Cycling Copenhagen to Oslo

Highlights: Copenhagen considered the “most livable city and bike capital of the world”

The Danes are known for their love of bicycling and Copenhagen is renowned for its cycling infrastructure that cities across the world are trying to emulate. With over 390 kilometers (241 miles) of designated bike lanes, it is truly a bicyclist’s heaven. The world also looks to Copenhagen for the latest innovations in design, architecture, fashion, and visitors savor the extraordinary culinary revolution that has taken place here over the last decade. We’ll meet for a bike fitting and then enjoy a unique Danish dinner to celebrate our Scandinavian adventure.

Highlights: Lousiana Art Museum, Kronborg Castle

Today you will join some of the most practiced bike commuters in the world as we cycle out of Copenhagen on some of Europe’s oldest city bike paths. We will bike up the coast past the Louisiana Art Museum on our way to Kronborg Castle which is most famously known for being the setting of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Fall in love with the landscape today while cycling through enchanted forests and along prototypical Danish bike paths.

Highlights: Biking along the Kattegattleden Europe’s Cycle Route of the Year in 2018

The day starts with a short ferry ride from Denmark to Sweden. From the ferry we pedal along the coast on the famous Kattegattleden bike route which was named Europe’s Cycle Route of the year in 2018. We follow the coastline and weave in and out of country roads on our way to Ängelholm. From here we’ll shuttle to Varberg where we will spend two nights exploring the coast and this beautiful fortified town.

Highlights: Explore Varberg’s Historic bathhouses and beaches

Our loop ride today takes us along parts of the Kattegattleden and into the interior. We’ll also take time to explore Varberg, with its beautiful castle and bustling downtown. Back in the early 1800s, the town was already a well known health resort to which people flocked to drink the waters, and water is still important to Varberg’s popularity today. There are a number of spa hot springs baths (old and new), beaches and lots of windsurfing off the coast. Don’t miss exploring the waterfront Bathhouse built in 1903 with its beautiful architecture.

Highlights: Kattegattleden Cycle Route, Coastal riding

Today’s ride continues following the Kattegattleden where we pass beaches and tiny fishing villages. Gorgeous views of the coast open up intermittently as you head north. Your destination is Särö, another historic vacation spot that became popular with the elite from Gothenburg in the early 20th century.

Highlights: Biking along the Kattegattleden into Gothenburg

Today’s ride continues along the Kattegattleden bike path with views off the beautiful North Sea coastline as we pedal into the vibrant city of Gothenburg. You will follow bike paths right into the center of the city. We’ll enjoy dinner together tonight.

Highlights: Tour of Gothenburg, Nösund fishing village

We start the day with a city tour of Gothenburg,”Stockholm’s little sister.” An important seaport and unexpectedly energetic city, Gothenburg offers plenty to explore. After lunch on your own, we transfer to Nösund, a small and quiet island village nicely situated right on the waterfront of Orust, Sweden’s third largest island, and overlooking the smaller island of Lyr across the strait. Take a ride if you want this afternoon to Mollösund, one of Sweden’s oldest fishing villages. We’ll have dinner together this evening.

Highlights: Islands of Malö and Flatön, ferry rides, Fiskebäckskil harbor, coastline scenery

We island hop by ferry today as we pedal north. Our first small island is Malö, known for its quiet roads and lush gardens. Throughout the day we’ll pedal rolling hills and weave in and out of rocky shores and small towns. Tonight we stay in Fiskebäckskil, situated on the island of Skaftö, overlooking the entrance to Sweden’s largest fjord, Gullmaren. The town boasts a rich maritime history while its well-preserved wooden houses make for beautiful photos, many of which date back to the 18th century.

Highlights: Morning ferry to Lysekil, Rock carvings near Brastad

Dating back to the Viking era, this coastal region has been a hub of maritime activity for centuries. The seafaring tradition is deeply ingrained in the local culture, and you can still see remnants of the past in the fishing villages along our ride. Fjällbacka has a square and a small statue honoring Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, whose remote summer house on Dannhomen is still owned by the family today. Fjällbacka is also the backdrop to a series of crime novels written by native daughter Camilla Läckberg.

Highlights: Tanumshede World Heritage Site, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – rock carvings south of Thamun

We continue exploring the Bohuslän archipelago en route to the lively harbor town of Strömstad. Sweden’s western coastaline is famous for its clear waters, rugged beauty and rocky formations. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, evidenced by the Bronze Age rock carvings on display near Backstad and Thamun. Some of Europe’s most significant and extensive carvings are visible at the Tanumshede UNESCO World Heritage site. Our home for two nights, Strömstad serves as a gateway to the Koster Islands, which are part of Sweden’s first marine national park.

Highlights: Rest day, ferry ride, Kosterhavet National Park, Koster Fjord

Today you can choose your own adventure. Relax in town or take a short ferry ride and explore Kosterhavet National Park. The 250 meter-deep and 3 km-wide Koster fjorden, infused with deep water currents from the North Atlantic, separates the park’s two main islands from the mainland. Six thousand different marine species can be found in the fjord’s waters, including 200 that are endemic. Bikes are welcome on South Koster island, while the smaller, northern island is limited to foot traffic. Back in Strömstad, be sure to enjoy the local catch of the day for dinner on your own.

Highlights: Nordic and Viking archaeological sites, Welcome to Norway!

You’ll cross another border today on your ride to Fredrikstad, tracing a route across inlets and through valleys, and weaving past historic landmarks such as Jellhaug. One of Scandinavia’s largest burial mounds that dates to around 500 AD – toward the end of Nordic migration, Jellhaug neighbors another important Viking cemetery that includes a traditional ship burial, a practice generally reserved for chieftains. As you reach your destination in Fredrikstad, the quaint charm of the old town welcomes you with its cobbled streets and centuries-old fortifications.

Highlights: Kurefjordsvejen nature reserve

We start riding along the stunning Oslo Fjord today, winding our way towards the Kurefjordsvejen nature reserve, which protects the unique marine ecosystem found in these harbors. Our destination tonight is Son, a small coastal town that traces its history back to medieval times when it served as a bustling trading post and fishing village on the Oslo Fjord. Throughout the centuries, Son thrived as a center for maritime commerce and shipbuilding. In the modern era, Son has evolved into a coastal destination, attracting visitors with its well-preserved historic architecture and scenic waterfront.

Highlights: Ferry (or train) to Oslo

We’ll catch a ferry, or depending on ferry schedules, train to Oslo late this morning and enjoy lunch together after disembarking in Norway’s capital city. We’ll part ways in the early afternoon so you can explore this beautiful city or enjoy onward travels.

Note: Ferry and train departure schedules fluctuate from year to year. Plan your onwards travel late in the day or for the next day.