4
moderate to challenging

Traveller Rating

 

Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 10 nights comfortable hotels and guesthouses
Meals
  • 10 Breakfasts

11 Days£2020GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: BTC

Trip highlights

  • Discovering two of Europe's most fascinating capital cities
  • Experiencing the gorgeous lake district of Germany
  • The ferry crossing from Rostock to the white cliffs of Møn Island
  • Cycling the final leg along the coast to downtown Copenhagen

The contrasts between northern Germany and Denmark don't begin right at the border, but you'll certainly notice them on this cross border cycling trip. From Germany's vibrant, culturally rich and exciting capital of Berlin, you'll cycle north to the coast via forests and lakes, hopping from glistening island to island, towards the Danish capital of Copenhagen. The route takes you along canals, through scenic coastal stretches and shady forest tracks. On occasion you will need to catch local trains and also a ferry to Denmark. Germany's scattered lakes, peaceful wetlands and emerald forests provide a wonderful start for the cycling ahead. The Danish landscapes are vibrant in contrast, changing from cliff-lined coasts to white sandy beaches and where picturesque fishing villages alternate with majestic palaces and gorgeous manor-houses further inland.

Countries:

Germany, Denmark

Starting Point:

Oranienburg

Finishing Point:

Copenhagen

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Make your own way to Oranienburg and the joining hotel. There is a good S-Bahn connection between Berlin-Mitte and Oranienburg.

Meals:  Nil

Today you cycle the Oder Havel Canal to the town of Liebenwalde, home to a museum set in a former prison. Continue alongside the canal to the pink town hall in Zehdenick. In the Mildenberg Museum Park you can experience industrial history first hand in what was once Europe's largest brickworks area. Overnight in Zehdenick/Fuerstenberg or nearby. +156m/-135m

Meals:  B

The Mecklenburg Lake District begins at the "Great Stechlin", immortalised in literature by Th. Fontane. Cycling to Neustrelitz you will pass a number of smaller and larger lakes. Your destination is the former royal seat of Neustrelitz. The castle park, the star-shaped market square and the town layout are testimony to the history of the Grand Duchy of Strelitz. Overnight in Neustrelitz or the surrounding area.

Meals:  B

A highlight of the trip is the Müritz National Park, Germany's largest land national park with more than 130 lakes scattered amongst forest and wetlands. This extensive protected area is a refuge for endangered flora and fauna. Visit the small village of Ankershagen, where the adventurer Schliemann, who discovered Troy, grew up. The museum here brings his work to life. Continue to the spa town of Waren / Muritz for overnight.

Meals:  B

Today you will cycle through the peaceful forests of Nossentiner Heide National Park to Krakow am See. Not to be confused with the city of Krakow in Poland, Krakow am See is a small town set between lakes, farmland and forests. Continue to Güstrow, home of the expressionist sculptor and printmaker, Barlach. The afternoon is free to explore the old town and visit Barlach’s studio. Overnight stay in Güstrow or surrounding area.

Meals:  B

On the way to Rostock you will cycle along the Bützow-Güstrow Canal. You can shorten today's cycling by taking any number of trains to Rostock (train tickets not included, payable locally). Overnight in Rostock.

Meals:  B

This morning you cycle to Rostock harbour (approx 12km) to board the ferry to Gedser (2 hours crossing, ticket included) on the Danish island of Falster. Continue by bike across Denmark’s beautiful landscapes of dikes, small forests and pristine beaches to reach the city of Nykøbing.

Meals:  B

Today you follow the coast across easy terrain to the old merchant town of Stubbekøbing. Take some time to explore the town before boarding the ferry (not included, payable locally), which makes a quick stop at the island of Bogø before continuing to the island of Møn. Disembark and enjoy pedaling around quiet country roads and passing thatched houses, or stretch out on a beach by the Baltic Sea. Or you can cycle via Vordingborg to Kalvehave to the island of Møn instead of taking the ferry. Overnight in the town of Stege on Møn.

