Hotel Odeon, Odense
This is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in the heart of Odense, offering modern accommodations and easy access to the vibrant culture and attractions of the Hans Christian Andersen neighborhood.
Cycling and Denmark go hand in hand. It’s a small country with enchanting islands, fairly flat and the cities are designed for cyclists. Fyn and neighboring islands are popular for cycling with quiet roads and beautiful scenery, numerous castles and an archipelago that will astound. Did we mention the cycling is excellent?
Only Great Explorations:
The hotel in Faaborg is more modest than on other trips but we prefer to stay in the historic centre. The Classic level hotels in Odense and Svendborg are lovely. We also offer a Luxe level of hotels that are quite luxurious should you prefer that.
Straight Talk
Copenhagen, Denmark
Day 1
Odense, Denmark
Day 2
Svendborg, Denmark
Day 3
Svendborg, Denmark
Day 4
Faaborg, Denmark
Day 5
Faaborg, Denmark
Day 6
| 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|
| May 11-17 | May 10-16 |
| May 28-Jun 3 | May 27-Jun 2 |
| Jun 8-14 | Jun 7-13 |
| Jun 15-21 | Jun 14-20 |
| Sep 7-13 | Sep 6-12 |
| Sep 14-20 | Sep 13-19 |
Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Moderate
Mixed
Land Cost
US $3,150
Includes 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 5 dinners
Single Supplement
US $800
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $320
Racing/Gravel Bikes: US $420
E-Bikes*: US $480
Pre- or Post-trip Extension in Copenhagen
Discover the best of Copenhagen with an optional extension, before or after your main trip.
2 Days / 2 Nights
Includes two nights of accommodation and a half-day guided tour with a local guide, either as a walking tour or a cycling tour (bike rental fee paid on arrival).
Price: US $595
Single supplement: US $250
3 Days / 3 Nights
Includes three nights of accommodation and two half-day guided tours with a local guide. On one of the days, you may choose a half-day cycling tour instead of walking (bike rental fee paid on arrival).
Price: US $895
Single supplement: US $425
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Getting There
You fly in and out of Copenhagen which, is well served by international airlines. The tour ends in Svendborg, from here you can catch the train back to Odense and Copenhagen.
Odense
Our trip starts from Odense, birthplace of HC Anderson and a charming and delightful city just 1 hour by train from Copenhagen. We will meet at our first hotel at 4pm for a walking tour of the town center. The historic center has recently undergone an urban re-design and is stunning, including the HC Anderson museum and district by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma & Associates. Winding maze-like hedges wrap a series of green-roofed timber pavilions. Loosely inspired by Andersen’s story The Tinderbox, in which a tree reveals an underground world, three wooden pavilions housing a cafe, children’s studio and entrance foyer above-ground lead to a network of immersive subterranean display spaces. We will have a welcome reception before dinner at an acclaimed restaurant.
Kerterminde
We depart Odense by bike along bike paths out to Keterminde. Along the way, stop to admire the Ulriksholm Castle on Kertinge Nor en-route to the Ladby Viking ship burial, where in 925AD, a king was buried in a ship. You’ll learn about the Viking history here and stroll through a historic site. In Keterminde, we’ll have lunch on the sea and then loop back to Odense in the afternoon. We’ll dine at one of the top restaurants in the region, at Kok & Vin.
Distance: 50 km; 175 m gain
Faaborg
Ride from Odense, embarking on a scenic castle route; cycle through the charming town of Brobyvaerk where you can enjoy lunch at historic Brobyvaerk Kro, a beautiful restaurant and inn. Arrive to Faaborg, an historic town located on Faaborg Fjord. Stay in the historic center of Faaborg where cafes and restaurants are steps away. Read travel writer Erin Gustafson’s description of Faaborg here.
Distance: 60 km; 350 m gain
Faaborg
Today’s ride is a loop through what is known locally as the Danish Alps along quiet roads to perhaps the most beautiful castle in Denmark, Egeslov. Along the way, stop at protected Braendegard Lake, the 2nd largest in Fyn and admire the birdlife; one of the largest cormorant colony’s in Europe is here. Arrive to Egeskov castle, one of Europe’s best preserved Renaissance water castles, dating to 1554; you can visit the castle, gardens and park. It’s a quick downhill ride back to Faaborg and you’ll have time to explore the waterfront and historic town center. This is a free night for dinner and you’ve got lots of options in town.
Distance: 60 km; 400 m gain
Ærø Island
Today, embark on a ferry journey to Ærø Island. Visit Vester Mill, a thatched windmill dating back to the 1800’s and then continue along the Danish seaside, passing iconic colorful beach houses, picturesque pastures, and expansive farmland. Take breaks at local farm shops to savor the flavors of the seasonal harvest. The island boasts a laid-back vibe that has undergone a youthful renaissance in recent years with a push towards organic farming, and artisans moving in to produce beer, whisky, soaps and all kinds of art, and even hand-rolled cigars. Ærøskøbing, with its cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses is renowned as the best-preserved eighteenth-century town in Denmark. Finish the day cruising back to the mainland to Svendborg, a delightful town blending maritime tradition with an old-world ambiance. Take leisurely moments to explore artisan shops and quaint cafés.
Distance: 54 km; 265 m gain
Svendborg
Embark on a cycling journey back into the Danish archipelago. Marvel at the verdant woodlands and untamed coastal beauty of Tåsinge island, passing by castles and picturesque rural villages. Visit Troense, a charming sea-side village adorned with 18th-century half-timbered houses.
Visit Valdemars Slot, a 13th-century castle, offering breathtaking views of Svendborg Sound and the South Fyn Archipelago. On clear days, the vistas extend as far as Kiel in Northern Germany. For those wanting a longer ride, continue to enchanting Langaland Island, providing a picturesque glimpse into Denmark’s historical nobility era. We’ll finish the week with a festive dinner and toast the magnificence of this enchanting region.
Distance: 40 km; 240 m gain or 80 km; 500 m gain
Depart
You can depart at your leisure by train back to Odense and Copenhagen.
This is a stylish and contemporary hotel located in the heart of Odense, offering modern accommodations and easy access to the vibrant culture and attractions of the Hans Christian Andersen neighborhood.
Located just outside Faaborg and set in a charming historic farmhouse, this cozy and characterful property blends rustic elegance with modern comfort, offering thoughtfully restored rooms in a peaceful countryside setting.
Tour Reviews
Great guides. Excellent food at several of the restaurants – a highlight of the trip that was unexpected. Loved the rural feel, and road surfaces were excellent. The ferry to/from the island and island ride were a highlight.
Great Explorations is my preferred bike tour company for experience and value. Our guide was superior – he is knowledgeable in architecture, geography, history, customs and a great ambassador for Denmark. Quiet paths or low traffic roads to cycle on. Scenery was beautiful. The Viking ship museum was outstanding. The gardens at the castle were beautiful.
Beautiful villages we rode through with half-timbered homes. Egeskov Castle was outstanding with beautiful gardens and architecture. All the dinners were exceptional.
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