfurls along the seashore including the Danish Riviera. Be sure to stop at the Karen Blixen house, with exhibits about her autobiography ‘Out of Africa’, recounting her life in Kenya. Cycle in the refreshing salt air, delight in the region’s famous seafood specialties. Enjoy getting to know the friendly Danish people as you visit the royal castles and old seafaring towns that bring the past to life. In Roskilde, learn at the Viking Ship Museum how the Vikings built their vessels and why these were seaworthy and fast even in very rough conditions, making them the masters of the seas.
Meals
The hallmark of an Austin Adventures vacation is our exceptional dining. All meals: breakfasts, lunches, snacks, dinners, refreshments and receptions are included as indicated by itinerary. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner). Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities are not included in the trip price.
Pre-departure Information
After receiving your reservation and deposit, we’ll send you a pre-trip planner with general information about the area you’ll be visiting, a packing list, exercise guidelines, a guest information questionnaire and a liability release agreement for you to sign and return within 10 days.
What's Included
Included in Trip Price
Double occupancy rooms with private baths.
All designated meals.
Fully trained, first-aid certified, professional guides and knowledgeable local partners.
All activities, ferry crossings, wine tastings, etc.
Bikes, helmets and other necessary equipment- all safe and well maintained.
Vehicle support and land transportation during the trip.
Austin Adventures T-shirt, water bottle, luggage tags and luggage service.
Pre-departure and packing information.
Incidental expenses such as taxes, dining and housekeeping gratuities, local partner and expert gratuities and national park entrance and permit fees.
Not Included in Trip Price
Gratuities to Austin Adventures guides.
Meals not designated.
Alcoholic beverages and related gratuities.
Pre-and post-trip accommodations and associated expenses.
Air and land transportation to/from host cities.
All types of personal insurance.
Personal expenses.
View the "Wow Factor" Included in Each Austin Adventure
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
1Easy (1)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
2Moderately Easy (2)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
3Moderate (3)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
4Moderate to Challenging (4)
Activity levels are subjective depending on your general level of fitness and your experience; however, all of our trips are self-paced.
5Challenging (5)
Europe Expert
Adam Beecham
Want to know how to make fast friends in foreign places and how to get the most out of a destination by experiencing it like a local? Ask Adam, a longtime Austin Adventures guide who now serves as European Operations Manager in Holland. He caught the travel bug during a semester abroad in New Zealand and Australia and quickly discovered he never wanted to stop experiencing—and more importantly, sharing—the wonder of travel. He taught English in China, managed a resort in Mexico, and now lives with his wife and child in Amsterdam, ensuring guests have the best guides and experiences possible on their European adventures.
