Robbin McKinney, founder and owner of Great Explorations, had the opportunity to join our inaugural guided trip in Denmark. These notes are from his trip in September, 2024.
In our search for great cycling in Denmark, we didn’t have to look far. The Danish people love cycling and they invest heavily in cycling infrastructure, encouraging everyone to ride. They even have bike stations with tools and work stands and cycling paths and lanes that are the envy of Europe.
Ride Stats: I have provided the ride stats from our group’s ride on this trip. I provide these to show that we aren’t actually pedaling for as long as some think. Of course we have longer rides and add-on options but the reality is that we are typically pedaling for 2-4 hours, with plenty of stops, visits, etc. to break up the day.
Day 1
Our trip starts from Odense, birthplace of H.C. Anderson and a charming and delightful city just 1 hour by train from Copenhagen. Our Luxe trips stay at the Hotel Odeon, a new hotel with a contemporary design located steps from cafes and pedestrian streets in the centre of the city. Our local guide is an architect and is extremely knowledgeable about the history of the region; our trip starts with a delightful walk at 4 p.m. followed by a welcome reception and dinner at Kok & Vin. Danish cuisine is healthy and restaurants such as this present a fusion menu that incorporates local food with imaginative combinations.
Day 2
Next day, we began our first ride out along bike paths towards Kerteminde. Along the way, we stop to view the first of many castles. The Ulriksholm Castle, built in 1632 previously belonged to the illegitimate royal son Ulrik Chistian Gyldenlov, it is perched on a beautiful lake and is idyllic. We then visited the Ladby Viking ship burial, where in 925AD, a king was buried in a ship which is well preserved to this day (the ship, not the body). In Kerteminde, we enjoyed lunch at an atmospheric eatery before looping back around towards Odense, utilizing bike paths again. We enjoyed another great restaurant as this city is full of superb options.
Ride Stats: Distance: 54 km; 225 m; Moving time: 3 h; Average speed: 18 km/h
Day 3
Today, there is time to ride south to Faaborg with lunch en route at a historic inn in Boryvaerk. In the afternoon, we reached a beautiful viewpoint at Trebejerg and then we continued to the pretty harbour at Falsled Kro. This is where the Luxe trip stays at a Relais & Chateaux property that has to be one of the loveliest hotels in Denmark. The Classic trip stays in Faaborg itself, another 8 km east. We had an enjoyable dinner at Norodisk in the historic center.
Ride Stats: Distance: 64 km; 500 m; Moving time: 3 h 20; Average speed: 20 km/h
Day 4
Next day, we continued on a loop ride to Egeskov Castle, a spectacular castle in the countryside that you could easily spend a couple of hours walking around to visit. There is a great restaurant at the castle and the ride back to Faaborg is downhill and quick.
Ride Stats: Distance: 60 km; 520 m; Moving time: 2 h 30; Average speed: 23 km/h
Day 5
This was one of my favourites of the week; the day began with a ferry ride to Soby, on the enchanting island of Aero. The riding was on lovely, quiet roads and we met several interesting characters along the way to Marstal, which has lots of lunch options. Aeroskobing village is even more fascinating and its cobblestone streets are lined with charming shops and cafes. We ferried from here to Svendborg on the mainland and had time to stroll around town prior to dinner. We dined at Salig Simons Gard for a fantastic meal. Our Luxe trip stays at Stella Maris, an exquisite hotel on the sea, outside of town.
Ride Stats: Distance: 51 km; 335 m; Moving time: 2 h 49; Average speed: 18 km/h
Day 6
On our last day of cycling, we cycled out to Valdemars Slot, yet another castle, and the roads are quiet and scenic. We made it back to Svendborg for lunch and then enjoyed a walking tour. There are many fantastic restaurants in Svendborg and our favourite is superb. The nice thing about finishing our trip in Svendborg is that you can return to Copenhagen easily by train.
Ride Stats: Distance: 40 km; 230 m; Moving time: 2 h; Average speed: 20 km/h
Why Denmark?
It’s a cool country – a shining example of a place with happy people and clean and safe streets. The first thing you’ll notice in Copenhagen or any of the cities we visit is that locals cycle! The cycling throughout Fyn is exceptional with an abundance of quiet roads, cultural attractions, and dreamy scenery. We offer superb luxury hotels (Luxe level) and charming casual hotels (Classic level).
Why Great Explorations?
Our itinerary is 7 days/6 nights (one day and night longer than our major competitor) with the same hotels on our Luxe trip (Hotel Odeon; Falsled Kro; Stella Maris), smaller group sizes (16 vs 26), an improved itinerary with less shuttles, new bikes, local guides, and almost half the price (US $3,650 per person vs US $6,399 per person). We also offer an Extension to Copenhagen with the opportunity to cycle there, or you can explore the city on foot with a local guide.
Watch the video from our latest trip in September, 2024.
Q & A with Robbin:
Q: We want quiet roads and not too hilly terrain. Does this trip provide that?
A: Yes, this is an ideal trip for those objectives.
Q: Would you recommend the Luxe over the Classic hotel level here?
A: The Luxe level hotels are definitely ‘wow’ hotels – Falsled Kro for example is exquisite, as is Stella Maris but located outside of towns. Hotel Odeon in Odense is in the town centre and superb. Because of the location of Falsled Kro and Stella Maris, the rides are slightly longer on the Luxe trips. The Classic hotels are all in charming town centres. If you enjoy a bit of luxury and don’t mind being out of town (2 of 3 hotels) choose the Luxe option and treat yourself!
Q: Are e-bikes necessary on this trip?
A: We don’t think so as it is one of our easier trips in all of Europe.
Q: How easy is it to get to the trip start and back from the finish?
A: It’s a simple 1-hour train trip to Odense to start the trip and on departure, there are frequent train from Svendborg back to Copenhagen. Easy peasy.
Q: How do the restaurants and gastronomy compare to Europe?
A: In a word, fantastic. Danes love to eat well.
Q: What is the best time to go?
A: Being in northern Europe, June and September would be the ideal months.
Q: Does it make sense to spend time in Copenhagen?
A: Of course! We provide a trip Extension for those who want to spend 2 days there, with the opportunity to cycle or join a walking tour.
Q: How can Great Explorations offer a guided trip at so much less than the other guys and offer an extra day and night, staying in the same hotels?
A: We don’t have their overhead (or their margins). We use local guides and our equipment (bikes, etc.) are in the region, so we don’t have to drive across the continent from a central hub. If you have been on one of our trips, you’ll know that we always choose the best restaurants and add other inclusions to make for better trips, which is our objective.
Q: Would you do this trip again?
A: Yes, I will be taking my (6) siblings and partners to do the trip in September, 2025. Can’t wait to show them what I am certain will be one of our most popular trips in years to come (before it gets discovered).
View Our Itineraries
Guided Trips*:
Denmark Biking 7 Days Luxe
Denmark Biking 7 Days Classic
*Randonnee Tours, our sister company, offers self-guided 7- and 9-day trips also:
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