We recently spent a morning in Copenhagen as we waited for our connection flight from Stockholm, back to San Francisco. As we wanted to see as much of the city as possible we thought the best way to see it was by bicycle and boy were we right! Now we’d recommend it as the best way to see the city, but what do you need to know before you begin cycling around Copenhagen, Denmark?
Cycling Culture
Cycling is a huge part of the culture in Copenhagen and much like in other parts of Europe you will see huge numbers of people cycling around the city, whether that’s people cycling to work, or enjoying their weekend. It is for this reason that there is an extensive network of bike lanes, which makes navigating the city very easy.
Renting a Bike
- Many of the hotels in Copenhagen rent bikes which makes the whole process extremely easy. There are also many bike rental stores across the city where you can rent a bike from. Costs vary, and bike rentals can be busy in the summer, so make sure to check with your hotel as soon as you can to reserve a bike.
Safety
- Cycling is inherently risky, but with its amazing infrastructure and the culture around cycling, it is as safe as it can be. Remember to cycle on the right side of the road, follow the traffic signals, be vigilant for pedestrians and other cyclists. While wearing a helmet is recommended it is definitely not mandatory. You must, however, have a bell on your bike and a front and back light. If you are renting a bike though, these should come with it.
- One thing to note when cycling in Copenhagen, is that you are not allowed to ride your bike in a pedestrian area, on sidewalks or on a pedestrian crossing. We almost fell foul of this in our effort to be extra cautious when we first started cycling, until a local resident gave us a heads up. Make sure you do follow all the cycling rules in Denmark, otherwise you may get a hefty fine, and that will definitely make your trip a lot less fun.
Tourist Attractions
- Seeing all the major tourist attractions on a bike is extremely easy. We managed to see all the sites while cycling the city, and what’s best we were able to do it with the minimal amount of fuss. The bikes typically come with a lock and so parking up and locking your bike while you visit the attractions is super easy.
Weather
- The weather in Copenhagen is unpredictable, with relatively mild summers and typically wet autumn and winters. So before renting a bike for the day definetly check the weather beforehand. If you are brave enough to cycle in the rain or cold, make sure to wear the appropriate clothing!
We hope you enjoy cycling around Copenhagen as much as we did! If you want to see more of our trip you can watch the video below where we share all the amazing things we did while in Copenhagen for a morning.
Stay Curious & Keep Exploring!