Copenhagen is a city to look up to for its forward-thinking approach in designing the world’s most livable city. Not only is it a beautiful Scandinavian city that blends old traditions with modern design, Copenhagen is now recognized as the first bike city in the world. With more than 390 kilometers of designated bike lanes, it is truly a biker’s paradise.

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What’s my favourite thing to do in Copenhagen?

How Bicycle Culture Developed in Denmark

Photo by lrx via Trover.com

If you want to figure out when the phenomenon of bicycling took off in this country, you have to go back to the 1960s when the combination of the oil crisis, environmental movement, and controversial road projects resulted in the public favoring the bike over the car.

Up until the 1960s, bicycles were associated with freedom. With the bike, Danes were able to escape the cramped houses in the downtown core and flee to the clean air of the suburbs. However with the rise of cars, the city became characterized by dense traffic and packed parking lots. Pollution was an increasing problem and traffic accidents were common.

There was a huge public backlash to the growing sprawl of roads and as the ’60s and ’70s passed by, progressive city planning gave way to the introduction of more open spaces and a focus on building a network of cycle lanes.

Photo by Ryan Overton via Trover.com

The sense of freedom of the bicycle never left the Danes and has since been associated with health as well. In addition, cycling has in recent years become a symbol of personal energy. This mentality comes from the huge initiatives by the city to make cycling ultramodern and super cool. This is done with the help of marketing initiatives that include billboards and advertisements online that talk about new bicycle projects and a focus on wellness.

What I find inspiring about cycling in Copenhagen and why I believe this culture has really propagated to everyone is that it is deeply rooted in people from all levels of society. Cycling is not just for people who can’t afford a car or for those strictly in the downtown core. There is no prejudice when it comes to cycling and is in fact the first choice as a mode of transportation.

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Benefits of a Biking Culture on Tourism

Photo by Laura Donaldson via Trover.com

For those that haven’t tried it yet, biking as a way of exploring a city is such a joy. Imagine yourself starting from your hotel and covering an incredible amount of ground while also being able to ride through a lot of different neighborhoods and streets you typically wouldn’t be able to see on foot.

In addition to that, travelers can save a lot more money with a bike because you can save on car rentals, parking and potentially cut the need for public transportation. Don’t forget that you also get a great workout, which is perfect for building up an appetite for lunch and dinner.

If you’re ready to head into this bike haven, make sure you check out my little write up of Copenhagen on Hipmunk that talks about cheap hotels in Copenhagen and also my one day biking itinerary.

For more of a guided tour of Copenhagen, make sure you check out this fantastic city bike tour.

Travel Resources For Your Next Trip

If you’re in the process of planning your trip and putting together your itinerary, these are genuinely the best resources that the Going Awesome Places team stands by 100%.

Credit cards: Don’t get burned by hidden fees on top of terrible exchange rates. When we travel now, we use the Wise Card. Simply load it with the currency you need before you go and use it as a regular VISA or their digital wallet card. Use their free app to track how much you have and top up when you need to.

Flights: Of all the booking search engines, Skyscanner is the most helpful and easy to use thanks to their Everywhere feature. Kayak is also another that’s we will often check as well.

Car Rental: If you’re looking to save money, these car rental coupon codes will be a true game-changer. Otherwise, DiscoverCars and RentalCars are great places to start.

Rideshare: For new Lyft users, use code WILLIAM4825 to get 50% off your first 2 rides (max $10 USD per ride). Offer valid for 14 days after you take your first ride. For new Uber users, use code psuqbjg4d7rn for the same offer except it’s valid for 30 days.

Airport Parking: You’ll need a spot to leave your car at the airport so why not book a spot at a discount. Use code AWESOME7 to get at least $5 off at Airport Parking Reservations or Park Sleep Fly packages.

eSIM: Lately, we’ve really loved using eSIMs. We’ve tested several over the years and we have access to a few special promotions.

  • AmigoSIM – Use GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 25% off. Code is re-useable.
  • Gigsky – Use TANG149 to get $3 USD when you sign up, then use code GOINGAWESOME to save 20% on all eSIM orders.
  • KnowRoaming – Use code GAP10 to save 10%.
  • AloSIM – Use code GOINGAWESOMEPLACES to save 15%.
  • Airalo – Use referral code WILLIA9500 to get $3 USD credit on your first purchase.
  • UbigiAWESOME10 to save 10% on your first order.

Wifi Hotspot: We’ve been a huge fan of wifi hotspot devices such as PokeFi (use code GAP24300) because their rates are are hard to beat and it works globally. Solis is another that we recommend. Pros are that you can share the wifi with your whole group but cons are that you have to invest in a device and you have to charge it every night.

Hotels: Our go-to is Booking.com because they have the best inventory of properties including hotels and B&Bs plus they have their Genius tier discounts. Expedia is also worth using especially with their One Key rewards program which is basically like cash. The exception is Asia where Agoda always has the best prices. Always do a quick check on TripAdvisor as well.

Vacation Rentals: Your first instinct will be to check Airbnb but we always recommend checking VRBO as well if you’re looking for a vacation rental (now eligible for One Key).

Tours and Activities: When planning our trips, we always check both Viator and GetYourGuide to at least see what’s out there in the destination that we’re going to. They often have different offerings and prices so check both.

Travel Insurance: Learn how to buy the best travel insurance for you. This isn’t something you want to travel without.

  • HeyMondo – Popular insurance provider for frequent travelers and comes with great coverage and special perks. By booking through our link to get a 15% discount (from June 19-29)!
  • RATESDOTCA – Search engine Canadians looking for the cheapest insurance including multi-trip annual policies.
  • SafetyWing – A perfect fit for long-term nomads.
  • Medjet – Global air medical transportation.
  • InsureMyTrip – Best for seniors, families, and those with pre-existing conditions.

If you need more help planning your trip, make sure to check out our Travel Toolbox where we highlight all of the gear, resources, and tools we use when traveling.

William Tang of Going Awesome Places
About The Author

Will Tang

Will Tang, founder of Going Awesome Places, has traveled to 51 countries. He shares his insanely detailed itineraries, travel guides, and packing lists. Will’s travels have been featured on Huffington Post, Men’s Journal, and Entrepreneur.

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The Discussion

  1. Living in a large city undoubtedly has its benefits, and one of them is the exceptional transport networks that are typically associated with them. Denmark is a beautiful place to see on bike especially.

  2. I think other countries should also adopt the biking culture of Denmark. With numerous benefits to nature it is incredible to see so many people use it for daily commute. When I went to Denmark I rented the bike from a local store suggested by my hotel manager. It not only helped me save money but also helped me travel places without any rush.

    1. Best part about Denmark is just how convenient it is to ride a bike i the city! Thanks for stopping by Marshsal!

  3. Thanks for the read Will!

    I lived in Copenhaegen for 4 years and can totally see why it’s the place where cycling initially flourished – such a beautiful city too. I spent endless amounts of my evenings travelling around on my bike at night :)

  4. I was in Copenhagen and totally felt in love with this city when I see how people can be so stylish and fashionable with their bicycles :D I must say this is a city of fashion and bicycling – which are such perfect combination.

    1. It’s such a lovely city right? It’s the kind of thing that I wish more North American cities would adopt.

  5. Reading about Copenhangen’s bike culture always makes me so jealous. It makes me want to move there, but that would be impossible.

    Now if I come to visit, are there any guided bike tours that you could recommend for me?

    Thank you so much and great post!