Copenhagen: Harbor-hopping bakery laps & forest gravel detours (bike-first)
A breezy, bike-first 3-day loop around Copenhagen that pairs daily bakery laps and harbor-side cruising with off-road gravel detours through nearby forests. Routes favor protected cycle lanes, gravel tracks and scenic water edges. Rentals, repair stops and hydration breaks are built in.
Highlights
- Morning pastries at Meyers Bageri (Torvehallerne)
- Canal and harbor laps: Nyhavn, Christianshavn, Islands Brygge
- Gravel loop through Jægersborg Dyrehave (Dyrehaven)
- Amager Strandpark and Kongelunden gravel trails
- Street-food lunch and sunset laps on Refshaleøen / Reffen
Itinerary
Day 1
Central-harbor bakery laps and easy gravel along the inner harbour — warm up, café stops, and short scenic spins. Prioritize dedicated cycle lanes and waterside promenades.
Pick up bikes — app or click-and-ride (Donkey Republic)
Collect app-unlock bikes near central Copenhagen to start the day light and flexible.
Tips from local experts:
- Choose a step-through frame if you have panniers — it’s easier on frequent bakery stops.
- Reserve via the Donkey Republic app so the bike’s location and battery (if e-bike) are shown before you walk up.
- Locking: use the bike’s built-in lock for quick bakery hops; note street parking rules near Torvehallerne.
Breakfast pastry lap — Meyers Bageri (Torvehallerne)
First pastry pick: famous Danish rye & cardamom pastries and strong coffee to fuel the morning ride.
Tips from local experts:
- Order one shareable sticky cardamom bun and a smaller rye tart to keep weight low on the bike.
- Torvehallerne has bike racks directly outside — lock the front wheel under the rack and use a cable through the frame.
- Refill water: look for the public water fountain near the hall’s entrance to top off bottles for the harbor ride.
Nyhavn photo & quick canal roll
Cycle gently along the canal for classic views and a quick photo stop — stay on the designated cycle lane to avoid pedestrians.
Tips from local experts:
- Cycle in the designated bike lane on the canal side and stop at the small side alleys for photos to avoid blocking the pedestrian flow.
- If you want a quieter photo, roll a block east toward Toldboden where boats are less dense.
- Watch for shared tram tracks near Kongens Nytorv — take the outermost lane and signal early.
Christianshavn canal-side gravel loop
A short, peaceful gravel-and-cobble loop around the canals and marina; mix of protected cycle lanes and low-traffic streets.
Tips from local experts:
- Prefer the quieter side streets (Sankt Annæ Gade and the canal paths) to avoid the busy Nyhavn crowds.
- Christianshavn has a few cobbled stretches — lower tire pressure slightly if you’re on skinny road tires.
- If you want a coffee top-up, spot The Coffee Collective kiosks on the main canal; they usually have a safe bench area for bikes.
Islands Brygge Havnebad — picnic lunch & swim option
Grab bakery spoils, spread a mat on the harbour bank or (seasonal) take a quick dip at the harbour bath. Relax and hydrate.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a light towel and an extra plastic bag for wet swim kit — storage at nearby racks is limited.
- Use the grassy slope to lock your bike within sight; bring a compact U-lock for peace of mind.
- Hydration hack: fill bottles from the nearby public water tap; the lifeguard kiosk can point you to refill spots.
Kalvebod Brygge scenic cycle (protected lanes & boardwalks)
A low-stress, bike-lane powered coastwise glide past modern harbourfront architecture — perfect for an easy mid-afternoon spin.
Tips from local experts:
- Stay in the separated cycle lane; the pavement between bicycle and pedestrian areas is clear and well-signed.
- If you want a slightly quieter route, hop onto the boardwalk sections closer to the water where cars are absent.
- There are short sheltered benches every few hundred metres — great for quick snack breaks without locking the bike long-term.
Afternoon pastry & coffee — La Glace
Slip into Copenhagen’s classic patisserie for a slower sit-down pastry and tea — a good mid-ride reset.
Tips from local experts:
- La Glace is a sit-down place — stash your helmet inside the cafe and ask staff for a safe corner if it’s busy.
- Order pastries to share so you can sample and stay light; their gateau slices are rich and best shared.
- There’s a small curb outside ideal for short-term bike parking, but use a quick cable while you step in.
Quick bike-check / tune — Trek Bicycle Store Copenhagen
A short tune-up or pump check before evening — great to nip any chain noise or brake rub in the bud.
Tips from local experts:
- Ask for a quick safety check rather than a full service to keep it under 30 minutes.
- If you rode a rented e-bike, confirm connectors and battery clips; small faults are common after long harbour rides.
- Keep a small cash tip handy; local shops appreciate precise feedback on tyre pressure for local roads.
Day 2
Gravel day north of the city: a morning railway-free push into Jægersborg Dyrehave (Dyrehaven) with looping gravel tracks, deer glades and picnic spots. Designed as a longer mileage day with repair options and lighter-skill alternatives.
Morning bakery warm-up — Hart Bageri (Jægersborggade)
Fuel up with a compact pastry and strong coffee before the northbound climb — Jægersborggade is known for neighborhood bakes.
Tips from local experts:
- Hart’s pastries are dense — pick a small tart and fruit to avoid heavy stomachs before gravel sections.
- There’s a bike rack outside; when busy, use the lane-side railing (it’s frequently patrolled and safe).
- Top off a back-pocket bottle here — the Dyrehaven section has long stretches without potable taps.
