While Amsterdam is synonymous with cycling there is another European capital that has more cycle routes than the Dutch city, more cyclists, more bicycles but less congestion for bike lovers. Some say life in this city is lived in the saddle of a bicycle.
With over 454km (282 miles) of designated bike lanes, making it convenient for locals and visitors to discover the city’s hidden gems, this pretty capital city is a cyclist paradise. Officially named the first Bike City in the World it has long been famous for its biking culture. In fact 50% of all its citizens commute by bike every day, which pips Amsterdam at 48%, and there are more bicycles than inhabitants. The city boasts numerous excellent cycle routes, catering to all levels, so there is no excuse for anyone not to get back in the saddle and explore this city on two wheels.
In the Danish capital of Copenhagen nine out of ten people own a bike so it’s no wonder cycling is rooted deeply in the DNA of every Copenhagener, letting this Viking city take the lead among the cycling metropolises.
Over 62% of trips in Copenhagen are made by bike, while it’s 48% in Amsterdam’s urban core, according to The Guardian.
Many areas of the city are designed with cyclists in mind, including dedicated bike lanes and traffic signals.
Consider joining a guided bike tour to discover hidden gems and learn about the city’s cycling culture. Bike rentals are readily available throughout Copenhagen. While helmets are not legally required, it’s recommended to wear one for safety.
Cycling in Copenhagen is generally considered easier for tourists than Amsterdam despite both cities being incredibly bike-friendly. While both have excellent infrastructure, Copenhagen’s bike lanes are often wider and more separated from traffic, and cyclists generally report feeling safer and more comfortable navigating the city by bike.
Biking tourists in Amsterdam say the cyclingexperience there can be more intense, with cyclists sometimes facing more aggressive drivers and navigating narrower streets, especially during peak hours.
Popular routes for cyclists in Copenhagen include the Harbour Circle, a scenic 13km loop around the harbour, which perfect for exploring Copenhagen’s waterfront, passing by attractions like Nyhavn and harbour swimming spots.
The Green Path is a north-south route through the city’s heart offering a safe and scenic pathway through various neighbourhoods.
The Lakes route offers a leisurely ride along the paved pathways surrounding Copenhagen’s lakes, offering a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Well-marked bike paths lead to Amager Beach Park, providing scenic views and a chance to enjoy the beach.
For longer rides, the Berlin-Copenhagen route offers a stunning 64km (40 miles) stretch along the coastline of Falster, featuring coastal views and charming towns.
The Compenhagenize Index is the most comprehensive ranking of the world’s most bike-friendly cities. Since 2011, the ranking system has evaluated bike-friendly cities every two years. The ranking includes criteria such as safety for cyclists, number of cycle paths and promotion of cycling. Over the years, Copenhagen and Amsterdam have repeatedly won the coveted trophy for the world’s most bicycle-friendly city.
Copenhagen has been ranked the number one cycling city in Europe and worldwide since 2015 followed by Amsterdam and Utrecht. Antwerp in Belgium and Strasbourg in France make up the top five.