Cycling Copenhagen to Stockholm

Highlights: Copenhagen considered the “most livable city and bike capital of the world”

The Danes are known for their love of bicycling and Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling infrastructure that cities across the world are trying to emulate. With over 390 kilometers (241 miles) of designated bike lanes, it is truly a bicyclist’s heaven. The world also looks to Copenhagen for the latest innovations in design, architecture, fashion and visitor’s savor the extraordinary culinary revolution that has taken place here over the last decade. We’ll meet for a bike fitting and then enjoy a unique Danish dinner to celebrate our Scandinavian adventure.

The June 6 and departure is staying at Hotel Kong Arthur. The June 27 departure staying at Hotel Absalon.

Highlights: Lousiana Art Museum, Kronborg Castle

Today you will join some of the most practiced bike commuters in the world as we cycle out of Copenhagen on some of Europe’s oldest city bike paths. We will bike up the coast past the Louisiana Art Museum on our way to Kronborg Castle which is most famously known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Fall in love with the landscape today while cycling through enchanted forests and along prototypical Danish bike paths.

The June 6 departure is staying at Hotel Hamlet.

Highlights: Biking along the Kattegattleden Europe’s Cycle Route of the Year in 2018

The day starts with a short ferry ride from Denmark to Sweden. From the ferry we pedal along the coast on the famous Kattegattleden bike route which was named Europe’s Cycle Route of the year in 2018. We follow the coastline and weave in and out of country roads on our way to Bastad known for its quiet harbor and beautiful golf courses. From here we’ll shuttle to Varberg where we will spend two nights exploring the coast and this beautiful fortified town.

Highlights: Explore Varberg’s Historic bathhouses and beaches

Our loop ride today takes us along parts of the Kattegattleden and into the interior. We’ll also take time to explore Varberg, with its beautiful castle and bustling downtown. Back in the early 1800s, the town was already a well known health resort to which people flocked to drink the waters, and water is still important to Varberg’s popularity today. There are a number of spa hot springs baths (old and new) beaches and lots of windsurfing off the coast. Don’t miss exploring the waterfront Bathhouse built in 1903 with its beautiful architecture.

Highlights: Kattegattleden Cycle Route, Coastal riding

Today’s ride has us back on the KDG where we pass beaches, tiny fishing villages, and gorgeous coastal views. Our destination is Saro, another historic vacation spot that became popular with the elite from Gothenburg in the early 20th century.

Highlights: Biking along the Kattegattleden into Gothenburg

Today’s ride continues along the Kattegattleden bike path with views off the beautiful North Sea coastline as we pedal into the vibrant city of Gothenburg. You will follow bike paths right into the center of the city.

Highlights: City tour

We’ll have a city tour of “Stockholm’s little sister,” Gothenburg today. An important seaport, and unexpectedly energetic city, Gothenburg offers plenty to explore. Follow its 17-century canals winding through the lush King’s Park or head to the city’s chic Acenyn boulevard lined with bars and shops. Take this opportunity to stretch your legs and explore Gothenburg’s many attractions: the fish market, the old district (Haga) and much more.

Highlights: Private tour of Läckö Castle, Lake Vänern

We will start the day with a train ride out of Gothenburg to the small village of Lovene where our bikes will be waiting for us. From Lovene our ride takes us through picturesque Swedish farmland that gently transitions into beautiful shaded forests, ending on the shores of Lake Vänern, where we will enjoy a private tour of Läckö Castle, one of the country’s most beautiful and interesting historic sites. With its well-preserved interior Läckö tells the intriguing story of a bishop’s fort transformation into a baroque castle. After our tour we’ll head to our tranquil nature hotel with views back to Läckö.

Highlights: Gota Canal, Lake Vanern views, Karlsborg

We start today with a transfer from Lake Vänern to Sjotorp, where the Gota Canal’s gate “begins” from Lake Vanern. Our cycling route this morning takes us along this engineering wonder built by some 600,000 soldiers between 1802 and 1832. The canal provided a valuable transport and trade link between Sweden’s east and west coasts, although never fully living up to its economic potential due to the arrival of the steam trains. Cafes and restaurants dot the canal, perfect places to stop for lunch. The second part of our ride we travel through quiet roads and dense forests on our way to the lakeside town of Karlsborg.

Highlights: Motala, Lake Vattern, Vadstena city and castle

This morning we transfer to the other side of Lake Vattern to ride to the beautiful little city of Vadstena. Our ride today follows the shores of Lake Vattern and crosses paths with the 315 kms that make up the Vatternrundan bike route, held every June, and considered one of the largest cycling events in Sweden. We’ll spend the night in charming Vadstena, which, in spite of its small population, is still referred to as a city due to its historic significance and beautiful castle.

Highlights: Kornettgarden Café Museum, Boställets Farm and Bakery

We leave the coast behind and cycle inland along quiet country roads through a landscape dotted with typical Swedish farms ending in Linköping, where the past meets the present merging the modern parts of the city into its historic center. On our way we stop by the largest lock on this end of the Gota Canal where you can stop for a coffee before cycling into Linköping where we spend the night tonight.

The June 6 departure is staying at Clarion Hotel Slottsparken.

Highlights: Steam Train, Gripsholms Slott (Castle)

We start the day with a train ride to Södertälje. From Södertälje we will cycle to Mariefred, nestles on the shores of Lake Mälaren. Mariefred is home to Gripsholms Castle that houses one of Europe’s best-preserved 18th century theaters and the state’s portrait collection. Explore the castle, and take a ride on Sweden’s oldest steam train dating from 1888.

Highlights: Steamship to Stockholm on Lake Mälaren

Our last ride today takes us through some beautiful Swedish countryside. We´ll be back in Mariefred in time for a quick shower and lunch before boarding the S.S Mariefred steam ship which has been making the same route to Stockholm since 1903. We will enjoy our final dinner together tonight as we steam our way towards Stockholm on the picturesque Lake Mälaren.

Highlights: Walking tour of Stockholm

Our tour ends after a fascinating guided walk of Stockholm. We highly recommend that you take a few days to enjoy all that the city has to offer. Whatever you decide, have a wonderful journey.