Where to Ride
There are lots of options for bikepacking micro-adventures from the capital. Unlike its Scandinavian neighbours, Denmark doesn’t have the space to allow ‘Freedom to Roam’ and wild camping, but it does have a unique network of nation-wide free shelters. Adrian suggests heading out of the city to spend the night in one of these. “We would recommend the shelters on Amager Fælled, which are really close to the city, or a little further away in Hareskoven or at Sjælsø”.
For day rides on a road bike, “go north!” says Adrian. By heading up in this direction, you’ll quickly immerse yourself in Danish countryside, via quiet roads through rolling hills. If you are short on time, consider a ride around the island of Amager, on the popular ‘Airport Loop’. “This is the number one go-to local loop. It’s a quick escape from the city and 90 per cent is on cycle lanes. The route takes you on paths that are literally on the coastline, so you can spend 15 ‘car-free’ kilometres about 2 metres from the water. The views are great, but it is always windy as you ride around the airport. Plane spotting is a bonus!”

Options are more limited for those seeking off-road riding, but there is a great singletrack network in Hareskoven – just a short train ride from Copenhagen. Adrian recommends that you head north to Dyrehaven. “We’ve plotted a route called ‘Whisky Gravel’ because this area of Denmark is nicknamed the Whisky Belt, and because some of the gravel can be a tiny bit risky. This is an idyllic route that will take you past the royal hunting lodge, along lakes with boardwalks and through forest patches that resemble best the Danish countryside.”