Day 1: Sunday
Flensburg - Sønderborg (25 miles)
Traveling along the Flensburg harbor and through a neighborhood of stately villas you'll soon reach Danish soil. Until the late afternoon, the route mostly follows the wooded shores of the Flensburger fjord past Gråsten (home of the Gravenstein apple), and Broager with its medieval church. At the Düppler Schanzen, you'll discover an important historical area; site of an 1864 battle which laid the foundation of a solution to the 1,000 year old border conflict with Germany. From here it's a short ride to Sønderborg, situated on both sides of the Alsensund. The hotel is the "Comwell Hotel Sønderborg". Day 2: Monday
Sønderborg - Svendborg (33 miles)
In two hours you'll traverse the slightly hilly island of Alsen, enjoying open views of the landscape and sea. An old-timer ferry will take you from Mommark over the Lille Bælt to Søby on the island of Ærø. Lonely farmhouses, windmills, churches, lovely beaches and painterly towns are scattered along the way. In the harbor town of Ærøskøbing, a surprising variety of 17th and 18th century half-timbered houses awaits. Thirty-five of them are historical monuments in addition to the world's only outhouse to be bestowed that honor. After a leisurely stroll through town a ship will bring you to Fünen, past innumerable tiny islands - a sailor's paradise - to your hotel the "Svendborg." (Two nights) Day 3: Tuesday
Circuit through Southern Fünen - (36 miles)
Hans Christian Anderson called his native island the "Garden of Denmark." The gentle climate supports a wide range of crops, including tobacco, which are the backdrop for tidy villages of thatched-roof houses, majestic alleys, proud manor houses, fortresses and castles surrounded by moats. This delightful route takes you to Egeskovwhere where you'll tour the Renaissance castle, on through the generously named "Fünen Alps," past the oldest mill in Denmark to Fa°borg. After exploring this picturesque harbor town, a destination for many artists, you'll return to Svendborg for the night. (Second night) Day 4: Wednesday
Svendborg - Sorø (35 miles)
On the way to Nyborg you'll discover Hesselagergård, a 16th century defensive manor house of Venetian influence. In the late morning you'll cross the impressive bridge over the Big Belt. Its 11-mile length includes a nearly 9,000 ft. long suspension bridge section supported by 850 ft. pylons over the shipping lane. Trelleborg is the site of the most important of four known Viking fortresses founded during the era of King Harald Bluetooth, who united and Christianized Denmark. Tonight you'll sleep under the country's largest thatched roof at the hotel "Comwell Sorø Storkro." Day 5: Thursday
Sorø - Jyllinge (42 miles)
Past quaint farmhouses covered with climbing roses, along lakes, through fields and woods, you'll cycle to Roskilde, which was a royal residence and seat of government until the 15th Century. The cathedral here continues to be the final resting place of Danish monarchs. Close by is the Roskild Fjord and fabulous Ship Hall Museum where ship-remains from the fjord-bottom are displayed, and the adventurous travels of this see-faring people are documented. Your host tonight is the welcoming hotel "Søfryd" above the Roskildefjord. Day 6: Friday
Jyllinge - Kopenhagen (22 miles)
Today you’ll reach Copenhagen, your final destination, after a stop in Frederiksborg. Denmark's most monumental castle is built on three small islands in the Netherlands renaissance style. Today, home to the National Historical Museum it houses several thousand artifacts testifying to the historic and cultural life of the country. Highlights include the coffered ceiling of the Knight's Hall and the splendid castle church. Tonight you'll stay in the "Copenhagen Admiral Hotel," a converted harbor warehouse. After dinner one might consider a stroll through the "Tivoli" Copenhagen's famous amusement park. Day 7: Saturday
Copenhagen - (9 miles)
A city-tour by bike is particularly pleasant in this cycling-friendly city. You'll see the Christiansborg and Rosenborg castles, the unique tower of the Stock Exchange, the marble Frederik Church as well as the beautiful squares in the city center and painterly Nyhavn. The trip ends around noon after a visit to the most famous woman in Europe the "Lille Havfrue", better known as "the Little Mermaid". One might consider staying for the afternoon to visit the many antique stores and take in the historic and scenic atmosphere. Excellent train and plane connections will bring you to many European and overseas cities the same day. |
Featured Adventures
