Highlights of Northern Zealand

Day 1: Arrival Copenhagen
Day 2: Copenhagen - Hørsholm, 23 mi. (36 km)
Day 3: Hørsholm - Helsingør, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 4: Round trip in Sweden and Helsingør, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 5: Helsingør - Hillerød, 27 - 34 mi. (44 - 54 km)
Day 6: Hillerød - Copenhagen. 24 or 10 mi. + train (38 or 18 km + train)
Day 7: Departure

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as adverse weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Arrival Copenhagen
Copenhagen is known as "The Bike Capital of the World" and is the cultural and geographic link between mainland Europe and Scandinavia. Noteworthy is the Nyhavn (New Harbor) a 17th-century waterfront, the Royal Castle, Christiania, the "free town" alternate society, and Tivoli Gardens.  

Overnight: Copenhagen
Preferred accommodation:

• Standard: Scandic Copenhagen (standard room)
• Upgraded: Scandic Copenhagen (superior room)

Day 2: Copenhagen - Hørsholm, 23 mi. (36 km)
Cycling through the vibrant city of Copenhagen will prove to be a fantastic start to your tour. One of the famous sights along the route is the bronze statue of the Little Mermaid, designed by Edvard Erikson, poised on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade. The route then leads north towards prosperous Hellerup and Klampenborg. Cycling alongside the famous Bellevue Beach, on the northern outskirts of Copenhagen, is a pleasure with the blue-striped lifeguard towers designed by Arne Jacobsen brightening the landscape. In Dyrehaven, the Royal hunting grounds, peaceful lanes surrounded by century-old trees comprise the route. “Bakken”, one of the oldest amusement parks, is located here and is a good stop for refreshment. You then follow Strandvejen, along the coastline, before reaching Hørsholm.

Overnight: Hørsholm
Preferred accommodation:

• Standard:  Kokkedal Slot Copenhagen (standard room)
• Upgraded: Kokkedal Slot Copenhagen (superior room)

Day 3: Hørsholm - Helsingør, 12 mi. (20 km)
Continuing north, following Strandvejen, the coastal boulevard, you will be rewarded with beautiful views over Øresund,  the strait that separates Zealand from the southern Swedish province of Scania. You will see impressive houses, small boutiques, and many quiet places to stop and relax. At Rungsted, you can visit the home of the Danish author Karen Blixen (famous for “Out of Africa”) and in Humlebæk, visit the Museum of Modern Art “Louisiana”, famous not only for its exhibitions but as well for its beautiful architecture and location. You will end up in Helsingør, and after an easy day on the bike, you might wish to spend the afternoon visiting the old borough with the impressive Kronborg Castle (the castle from Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”).

Overnight: Helsingør
Preferred accommodation:

• Standard:  Marienlyst Strandhotel
• Upgraded: Konventum

Day 4: Round trip in Sweden and Helsingør 25 mi. (40 km)
Today you have the chance to visit some of the incredible attractions of Helsingør and the beautiful nature of Sweden. After arriving by bike to Helsingør Harbour, You can hop on the ferry (fare not included) and cross over to Helsingborg. From here you can cycle a loop of approx. 35 km along the Swedish coast to beaches and small fishing villages and back through the Swedish forests and fields. If you have enough time, you can also visit the royal chambers and massive walls of the 16th-century castle, Kronborg, if you missed it yesterday. You can also go see the Danish Maritime Museum which exhibitions that cover Danish trade and shipping from the 15th century to the present day. The museum is listed among the “52 places to go in 2014” by New York Times.

Overnight: Helsingør 
Preferred accommodation:

• Standard:  Marienlyst Strandhotel
• Upgraded: Konventum

Day 5: Helsingør - Hillerød, 27 - 34 mi. (44- 54 km)​
Today you can visit two of the most beautiful Danish castles. You start along the coast to Hornbæk, a small fishing village with tempting places for ”time outs” and a sea bath. Thereafter you bike along one of the deepest lakes in Denmark towards Hillerød. If you want to visit The Queen’s summer residence, Fredensborg Castle, you can extend the tour by adding approximately 10 km/6 miles. Take a walk in the park, if the Queen is not there. It is a beautiful “fairy tale palace” from the 18th century with a unique interior.

On your arrival to Hillerød, you go along the lake to Frederiksborg Castle with its perfect location at the lakeside. Overnight stay near the historical center.

Overnight: Hillerød
Preferred accommodation:

Standard: Best Western Hotel Hillerød (standard room)
Upgraded: Best Western Hotel Hillerød (superior room)

Day 6: Hillerød - Copenhagen. 24 mi. (38 km) or 10 mi. (18 km) + train
Heading South towards Copenhagen you pass through idyllic scenery, lovely forests, and wetlands rich with birdlife. You will be impressed by the nature to be discovered in this densely populated area close to the capital. You will be amazed at how easy it is to cycle from green northern Zealand to the capital of Denmark. While the first 18 kilometers towards Farum are on winding paths and smaller roads, the last 20 kilometers are along the new ”supercykelsti” (Supercycle path), which brings all the commuting cyclists into Copenhagen. When you come to Nørrebro, which is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Copenhagen, you will merge with all the other cyclists heading towards the city center.

