Cycling in Copenhagen: A Comprehensive Beginner’s Guide

With well over 300 kilometers of bike lanes and two wheels being the preferred choice of commuting for 45% of people in Copenhagen and Frederiksberg, it’s needless to say that cycling in Copenhagen is a *big* deal. The Danish capital is a yearly contender for the world’s most bicycle-friendly city, and you should absolutely get involved if you’re visiting for a weekend. If you’re moving to Copenhagen, you’ll probably quickly grow to love how easy it is to get around on two wheels. 

Having lived in the Danish capital for over three years and as someone who visited seven times before moving here, it’s safe to say that I know a thing or two about cycling in Copenhagen. Many tourists and newcomers repeatedly make the same mistakes when taking to the bike lanes, and I’ve been guilty of some of them before as well. But with those errors out of my system, I’m using that wisdom to share this complete guide to biking in Denmark’s biggest city. 

Today, you’ll discover some of the top tips for cycling in Copenhagen—based on my experiences and second-hand research. You’ll also discover the main rules for biking in the Danish capital, along with where to rent a bike and much more. I’ll also share some of my top tips for cycling in Copenhagen during the winter to ensure that the notorious Danish weather doesn’t ruin your adventure. 

Common Mistakes That Cyclists Make in Copenhagen 🚲

1. Cycling in Pedestrianised Areas

Many of the streets in Copenhagen’s city center are pedestrianized, including Strøget—the main shopping street. When you’re in these areas, you should get off your bike and walk it along. I got a stern warning from a police officer on the way home from a night out once, with him telling me: “Get off your bike, this is a pedestrianised street”… so just know that I’ve tested this theory 🙂. 

2. Not Locking Your Bike 

While Copenhagen is one of Europe’s safest cities, thousands of bike thefts occur each year. So, you should always lock your bike—even if you’re going into a shop for a few minutes. 

Many Copenhageners have two bike locks: One attached to the bike and another one that’s more heavy-duty. While not everyone double-locks their bicycles all the time, my London Street Smarts kicks in and I do (and I recommend you do the same as well). 

If you can, I also recommend locking your bike to an object like a lamppost. Look for signs that you’re actually allowed to park your bike there, though, as you often are not if you’re outside a shop or whatnot. 

3. Not Using the Bell

To be honest, the majority of us in Copenhagen are good at using the bell on our bikes. The main ones who have room for improvement are often grown adults wearing lycra. Nonetheless, you should always use the bell when you want to overtake someone in the bike lane or if another person is walking in the bike lane. 

Most rental bikes will come with a bell, but it’s a good idea to test it before you start riding. 

4. Not Putting Your Left Hand Up When Stopping 

One of the biggest tourist mistakes in Copenhagen is not signaling that you want to get off your bike. When you want to disembark, you must put your left hand up so that others know. I’ve narrowly averted some pretty bad accidents when other people didn’t do this, and I have also heard some not-so-nice stories about others witnessing similar things. Basically, all you need to do is put your left hand up like you’re about to high-five someone (and preferably for a few seconds). 

5. Letting Fear Stop You From Cycling Altogether

Getting around Copenhagen by bike can look incredibly daunting at first, and it took me almost three months to pluck up the courage to cycle regularly in the city. But you can’t let fear get in the way of you enjoying the Danish capital and getting around in the most “local” way possible. 

If you need some time to adapt, go for a bike ride outside of rush hour and stay away from the busier streets until you get used to it. You’ll probably feel like a natural before too long. 

6. Starting Before You Know the Rules

Cycling in Copenhagen is a great way to explore the city, but it’s worth observing Copenhageners for a bit before you hop on two wheels. There’s a very specific rhythm to biking in the Danish capital, and you need to understand the rules before you get started. Luckily, we’ll go over those later in the following section 🙂.

Cycling in Copenhagen Rules 🚲

The Danes take rules very seriously in general, and it’s vital that you know the most important rules for cycling in Copenhagen. But besides getting a mouthful of angry Danish swear words, you’ll help keep both yourself and others safe when on your bikes.

Here are some of the most essential rules for cycling in Copenhagen:

• When you’re turning, signal left or right—depending on the direction you’re going. This is beneficial for both cyclists and motorists.
• When getting off your bike, hold your left hand up like you’re about to high-five someone. You should do the same signal if you’re stopping to change direction.
• Always cycle in the direction of the traffic.
• Some streets in Central Copenhagen are pedestrianized, meaning that you’ll need to walk your bike through these parts.
• Cycle on the closest side to the pavement.
• If you’re about to overtake someone, look behind you to ensure that nobody else is coming.
• Don’t ring the bell unless you need to (and on that note, always test the bell before you rent a bike).

