Copenhagen to Gothenburg

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

OVERVIEW: This cycling tour is divided into two parts.  The first segment is a fixed-based exploration of Copenhagen and surroundings, and the second an extended ride along Sweden’s renowned “Kattegattleden,” which stretches for 242 miles along the country’s west coast. 

Part 1: Copenhagen and Surroundings  

The tour begins with a walking excursion through Copenhagen, which is known as the “bike capital of the world” with its extensive network of 250 miles of bike paths.   On our second day, we cross the bridge over to Amager Island, circumventing the island with stops in Freetown Christiania  and if you desire, tour the National Aquarium. On Day 3, we cycle the 25-mile ride to Roskilde, home of the 12th Century Roskilde Cathedral, a World Heritage UNESCO Site, and Denmark’s most important church, and the  Viking Museum which are one kilometer apart. On the return to Copenhagen, you have the option of the train or cycling. On our fifth day, we leave Copenhagen and first ride through Dyrehaven, a deer park, and head north towards Helsinger with options to stop at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art,  Denmark’s first modern art museum, and Kronborg Castle Castle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Adjacent to Krongborg Castle is the Maritime Museum of Denmark.  A short ferry ride takes us to Helsingborg, Sweden.  You may choose to travel by train along certain parts of the route in order to visit more sites. 

Part 2: Sweden’s Kattegattleden Route  

The second segment of the tour, spans eight days, we cycle Kattegattleden  which begins in Helsingborg, the city after crossing the bridge from Denmark and ends in Gothenburg.  The Kattegatteleden is celebrated for its worldclass exceptional cycling, conditions, outstanding culinary experiences, scenic ocean views and scent of the sea and beach. The Kattegattleden was awarded Route of the Year in Europe” in 2018. During this segment we spend two nights in Halmstad, known as the “Summer City “and an opportunity to visit Tylosand, renowned as Sweden’s best beach.  We finish the tour with two nights in Goteborg or Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, and founded by King Tustavious Adolphus in 1621. While in Gothenburg, we cycle to the car-free islands of Stylorso and Donso. A local guide will then lead us on a walking tour of Gothenburg.

This Colorful Brochure of the Kattegattleden route highlights each segment such as the beaches, museums, historical sites, restaurants, and ice cream.  Read the brochure before you register. The  32-page Map of the whole route shows us whether the cycle path is asphalt or a short gravel segment, places of interest, food and drinks, and bike repair shops.  

If you would like to arrive before the start of the tour, you should consult with the Rick Steve’s Guidebook on Scandinavia which offers walking tours of Copenhagen, and all the sights we will not include in our tour such as Tivoli Gardens, National Museum, and Rosenborg Castle and Treasury. The guidebook also gives you a good itinerary for touring Copenhagen.  See also the City Website for top attractions in Copenhagen. 

RIDE RATING: We decided to rate the Climbing Level as a "2" due to a small portion of unpaved roads although the average elevation gain is about 790 feet, well below the 1500 feet for a Level 2.  We also gave the distance level a "B" although its 32 miles per day average is below the 35 miles per day average needed for a Level B. There is a short day of 15 miles, which would skew the average distance per day. Day 4, 52 miles, which is a ride from Copenhagen to Roskilde would be the only day exceeding the 50 miles per day to stay at Level B. You and your bike may take the train either to or from Roskilde. 

Most of the routes are along paved roads. But according to RWGPS, significant portions of the routes (20%) on Days 6-8 along the Kattegattleden are unpaved.  For a detailed description and pictures of the routes which are unpaved, see Unpaved Portions. 

At the start of the day, you have the freedom to leave at any time, since we do not ride as a “stay together group.”  You can view the distances, elevation gains and losses, and percentage of unpaved roads on the 2023 tour by clicking on Routes. 

CUE SHEETS, MAPS AND GPS FILES:  Final versions of RWGPS routes will be provided approximately 1 month prior to the start of the tour. Participants will receive an email containing a link to the EVENT file. Participants will need to have downloaded (at the minimum) the free version of the RWGPS app to receive the voice turn-by-turn directions. RWGPS can be run on a Garmin device and/or smartphone. Participants wanting cue sheets or maps will need to print their own from the file provided.    You will also be given a printed brochure and map as well of the Kattegattleden which will form the basis of our route discussion each day. You will need to bring both to the tour.

WEATHER: In July, the average high temperature is in the low 70’s and the average low is in the high 50’s. The average number of days of rain is nine days.  So be prepared for these types of weather conditions.  

LODGING AND MEALS:   Hotels are 3- and 4-star level with many with views of water such as a canal in Copenhagen or the Sound, the body of water between Denmark and Sweeden.  There will be daily breakfasts and nine group dinners. Vegetarian options are available for most dinners.  In some of the hotels we will stay in, there will be two twin-size beds placed side by side with individual duvets for each person. Please note this bedding arrangement and decide if you will be comfortable with it.  

LOGISTICS:  We will meet for our first social hour on Monday, July 5, 2027, at 5:00 PM at our first hotel, and then walk to our first dinner. As of this moment, we are negotiating with different hotels and will finalize arrangements before July  2026. Ride participants can fly into Copenhagen Airport and then take a shuttle to the hotel.  At the end of the tour on Tuesday, July 20, 2027, after breakfast, those who are leaving can depart from Gothenburg International Airport. Many of the 2023 participants traveled by train to Stockholm.   

