A visitor's guide to cycling Copenhagen
Ride the city
like a local -
safely.
Copenhagen runs on bikes. Learn the lanes, the hand signals and the unwritten rules in ten minutes - then explore the city's best routes with confidence.
The essentials
Things to know before you push off
Ride in the bike lane - always
Where there is a cycle track (the raised lane between the pavement and the road), you must use it - riding on the sidewa...
Lights on after dark
From dusk to dawn you must have a white light at the front and a red light at the rear, visible from 300 metres. Police...
Keep your phone in your pocket
Using a handheld phone while cycling is illegal in Denmark and fined around 1,000 kr. That includes texting at red light...
One bike, one person
Passengers on the luggage rack are illegal, however charming it looks in films. Children may only be carried in an appro...
Learn the two hand signals
Copenhagen traffic runs on two signals: an arm stretched out to the side means "I'm turning that way"; a hand raised str...
→The full
safety guide
Etiquette, intersections, hand signals & more.
↑ Everyday Copenhagen - bikes are simply how the city moves.
Where to ride
Routes worth the detour
Hand-picked rides with the stops we'd actually make - sights, cafés and bars along the way.
Copenhagen Grand Tour - The Big Saturday Ride
The 50 km everything-ride: harbour, coast, wilderness, gardens and lakes.
Nordhavn + Svanemollen + Hellerup Waterfront
Sea and new architecture north along the coast to Charlottenlund.
Lakes + Assistens + Norrebro Food Route
The lakes, a green cemetery and Norrebro's best eating in one loop.
Life in the bike lane
A city built for two wheels
Cargo bikes ferrying kids, commuters in suits, café stops by the harbour - cycling here is simply how the city moves.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is Copenhagen safe for cycling as a tourist?
Yes - Copenhagen is one of the safest cities in the world to cycle. Nearly 400 km of cycle tracks are physically separated from car traffic, drivers are used to bikes, and most tourist routes run on car-free paths. The main things to learn are the local rules: keep right, use hand signals, and make the "Copenhagen left" at intersections. Read our cycling guide before your first ride and you will be safer than in almost any other city.
How much does it cost to rent a bike in Copenhagen?
Bike rental in Copenhagen costs from about 65-200 kr per day for a standard city bike, depending on the shop and location. E-bikes run around 350-600 kr/day and electric cargo bikes 600-800 kr/day. For short hops, share bikes like Donkey Republic start at about 12 kr/hour with a 24-hour deal around 99 kr. Staying a month or more? A subscription bike (such as Swapfiets, from 199 kr/month including repairs) is usually the best value.
Do I need a helmet to ride a bike in Copenhagen?
No - there is no bicycle helmet law in Denmark for adults or children, and many locals ride without one. Helmets are still recommended, especially if you are new to city cycling, and nearly every rental shop offers them for around 50 kr per day. If you are riding with kids, put helmets on them even though the law does not require it.
What are the most important bike rules in Copenhagen?
The essentials: ride in the bike lane with the traffic (never on the sidewalk), use hand signals (arm out to turn, hand up to stop), make the two-stage "Copenhagen left" instead of turning left like a car, use lights after dark, and never hold your phone while riding. One person per bike, and stop for bus passengers crossing the bike lane. Our 20-section cycling guide covers every rule - the legal ones and the cultural ones.
What fines can cyclists get in Copenhagen?
Danish police do fine cyclists, tourists included. Typical fines: around 700 kr for missing lights after dark or riding on the sidewalk, and around 1,000 kr for running a red light, holding a phone, or riding against the traffic. Cycling while clearly drunk can cost around 1,500 kr. The good news: the rules are simple, and following them is exactly what makes Copenhagen cycling feel so safe.