Bicycle Denmark and Sweden

Copenhagen to Stockholm

Come and discover the diversity of Denmark and Sweden.  Explore the natural beauty of the land as you become acquainted with the hospitality of the friendly people.  The best way to experience it is at the leisurely pace of a bicycle.

This Odyssey begins in Denmark, biking the islands of Funen, Langeland and Zealand.  We pedal past long sandy beaches and through a countryside dotted by small neat farms and brick houses with thatched roofs.  You will marvel at the ancient churches and museums filled with memorabilia of the Viking heritage.

Sweden's natural beauty is a showcase of thousands of lakes and vast tracts of pine, spruce and birch forest land.  The country is also rich in culture and history and the comforts of modern life are never far away.  After cycling the width of Sweden we ferry to the island of Gotland, where the favored mode of transportation is the bicycle.  Relax as you pedal along many miles of beaches with breathtaking seacoast scenery. 

Castles and manor houses are everywhere in both Denmark and Sweden, situated in spacious fields or surrounded by dense forests.  They serve as a reminder of days gone by, and as unique places to visit and enjoy.  Many are now museums and some are preserved exactly as they were when people lived in them hundreds of years ago.

he standard of accommodations on the tour is a mix of comfortable vintage inns in the smaller towns and first class hotels in the city.  The service is always excellent and reflects the country's warm hospitality.

When it comes time for dinner you'll have a rich variety of choices.  The Scandinavians have a passion for food and the natural taste of fresh ingredients plays an important role in every dish.  With an abundance of seafood, the preparation of fish has developed into an art form. 

Plan to arrive in Copenhagen no later than Saturday morning.  Arriving a day early will allow more time to acclimate and explore this lively, fun-loving city.  We will meet you and transfer you to the hotel.

Saturday, Nyborg.  Early afternoon transfer by train to Nyborg on the island of Funen.  Our hotel is situated on a fine sand swimming beach.  You will want to take a short ride to the 12th century castle and the harbor with its old wooden ships.  Get acquainted party tonight followed by the Welcome dinner.

Sunday, Troense.  Winding lanes take us through farming country with villages of traditional half-timbered houses.  There will be time to explore Egeskov, a moated Renaissance palace, that dates back to the 16th century.  It may well have inspired some of H.C. Andersen's fairy tales with its towers, arrow notches, moat and fabulous gardens.

Monday, Slagelse.  Our cycling route follows the coastline to Valdemar Castle, a magnificent example of the late Baroque period.  It houses a fascinating naval museum.  We take the causeway to the peaceful island of Langeland with its swimming beaches, meadows, woods, and bog land.  Ferry trip to Zealand. 

Tuesday, Roskilde.  Biking through lovely forest land you come to Lejre, the site of a reconstructed Iron Age village.  Traveling at a leisurely pace you may want to stop in a cafe for a cup of coffee and the sinfully rich Danish pastry called Winerbrod.

Wednesday, Roskilde.  Sleep in, write post cards, go fishing or get on the bike for a short spin.  A local guide will give us a walking tour of the town, once a great ecclesiastical seat and the country's leading city until the mid - 15th century.  The museum displays five Viking ships that were excavated from the nearby fjord.

Thursday, Helsingborg (Sweden).  Biking north you will want to stop at the National Historical Museum.  In Elsinore you will see the renowned Castle of Kronborg, the legendary setting of Shakespeare's "Hamlet."  A short ferry trip takes us across the narrow sound separating Denmark from Sweden.

Friday, Hassleholm.  We cycle through the province of Skane with Sweden's greatest abundance of manor houses.  The landscape is a contrast of rolling yellow rape fields, lines of willow trees and half timbered houses.

Saturday, Ronneby.  Our journey today takes us through an area called the "Garden of Sweden" because of its rich soil.  Beech, chestnut and walnut trees grow so big that they reach above the roofs of the churches.  In Ronneby you can visit the market where musicians, clowns and artists are just as important as the local handicrafts.

Sunday, Kalmar.  Continue through gentle meadows, vast forests and tidy towns that are part of the rural calm.  Kalmar is one of Sweden's oldest towns and was once the capital of Scandinavia. 

Monday, sail to Gotland.  A morning walking tour of Kalmar to get a better understanding of the town's important place in Swedish history.  Balance of the day is at leisure to go shopping and pursue your own interests.  This evening we take an overnight cruise to the island of Gotland. 

Tuesday, Visby.  Visby is stunningly rich in historical buildings and treasures, including 17 ancient cathedrals and church ruins.  After breakfast we take a walking tour of the old town surrounded by the city wall with 44 towers soaring 60 feet above the city.  The afternoon is free to bike to the nearby soft white sand beaches and small fishing hamlets.

Wednesday, Visby.  Today's route takes us into the island's interior, speckled with centuries old monasteries, medieval farms and prehistoric burial grounds.  As you pass large flocks of sheep you will understand why wool is such a major material in the local arts and crafts.  You can buy wool in its natural state or in the finished product such as sweaters, mittens and scarves.

Thursday, Stockholm.  A day of biking along the rocky coastline of Gotland with high cliffs dropping straight down to the sea.  The coastal meadows have an enormous wealth of birds--over 325 species may be observed.  On the way back to Visby you will see the distinctive flora of the island that includes at least 33 species of orchids.  Late this afternoon we take the ferry back to the mainland. 

Friday, Stockholm.  Today you have time to see this great city that is often called the Venice of the North.  Walk the medieval Old Town's twisting cobbled streets lined with curious shops and galleries.  Visit Wasa Museum, a ship that was sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628.  Farewell dinner tonight in the waning light of an almost Midnight Sun.

Saturday.  After breakfast we'll take you to Arlanda Airport for the flight home.  If you have time you may wish to spend an extra day in Stockholm or take an overnight cruise to Helsinki for additional adventures.

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 15 days/14 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,795 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 11, 2009.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts and ten dinners.
What else is included in the tour price? 

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 32, 43 and 69 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides. 

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $28 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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