A van will transport luggage and provide emergency support assistance in case of injury, illness, or major mechanical issues. Riders are, however, expected to cycle the entire ride. BAC tours are designed for serious cyclists who are able to ride independently. 

The van will transport the luggage each move day. Each rider is expected to drop off their luggage by the announced time. Participants are expected to handle their own luggage and to help with loading and unloading the van. Due to limited space and handling requirements, we limit everyone to two pieces of luggage-one with a maximum size of 62 linear inches (21’x27’x14’ is typical) and less than 50 pounds, and a backpack.  Medical equipment such as CPAP machines are not counted towards this limitation. 

Denmark and Sweden have a regional train system called the "Oresundstag" which services all our stops in both countries and takes both bikes and passengers.  You should first review the schedules and stops if you plan to take the train by clicking on the blue link above.  

If you are bringing your own bike, you should equip it with 32 mm gravel tires as the routes noted have significant stretches of unpaved roads. If you are renting a bike, one possibility is One-Way Bike Tours, where you can pick up the bike in Copenhagen and drop it off in Gothenburg.  (One Way Bike Tours). We are also evaluating the numerous other  bike rental shops.  We intend to arrange a group discount if sufficient ride participants rent bikes. E-bikes and tandems will be allowed on the tour. By assisting in the finding of rental bikes, the Ride Leaders and the Bicycle Adventure Club are not warranting the condition of the bikes and deny any liability for any damages or injuries from the rental bikes.  

We will transport bike boxes if sufficient space is found in the van. Otherwise, as for the 2023 tour, we will ask the bike rental company to store bike boxes and bring them to Gothenburg on our last day of riding. 

ETIAS TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION: ETIAS stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System. It is a visa waiver for short-term stays in Europe and has been in the works for almost a decade. ETIAS is not a visa but it will be required for some travelers to the EU, including Americans and Canadians. The roll-out is currently expected to begin at some point in Q4 2026. More information on the requirement will be provided to tour participants by January 2027. More information can be found here: https://etias.com. 

COST AND ADMINISTRATION: The estimated cost of this bike tour is $5000 per person double occupancy for 15 nights, daily happy hours, all breakfasts and nine group dinners. It also includes the transport of luggage, provision of gpx files, and brochures, and maps provided by the regional governments. The ride fee was determined based on an exchange rate of 1 Danish krone = 0.1741 USD, and Swedish krona = 0.1210 USD. Dependent on currency exchange fluctuations before the start of the tour, there may be an adjustment in the amount of the final payment. 

Both Denmark and Sweden have a high cost of living, and this is reflected in the estimated cost of $5000.  Of the total costs of $5000, $2,750.00 is for lodging, and $550 for nine group meals.  The estimated cost was calculated based on 20 minimum riders and will be reduced if the maximum number of 24 is reached. 

The first deposit of $2500 is due upon acceptance to the ride. The second deposit of $2,500 is due on November 1, 2026.  

SINGLES and SOLOS: Singles and solos are a great addition to any ride and are most welcome to join. A “single” is a participant who wishes to share a room. We recommend that singles who would like a roommate to try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until November 1, 2026, to find a roommate. If he or she is unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC fee and payment processing fee) or pay the $1614 solo supplement and stay on the ride.  If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the tour.   The solo supplement payment must be sent to the BAC office by November 1, 2026, and may be paid by check or Zelle.

To pay using Zelle: 

• In your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient, with email address- treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org 
• Initiate a payment 
• In the Message block, enter the name of your ride. 

If you have questions, contact Nancy Bohnett (nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org). If you are are paying by a check, you must make it  payable to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to: Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193. 

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If the canceling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the canceling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped, the canceling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety placed in jeopardy, a plan will be developed by the ride leaders and communicated to all individuals. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness to ensure the tour can continue as planned.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Please remember that BAC Ride Directors are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from the Ride Director. While on the ride, support your Ride Director with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Director informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Director’s decisions. 

Please be sure to read the ride description carefully, respond promptly to calls for payments and emails from the Ride Director.  While on the ride, offer to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation.  All our Ride Directors are volunteers, and we ask that participants respect their decisions. 

INSURANCE STATEMENT:  BAC maintains two insurance policies: a) United States, and b) Foreign (all other countries). Both the U.S. and Foreign policies are considered secondary policies to your personal medical insurance policy. They are subject to a $1000 deductible and may not cover all expenses related to an accident. Copies of the current policies are located under the “Docs” tab on the BAC website.

Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. While touring in the U.S, the BAC insurance includes coverage for injuries due to accidents during the bike trip. Members’ personal insurance will need to cover medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected illness (i.e. treatment for unexpected illnesses, including Covid, are not covered).

While touring internationally, i.e., outside of the U.S., BAC maintains Foreign accident insurance to assist with expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies (including sudden and unexpected sickness), and repatriation. Insurance will apply door-to-door for treatment and travel for a maximum of 90 days overall. Coverage extends to a limited period spanning the published BAC trip dates, allowing for side trips occurring before and after the BAC ride; the limitation period is 7 days before or after the published BAC trip dates. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine.

SIGN-UP: To submit a request to join this ride use the "links" displayed above this Ride Description. When you are accepted, the Ride Leader will move you from the Waitlist to the Pending List. At this time, you will receive an email notification to login to the BAC website to sign the release of liability form and pay the non-refundable BAC ride registration fee and the initial tour deposit (insert dollar amount) by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. To contact the Ride Director, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description. Waitlisting is encouraged.