Biking in Denmark

Biking in Denmark 

There is no denying that Copenhageners love their bikes. No matter the weather or destination, people ride. The City of Copenhagen has worked for decades under the strategy “Good, Better, Best,” aiming to make Copenhagen the world’s top cycling city. Today, the capital is already ranked among the very best, with more than 400 km of dedicated bike lanes – and the network keeps growing. Copenhagen also continues its ambitious plan to remain one of the world’s first carbon-neutral capitals, with cycling as a cornerstone.

While it is easy to assume that Copenhageners cycle mainly for the environment, the real reason is often speed and convenience. Getting from A to B is usually faster and cheaper by bike than by car. Even Denmark’s politicians regularly cycle to Parliament. Every day, bike-loving Copenhageners cover over 1.2 million km – the equivalent of circling the earth nearly 30 times each day. For visitors, experiencing Copenhagen by bike is one of the most authentic ways to discover the city.

Biking in Other Cities
Copenhagen is not the only city embracing cycling. Aarhus, Denmark’s second-largest city, has invested heavily in bike lanes and infrastructure, making it easy to move around by bike. The city offers both traditional rentals and app-based services like Donkey Republic and Lime. Odense, known as Denmark’s “cycling capital,” has built super cycle highways and continues to develop safe bike routes that connect the entire city. Other large cities such as Aalborg and Esbjerg are also expanding their networks and introducing more e-bike and scooter-sharing options, making cycling a practical choice across Denmark.

Renting a Bike
Traditional city bikes with built-in tablets and GPS are no longer available, but renting a bike in 2025 is easier than ever. App-based providers such as Lime, Tier, Voi, and Donkey Republic offer regular bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters throughout the major Danish cities. They can be unlocked with your phone and left at designated parking zones. Many hotels and hostels – including Danhostel – also rent out quality bikes, often at a lower daily rate. Whether you prefer an electric boost or a classic city bike, the options are plenty.

Cycling is an excellent way to explore Denmark, and you can easily cross cities like Copenhagen, Aarhus, and Odense from one end to the other on two wheels. Almost every neighbourhood is accessible via bike lanes, making it a safe and practical option. If you are new to cycling in busy traffic, it is best to avoid rush hours (07:30–09:00 and 15:30–17:30), when thousands of commuters crowd the bike paths.

Rules of the Road
Before setting out on your Danish cycling adventure, take a moment to learn the basic rules:
- Always keep to the right.
- Always use dedicated bike lanes when available.
- Turning right on a red light is forbidden.
- To turn left at an intersection, cross straight to the opposite corner and wait for the green light.
- If cycling side by side, always make space for faster riders to pass.

Cycling in Denmark is not just transportation – it’s a way of life. Jump in the saddle in Copenhagen, Aarhus, Odense or any other major city, and you’ll quickly understand why the bike is Denmark’s favourite way to move.