KOPENHAGEN
No mountains, but fine city trails, fresh Baltic Sea air and relaxed Nordic people
No climb is longer than 50 metres in altitude - before anything can start to drag in your legs, the mountain is already done. So, what do you actually do as a mountain biker in Denmark? Copenhagen, the country's capital, is scattered across several islands directly on the Baltic Sea. Some of the lanes here are wider for cyclists than for motorised traffic. The "cycle highways" were designed in 2013 to minimise the number of stop signs and traffic lights. Clear the way to the cultural highlights and the many inner-city "playgrounds" for mountain bikers.
Young Danny MacAskills will really enjoy these spots, while dirt bikers prefer to let off steam on the large pump track with launch ramp, tables and berms. However, the really big dirt course awaits in the city forest: you can easily spend half a day on the hand-built flow trails with bumps and interspersed steps. For the big day ride, you can choose a beautiful beach on the Baltic coast as your destination. The city has already got 60 per cent of Copenhageners on their bikes with this offer. By 2025, the cycle paths are to be expanded to three lanes - making Copenhagen the most cyclist-friendly city in the world.
Tours For an initial overview of the city and its bike spots, it is worth taking a guided tour with a guide. You'll also learn how to get around accident-free during the cycling rush hour. With bike shop and proper rental bikes: www.mtb-tours.dk
Evening There is a relaxed and young atmosphere throughout the city. So there is no shortage of restaurants and bars. We found the freshly prepared menus at Relae to be the tastiest, www.restaurant-relae.dk. Best coffee: The Coffee Collective.
Sleeping Hotel Guldsmeden or Wakeup Copenhagen (Motel One concept).
Gitta Beimfohr
Editor