Some other rules to keep in mind are:

• Your bike must have front and back lights if it’s dark. I recommend buying rechargeable ones, especially for the winter.
• Cycling after drinking alcohol isn’t technically illegal, but you shouldn’t do so if you’re especially drunk. Not only is it dangerous, but you also risk a police fine.

Although I see a lot of people with headphones in when cycling and others talking on their phones, I would personally advise against both of these. The same goes for texting. It’s much better to have complete focus on your surroundings. If you need to text or call, you can always get off your bike and stop for a few seconds. 🙂

Do I Need to Wear a Helmet When Cycling in Copenhagen? 🤔

You don’t have a legal obligation to wear a helmet when cycling in Copenhagen. However, if you’re new to biking in the Danish capital, doing so might make you feel more comfortable. You can purchase helmets from pretty much any bike store in Copenhagen.

Keeping Your Bike Safe in Copenhagen 🙅🏾‍♂️

While Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world, bike theft is quite common. In 2020, over 14,000 bikes were stolen in the Danish capital.

Much of your risk can be averted by simply double-locking your bike. I’d also advise against parking yours in busy parts of Copenhagen, especially:

• Strøget (the main shopping street)
• Copenhagen Central Station
• Kødbyen
• The area around Nørreport Station
• Nyhavn
• Christianshavns Torv

While my London street smarts very much kick in when it comes to keeping my bike safe, it’s not something you need to worry too much about. Using common sense and securing your bike should be enough. Another bonus tip would be to just buy an extra bike to take around these areas—and more specifically, one that doesn’t look like it’s worth the effort of even robbing when unlocked.

If you’re moving to Copenhagen, I’d also recommend locking your bike in a shared garage; many apartments have this.

Tips for Cycling in Copenhagen During the Winter 🌦️

People in Copenhagen cycle year-round, but biking during the winter isn’t always the most enjoyable activity. But as someone who does it regularly, I’m here to help you have a better experience. 

Prepare for the Weather… 

Winter in Copenhagen usually isn’t as cold as you think, but it rains quite frequently, and the wind is often relentless. The latter can lead to an unpleasant cycling experience in particular, and it sometimes feels like you’re biking with a weighted backpack on as a result.

Preparing for the weather is a good idea. Many Copenhageners own a rain suit, but you don’t need to go to those lengths. Nonetheless, you should at least have a good rain jacket that is big enough to wear extra layers underneath. 

You should also prepare for potential sleet, which—in the lightest way possible—can feel like someone’s rubbing sandpaper against your face. A hood can help, but make sure you can see the traffic if you wear one. 

It’s Windier by the Water

Whenever it’s windy in Copenhagen, cycling is often much harder by the water. This goes for much of the inner harbor (including along Nyhavn), in addition to The Lakes and around Sydhavn. There isn’t much you can do about this, unfortunately—so it’s just a good idea to prepare. 

Wear Two Pairs of Gloves

When cycling in Copenhagen during the winter, I recommend dressing your hands in the same way that you would your body—i.e. In layers. I often wear one pair of thin running gloves under my proper gloves, which provides an extra layer of protection against the wind. It’s not foolproof, but it is better than just one pair. 

I personally own these Vallerret Hatchet photography gloves for the outer layer, which is ideal for going out and taking pictures. However, you can also surf around to see what meets your needs best. 

Keep in Mind That Some Bike Lanes May Not be Cleared of Ice

It’s rare that Copenhagen gets extremely cold temperatures, but it can happen. That, combined with heavy snowfall, can sometimes create treacherous conditions for cycling. 

Many bike lanes in Copenhagen are cleared when it gets cold, but that’s not the case everywhere. Try to avoid cycling on bike lanes covered in ice where possible; if it’s unavoidable, use your common sense. 

Where to Rent a Bike in Copenhagen 💶

Donkey Republic

If you’re only in Copenhagen for a few days, Donkey Republic is the best option for renting a bike in Copenhagen. These bright orange bicycles are available throughout the city, and you can unlock them using the app (iOS and Android). 

Once you’re finished using the bikes, you can return them at one of the designated spots through the app. Pricing varies depending on how long you ride for, and eBikes are more expensive than the normal ones. 

Swapfiets

Are you coming to live in Copenhagen for a while? If so, Swapfiets is an ideal choice for renting a bike. You’ll receive free repairs and two locks, and prices vary depending on the model you choose. You can learn more about renting a bike with Swapfiets here.

Ask Your Hotel 

Many hotels in Copenhagen offer bike rentals. These may sometimes be included in the price of your stay, whereas they’ll be available for an extra fee on other occasions. When you book your hotel, it’s worth looking for bicycle rental as an amenity. You can also ask at the reception desk when you arrive. 

