Copenhagen queen of the bicycle

This achievement comes after years of targeted urban and architectural choices. In Copenhagen, cycling infrastructure and architecture promote a healthy and sustainable lifestyle where bicycles outnumber cars, and people prefer cycling over driving, whether it's on a classic bike, road bike, cargo bike, children's bike, or electric e-bike.

For tourists visiting the city, cycling is an excellent way to explore Denmark's capital and experience the local culture just like a resident, easily moving between different neighborhoods on bike paths and crossing, for example, bicycle bridges that offer beautiful views of the harbor and maritime life.

These bridges connect well-known bike paths and are heavily used by both locals and tourists, providing a scenic view of the city on two wheels. For instance, the city's newest bicycle and pedestrian bridge, Lille Langebro, was completed in 2019 by Wilkinson Eyre Architects. It connects the contemporary harbor area around the Blox zone with the historic harbor of Christianshavn, accessible from the city center and vice versa. This 160-meter bridge links one of Copenhagen's most picturesque neighborhoods, Christianshavn, to the city center with a modern and elegant design. The swing bridge features “wings” that open in the middle to allow boats to pass. For cyclists and pedestrians, this bridge offers an excellent alternative to its busier sibling, Langebro.

The Circle Bridge, completed in 2015 by architect Olafur Eliasson, features five masts and five circular platforms. It is favored by pedestrians as a panoramic spot for meeting, pausing, and enjoying the harbor and waterfront views. And when large ships need to pass, it opens like a gate, allowing access to Christianshavn's canals.

Meanwhile, the trendy Nørrebro district in Copenhagen is encircled by a floating pedestrian and bicycle path that zigs and zags. It is a winding path that follows the organic shape of the Mærsk Tower building (completed in 2017 by C.F. Møller Architects), offering overhead views of nearby green spaces and city rooftops. Bicycles can be parked in the basement, and visitors can head to the 15th floor to enjoy incredible city views from a tower open to the public.

The Bicycle Snake, completed in 2016 by Dissing+Weitling, is an elegant, sinuous orange bicycle bridge and path that eliminates the need for cyclists to go up and down stairs from Dybbelsbrø to the harbor. A raised path for cyclists, it plunges and winds seven meters from the upper road to the lower, offering a fun riding experience. It connects with another bicycle bridge across the harbor, Bryggebroen, making cycling in this area seamless.

The Alfred Nobel Bridge, completed in 2018 by Cobe architects, is located south of Copenhagen and is part of the Harbour Circle, a 13 km bicycle path around the inner harbor. It is known for its 70-meter-long wooden bench, offering views of the floating homes and harbor life. Here, people stop to enjoy the view, also using it as a meeting and evening entertainment spot.

Copenhagen is truly a paradise for bicycle lovers, offering a unique and eco-friendly way to discover its charming streets and picturesque urban landscapes. Upon arrival, one can rent a bike independently, even directly from hotels, or choose one of the bicycle tours to safely explore the city and its architecture on two wheels along bike paths and wide avenues with only a few precautions in mind: rent a comfortable bike, use a lock, signal before turning, and watch for traffic lights.

More avid cyclists can take the Green Bicycle Lane, a 57 km green bike path that crosses the entire city. But to see the city highlights, just 2 or 3 hours on an electric or traditional bike is sufficient. Start by cycling on the bike path offering breathtaking views of the harbor and the colorful buildings of Nyhavn with a stop at Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Continue to the famous Little Mermaid statue on a rock along the seaside promenade, one of Copenhagen's icons. Then pedal to the Christiania district, known for its colorful street art, a perfect area for peaceful biking while exploring unique markets and local cafes.

If there's more time, extend the bike tour to include other gems such as Rosenborg Castle, a majestic Renaissance-style palace set in the King’s Garden (Kongens Have). Then, the Round Tower (Rundetaarn) for a panoramic view of the city from the old astronomical observatory with a ramp that winds to the top without stairs. Stop for a snack at Torvehallerne, a vibrant food market where you can taste local specialties like smørrebrød (Danish sandwiches), fresh pastries, and craft coffee. Continue to Amalienborg, the Danish royal family's residence, and finish the tour with a visit to the Black Diamond, a modern part of the Royal Library of Copenhagen on the waterfront, known for its extraordinary black glass facade and art and culture exhibitions.