Meals:  B

After crossing the bridge from Møn to Zealand, continue north through coastal landscapes passing cottages, country and manor houses, surrounded by farmland. Fakse Ladeplads is approx. 55 km away, and Rødvig with its fascinating cliffs approx. 75 km. If you are booked to stay overnight in Rødvig, you will have reached your destination. If you are booked to stay in Køge, you can take the train from either Fakse or Rødvig (train ticket not included, payable locally). Or you can cycle to Køge without taking the train, in which case the distance is 107km/66.8mi. Overnight in Rødvig or Køge.

Meals:  B

On your last cycle day of the tour you will ride along coastal paths to Copenhagen. If you have spent the night in Rødvig (75km from Copenhagen), today's stage leads along the beaches. From the village church in Højerup you have a unique view of the chalk coast "Stevns Klingt". In Køge (41km) you can visit the local history museum "Køge Byhistoriske Arkiv". You may like to visit the private ARKEN Museum of Modern Art in Ishøj along the way. Copenhagen is an enchanting city. A visit to the Tivoli Gardens is a must, as is a stroll around the old harbour city.

Meals:  B

The trip concludes after breakfast in Copenhagen. We can book extra nights on request, please ask for our rates (note: additional nights are not possible with bike rental).

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 10 breakfasts - buffet style with breads, spreads, cheese, often meats and cereals, coffee, tea, juice
  • 10 nights comfortable hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Rental bike (24 speed, or 8 speed on request or if 24 speed fully booked) with pannier and repair kit, lock and pump per room (e-bike available on request - supplement applies). Odometers are available on request with advance notice (limited availability).
  • Luggage transfers - max 2 pieces, 15kg per piece (per person), supplement applies for excess
  • Information pack including route notes and maps - one per room booked, GPS data available
  • Ferry Rostock to Gedser with bike on day 7
  • Emergency hotline - 7 days, 8am to 8pm

  • Travel to Oranienburg and from Copenhagen
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Helmets (not available for rent, please bring your own well fitted helmet)
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling trip
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Entrance fees
  • Transfers not listed as included: ferry Stubbekøbing - Bogø (approx €13pp) on day 8, optional train Fakse/Rødvig - Køge (approx €15pp) on day 9, optional train to Rostock Harbour (allow €10pp) on dy 7 - prices subject to change
  • Excess luggage
  • We recommend bringing a holder for your mobile phone to fix to the handlebars, to cycle smoothly following the GPS files
  • Hotel/visitor tax approx €1-5 per person per night, payable locally at the hotel
  • Items of a personal nature

Accommodation

2 to 4 star hotels & guesthouses

During the trip you will be accommodated in 2 to 4 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis all with ensuite facilities. In some European hotels, a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bedframe but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room. Larger hotels are booked in Oranienburg, Rostock and Copenhagen.

Bike information

24 Speed Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 24 speed bike rental with pannier, puncture repair kit, lock and pump per room. These are usually Kettler and Kalkhoff bikes in unisex and men's styles in various sizes and are fitted with gel seats. 8 speed bikes are available on request, or will be provided if 24 speed is fully booked. Odometers are available on request with advance notice - depending on availability, will be either per bike, room or group booked. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies.

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedalling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.

Trail Surface

Combination of trails

Cycling will mostly be on asphalt bike paths but also includes bike paths, solid forest and field tracks. There will be some road cycling with little traffic, especially when entering or leaving towns & villages.

Suitability

moderate to challenging

4

GRADE 4 - This trip involves 9 days cycling with cycling stages from 35 to 78km / 21.5 to 48.5mi per day with gradual ascent and descent. The terrain on this tour is flat with occasional hills however weather conditions can impact on the riding difficulty. Approximately 50% of the tour is on quiet roads and 40% on dirt or gravel roads. This trip requires a good level of fitness. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn.

Departure dates

Every Monday from 19 May to 25 Aug

Notes

Note:
Allow EUR30 for train and ferry tickets not included.
Note:
Not available to commence 4 Aug due to Hanse Sail in Rostock (7-10 Aug)

Priceper person from

£2020GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementGBP£150
  • Single supplementGBP£450
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.