Transfer ride north to Klampenborg / Dyrehaven (scenic route)
Cycling transfer up to the Dyrehaven edge: mix of protected lanes and quiet feeder roads. Expect ~45–60 minutes at an easy pace.
Tips from local experts:
- Prefer the coastal route via Strandvejen for smoother surfaces and beautiful sea views; it’s slightly longer but far more pleasant.
- Keep an eye on speed when passing small towns — locals use the same bike lanes for commuting.
- If you’d rather shorten the ride, Klampenborg Station has a frequent S-train; bring a folding bike or check carriage rules for full-size bikes.
Dyrehaven gravel loop — main forest and open-park circuit
Three-hour gravel loop through beech forests, open glades and undulating tracks. Expect packed gravel, tree roots in places and occasional horse carriages.
Tips from local experts:
- Stick to the outer gravel tracks where horses and carriages don’t cross — the interior can get rooty and slick after rain.
- Deer are plentiful; give wildlife wide berth and avoid sudden braking near glades.
- There are a few park cafés near the north entrance for quick refills — note their opening hours in shoulder seasons.
Lunch & refill — Lagkagehuset (Klampenborg)
Simple bakery meal and water refill near Klampenborg Station — quick, reliable and bike-friendly takeaway options.
Tips from local experts:
- Take-away boxes are perfect for a park bench lunch — avoid sitting too long if you want to keep riding warmed-up legs.
- The station area has public taps for water refills; fill both bottles before heading back onto gravel tracks.
- If your ride has room, top up with an electrolyte drink for the afternoon — store it in a frame bag upright.
Mølleåen detour — riverside gravel and mills
A quieter, low-traffic 1.5-hour gravel detour along the Mølleåen river valley — shallow grades and scenic mills.
Tips from local experts:
- Mølleåen’s gravel is fine and often packed — normal hybrid or gravel tyres work well; avoid skinny racing tyres.
- Look for signed farm crossings and take care at narrow bridges — dismount briefly if the path is crowded.
- There are shaded spots perfect for sunscreen touch-ups and short chain lube checks after dusty sections.
Return to Copenhagen & dinner at Mikkeller Bar
Wind-down ride back to the city with a casual dinner and local brew — great place to swap route notes with other cyclists.
Tips from local experts:
- Reserve a table if you want to sit with bikes nearby during evening service — the bar gets busy at dinner.
- If you’re on an e-bike, plug it in (if allowed) and check battery contacts while dining.
- Ask staff for locally brewed lighter beers if you plan to sleep well — they can recommend lower-ABV options.
Day 3
Amager gravel escapes and Refshaleøen harbor laps — a seaside morning, forest gravel in Kongelunden, then an urban harbour food market and sunset laps back in the city.
Seaside morning roll — Amager Strandpark
Easy warm-up along the Strandpark promenade with sea breezes and bike lanes — great for a final sunny pastry if you missed one.
Tips from local experts:
- The promenade has a dedicated bike lane separated from pedestrians — stick to it to keep momentum.
- Wind can be strong on the outer breakwater; tuck low and use easier gears for headwind sections.
- Public toilets and water taps are by the main car park — refill before heading into the nature areas.
Kongelunden gravel loop (Amager Nature Park)
Explore sandy tracks, singletrack-ish gravel and pine forest roads — a fun mixed-surface detour without leaving the city limits.
Tips from local experts:
- Kongelunden has sandy patches — keep momentum and choose higher cadence to avoid bogging down.
- Trail-surface varies quickly; scan ahead for roots and switch to a lower gear for the singletrack bits.
- There are few shelters: carry a lightweight wind shell and basic multitool for minor on-trail fixes.
Street-food lunch at Reffen (Refshaleøen)
A relaxed, informal meal with many vendors — ideal for refuelling and meeting other cyclists who favour the industrial-island vibe.
Tips from local experts:
- Buy smaller plates from different stalls so you can taste a few options without feeling weighed down for the afternoon ride.
- Secure your bike to one of the metal racks on arrival — Refshaleøen racks are sturdy but sometimes in the sun.
- Refill water at the vendor stands or use marked refill stations; some stalls sell large bottles for groups.
Coffee & second-bakery lap — The Coffee Collective (Refshaleøen)
Light roast and a small pastry to steady the legs before an afternoon of harbor laps and photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- The Coffee Collective tends to roast local single-origin beans — order a smaller filter to stay alert for the final ride.
- Their outdoor bench area has good sightlines for your bike; keep a compact lock on while you sip.
- If you’ve got extra pastry energy, split it and stow half in your back pocket to nibble during the next stretch.
Refshaleøen & harbour laps — slow roll and sunset prep
A gentle, exploratory ride around the industrial island: photogenic boats, reclaimed warehouses, and wide open skies for golden-hour riding.
Tips from local experts:
- Take the wider service roads around the harbour edge for the smoothest ride and best sunset viewpoints.
- Watch for delivery trucks near vendor areas — they use the same roads in late afternoon; give them space.
- If you want a sunset photo, head to the northern tip of Refshaleøen for water reflections and skyline views.
Wrap-up: drop bikes & quick tune / final repairs
Return rental or tuck your bike at a local shop for a quick check before leaving the city.
Tips from local experts:
- If you used dockless bikes, drop them at a designated station on the app and photograph the QR code for peace of mind.
- For any small mechanicals, ask the shop to note issues on your receipt so you don’t pay for pre-existing marks.
- Before handing a rental back, clean off the driest mud from the drivetrain to avoid extra cleaning fees.