Overnight: Copenhagen
Preferred accommodation:

• Standard: Scandic Copenhagen (standard room)
• Upgraded: Scandic Copenhagen (superior room)

Day 7: Departure
Individual departure. You can use the last day of the trip to explore those city's many wonders that you have not yet seen or perhaps better, book an extra night here in this city?  Did you visit the historic buildings Rundetårn, Christiansborg, and Amalienborg? And have you walked through the colorful Nyhavn and the free town of Christiania? We recommend a guided bike ride through Copenhagen with Cycling Copenhagen. It is a classic sightseeing tour, where you cycle through Copenhagen's sights while a local guide.

*Upgrade to superior rooms in each hotel is possible. See pricing.

This itinerary offers overnights in superior rooms in lovely hotels close to the beach. It is designed to allow you time to see the most important museums in Denmark and feel the breath of history when you explore old castles such as Kronborg Castle, Fredensborg Palace, and Frederiksborg Castle- it’s like following in the footsteps of the old Danish kings. Welcome to the Kings’ Trail!

Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen. 
Day 2: Copenhagen - Hørsholm. 23 mi. (36 km)
Day 3: Hørsholm - Helsingør, 12 mi. (20 km)
Day 4: Helsingør - Gilleleje, 16 mi. (26 km)
Day 5: Gilleleje– Hillerød, 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 6: Hillerød – Copenhagen, 32 mi. (51 km)
Day 7: Departure from Copenhagen

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, such as adverse weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally..

Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen. 
After arriving at your hotel, you have time to explore the Danish Capital. Recommended is a visit to Nyhavn, the Royal Castle, or the amusement park Tivoli.  Overnight stay in the center of Copenhagen.

Overnight: Copenhagen
Preferred accommodation: Scandic Copenhagen (superior room)

Day 2: Copenhagen - Hørsholm. 23 mi. (36 km)
Cycling through Copenhagen is a fantastic way to start your bike tour. You pass some of the famous sights such as the Little Mermaid and the famous beach “Bellevue”. In Dyrehaven, the Royal hunting grounds, you will cycle on peaceful paths surrounded by century-old trees and curious deer. Make a refreshment stop at “Bakken”, the oldest amusement park in the world, before reaching your hotel in Hørsholm on the coast of Øresund. Overnight stay in Hørsholm.

Overnight: Hørsholm
Preferred accommodation: Kokkedal Slot Copenhage (superior room)

Day 3: Hørsholm - Helsingør, 12 mi. (20 km)
Today you cycle along the coastline all day passing two of the finest museums in Denmark. In Rungsted, you can visit Rungstedlund, the home of the Danish author Karen Blixen (world-famous for “Out of Africa”), and in Humlebæk you can visit the Museum of Modern Art “Louisiana”, famous not only for its exhibitions but for its beautiful architecture and location. The day ends in Helsingør, and after an easy day on the bike, you might wish to spend the afternoon visiting the old borough with the impressive Kronborg Castle (the castle from Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet”). 

Overnight: Helsingør
Preferred accommodation: Marienlyst Strandhotel (superior sea view room)

Day 4: Helsingør – Gilleleje, 16 mi. (26 km)
The route North out of Helsingør is unique with its views to the Swedish coast only 4 km away. The large ships sail close to the coast, as you cycle towards Hornbæk. In Hornbæk, you can find one of the best beaches in Denmark as well as a couple of excellent restaurants. After a good lunch, you continue along the coast on narrow lanes passing a couple of lighthouses. You arrive at Gilleleje – a lively fishing and yacht village and the northernmost town in Zealand as well as the most important harbor and holiday resort on the coast of northern Zealand. Here you will find a lovely beach and a nice harbor with great restaurants and you stay at the lovely Gilleleje Badehotel on the outskirts of the village. It is a charming, classical beach hotel overlooking the sea and the food is high standard.

Overnight: Gilleleje
Preferred accommodation: Gilleleje Badehotel (superior room)

Day 5: Gilleleje – Hillerød, 19 mi. (30 km)
Leaving your lovely, classic seaside hotel overlooking the sea may prove a challenge, but the next target on the stage is Tisvildeleje, which also is worth a stop. Tisvildeleje is a more laidback seaside village close to the national park ”Tisvildehegn”. This is a nice place for your lunch before the stage continues away from the coast. Cycle along a car-free cycle route to Helsinge and continue through one of the largest forests in Denmark, Grib Skov, to Hillerød. Ride directly through the park and Frederik’s Castle and reach the market square where you will find a tiny ferry which takes you around the castle lake, also known as “The most beautiful nautical mile in the world”. Enjoy the summer evening on the square overlooking the lake and the castle.

Overnight:  Outside of Hillerød neighboring Fredensborg Royal Castle
Preferred accommodation: Fredensborg Store Kro

Day 6: Hillerød – Copenhagen, 32 mi. (51 km)
Heading South towards Copenhagen, you pass lovely forests, beautiful scenery, and wetlands rich with birdlife. Cycling from green northern Zealand to the capital of Denmark is easy and flat. Cycle through Nørrebro, one of the most colorful neighborhoods in Copenhagen. You have to slow down and be aware of all the cyclists heading towards the city. 

Overnight: Copenhagen
Preferred accommodation: Scandic Copenhagen (superior room)

Day 7: Departure from Copenhagen
Check out or extend your stay with a few additional days in Copenhagen. You can use the last day of the trip to explore those city's many wonders that you have not yet seen or perhaps better, book an extra night here in this city? Did you visit the historic buildings Rundetårn, Christiansborg, and Amalienborg? And have you walked through the colorful Nyhavn and the free town of Christiania? We recommend a guided bike ride through Copenhagen with Cycling Copenhagen. It is a classic sightseeing tour, where you cycle through Copenhagen's sights while a local guide.