Where to Buy a Bike in Copenhagen

There are plenty of places to buy a bike in Copenhagen, but my recommendation—based on personal experience—is Buddha Bikes.

Buddha Bikes repairs second-hand bikes, and the service I received was excellent. The staff were helpful in adjusting my seat height and answered all of the questions I had, and it was also easy to take my bike in for repairs when needed.

When purchasing a bike in Copenhagen, it’s worth checking online reviews beforehand. I also recommend doing a price comparison to ensure that you’re getting the best deal.

You can potentially save money by getting a second-hand bike from DBA. However, be careful to ensure that these aren’t stolen.

The Best Cycling Routes in Copenhagen

1. Havneringen 

Havneringen is a route that you can either walk or cycle, and it goes around Copenhagen’s inner harbor. It’s around 13 kilometers long, and you’ll get a great overview of the Danish capital and why it’s such a great place to live. Some of the highlights include Islands Brygge, which is where the locals spend much of the summer soaking up the sun, and the iconic Nyhavn canal. 

You’ll also get to enjoy the modern parts of Sydhavn, a former industrial area that has since become a popular neighborhood for families, young people, and ex-pats. 

You can view a map of the Havneringen route here (in Danish).

2. Sydhavn to Nordhavn 

I’m going to be honest: I just made this route up after doing it multiple times. Nordhavn is another modern waterfront area that now has fancy apartments, and you’ll see lots of interesting architecture here. Konditaget Lüders, an outdoor gym atop a car park with views over the city, is one example. The UN’s Copenhagen office is another. 

Cycling from Sydhavn to Nordhavn takes 25-35 minutes. You’ll bike past Nyhavn, Kastellet, and other interesting sites in the Danish capital. If you want to go even further, try the next route as well… 

3. Strandvejen and Kystvejen

Strandvejen and Kystvejen are the two main streets leading out of Copenhagen and into its northern suburbs. Some of the city’s most upscale districts are lined along them, and the route is fantastic on a sunny day. You’ll get a great view of the Øresund Strait, and you can bike all the way to Bellevue Strand—the beach with lifeguard towers designed by renowned Danish architect Arne Jacobsen. 

If you fancy a bit further, you can also cycle to the Dyrehaven deer park. Coming here is worth it year-round, and there’s also a nice café called Cranks and Coffee by Klampenborg Station. 

4. Cycling to Dragør 

On one summer afternoon in 2023, I was feeling spontaneous and decided to cycle down to Dragør. This beautiful fishing town is one of my favorite day trips from Copenhagen, and you can bike along mostly paved roads for roughly 45 minutes to get there. 

In Dragør, you can wander around the old harbor area and enjoy fresh seafood. On top of that, the town has a couple of places for you to get some ice cream. It’s also right next to Copenhagen Airport.

5. Cycling to Amager Strand 

Another great cycling route in Copenhagen is to bike down to Amager Strand. I would recommend doing this in the summer, as the wind is horrible for most of the winter. When I stayed in an Airbnb in Amagerbro in 2019, I ran down there almost every day. 

Amager Strand is roughly 25 minutes from Copenhagen. You can bike through the beach via the cycling lane, and there are ample opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and more. 

Is It Safe to Cycle in Copenhagen?

Cycling in Copenhagen is generally quite safe, and most residents follow the rules. The main risk areas are at intersections and when there are lots of cyclists about (i.e. during rush hour). 

If you watch the traffic when crossing streets, use common sense, and follow the rules, you’ll be fine more often than not. 

Can You Take Your Bike on Public Transport in Copenhagen?

Taking your bike on the S-Train and ferry in Copenhagen is free, and there are spaces where you can park your bike. It is possible to take your bike on the Metro as well, but only during off-peak hours, and you will also have to buy an extra ticket. You can buy these at Metro station ticket booths or in the Rejsebillet app (iOS and Android).

It’s not possible to bring your bike on buses in Copenhagen. If you want to visit other parts of Denmark by train, you’ll need to buy an extra spot for 20 DKK. You can buy these at station ticket machines and on the DSB app (iOS and Android).

Cycling in Copenhagen: Simple Maintenance Tips 🧰

If you’re moving to Copenhagen and planning on buying a bike, here are some maintenance tips that I can recommend from personal experience. 

• Keep your bike indoors as much as possible during the winter. The weather can cause your chain and bike to rust faster, and if it gets really cold, you might also have to deal with your bike chain freezing (as I did in January 2024 🥲). 
• Lubricate your chain regularly. You can buy all-weather lubricant at pretty much any bike store. 
• Get your bike checked every 6-12 months. Regular maintenance checks are normally not too expensive, and you can solve problems before they arise. 
• It’s also worth pumping your tires every 2-3 weeks.