Cycling Adventure Denmark and Sweden (8DS2601)
Arrivals and Reunions At 4:00 p.m., our journey begins. We gather for the welcome briefing and get a first glimpse of the adventure that lies ahead. Afterwards, our e-bikes are waiting for us in the hotel courtyard. We adjust our saddles, take a short test ride, and feel the excitement growing. The real cycling adventure, however, will begin tomorrow. It quickly becomes clear that many faces are familiar, while others are meeting for the very first time. Before long, we discover that quite a few of us have already shared one tour or another together. In the evening, we head to the famous Nyhavn district. Over a good dinner, old stories are told, memories are shared, and new friendships begin to form. A wonderful start to the days ahead.
We leave the charming capital behind and cycle always along the Baltic Sea coast. The first coffee stop offered fresh smorebrod. It started to drizzling a bit, but the group is tough and fearless. So we reached Roskilde. The cathedral is a UNESCO world heritage Site and the burial place for all the kings, even for those who are still alive is a place prepared. A visit to the Viking Museum offers fascinating insights into Denmark`s maritime history and the Viking era. What`s hygge? Where is the name Bluetooth coming from? What is frokost? Ask our guests, they can answer it.
Our day today was certainly eventful. Due to heavy rain in the morning, it had already been decided the evening before that we would cover the first half of the route by taxi shuttle instead of by bike. And by breakfast, it was obvious: that had been absolutely the right decision! So, by taxi, we headed to the highlight of the day: Frederiksborg Castle. A magnificent Renaissance castle built in the early 17th century by King Christian IV. In one word: WOW. Impressive. Breathtaking. Simply indescribable. And it wasn’t just the castle itself—where you could easily spend an entire day without ever getting bored—that left us in awe. The surrounding castle gardens were equally stunning. Beautiful beyond words. And enormous. The three hours flew by. In the early afternoon, it was finally time to get back on our bikes. We cycled through the castle gardens and continued north towards Gilleleje. After an easy start along the cycle path, the route led us through a forest, accompanied by the beautiful shores of Lake Esrum. This was also where our most experienced tour guide had her very first flat tire. Unfortunately it was the rear tire and it happend on a spot were the Van had no access. It was a bit too much. Part of the group stayed with her while the tire was replaced. And a ranger, who lived next door brought a compressor - wow! Meanwhile, rookie tour guide Sarah took the lead of the larger group (13 riders), and finally accompanied by a little sunshine (well… and plenty of strong wind), we continued our ride in high spirits. What a day!! #amazing #bestteamever
Today it was farvel Danmark and god dag Sverige – goodbye Denmark and hello Sweden. But before taking the ferry from Helsingør (the Danish side) to Helsingborg (Sweden), there was still plenty of culture, art, coffee, and biking waiting for us. With perfect weather and, as always, in great spirits, we left Gilleleje and headed east to our next historic highlight: Kronborg Castle. After enjoying a coffee in the sunshine, we spent about an hour exploring this once again truly impressive landmark. The best view was from the top of the castle tower. Climbing the 145 steps is rewarded with a spectacular panorama of the Øresund region. From there, we could even catch our first glimpse of the second country on our journey – Sweden. Before making our way to the ferry, however, one more highlight awaited us: the renowned Louisiana Museum of Modern Art. The ride there took us along the picturesque coastline, passing beautiful homes and stunning scenery. At the Louisiana Museum, we were treated to a wide variety of fascinating art exhibitions, peaceful green spaces, and delicious food. After a short and pleasant ferry crossing, we arrived in Helsingborg, Sweden. A picture-perfect day.
Fantastic weather, a delicious breakfast at the Clarion Hotel in Helsingborg, and ahead of us, the Sydkustenleden—the bike path along the Swedish coast. Small fishing villages, stunning views across vast cornfields, the citadel in Landskrona, a very local lunch, and finally, Lund at the end of the day.
Today’s ride was the longest stage of the tour so far, covering just over 52 miles and taking us across the countryside, steadily heading east toward the charming coastal village of Kivik. In high spirits and once again blessed with warm sunshine, we set off just before 9:00 a.m. from our beautiful hotel in Lund, as usual divided into two groups, to begin day six of our journey. Today’s route had plenty of variety in store for us. Our first short photo stop was at a picturesque little lake before continuing past beautiful farms and horse studs, through fields and meadows, and across several nature reserves. Things became a bit more challenging on our first off-road section, which turned out to be quite rough. Everyone agreed that after riding that stretch, there was certainly no need for a visit to the chiropractor. ;-) The entire group handled the section brilliantly. Back on smooth asphalt, we continued through a beautiful forest before reaching another idyllic lake that invited us to take a short break. Our first coffee stop was in Sjöbo—of course at a local bakery. Mmm… those cinnamon buns were absolutely delicious! Lunch was served outdoors this time, because no Edelweiss tour would be complete without the famous Edelweiss picnic. In the afternoon, two cultural highlights awaited us: the green oasis of Christinehof Castle and Kaffestugan Alunbruket. During the 18th century, Christinehof was the place to be—almost a state within a state, complete with its own currency. Its prosperity was built on alum production. Unfortunately, a by-product of this industry was severe environmental destruction, and much of the local wildlife disappeared—including the rats. As a result, the plague never had a chance to spread there. Just a stone’s throw from the castle, Kaffestugan Alunbruket is a beautiful café and another wonderfully scenic place that invites visitors to slow down and enjoy the surroundings. After a long and eventful day in the saddle, Kivik welcomed us not only as a charming fishing village on the Baltic Sea, but also with Ernst and the much-appreciated Boat Beer—a perfect way to end another fantastic day.
Restday - juhuuu!!! Some slept in, some went for a swim, or better a quick dip (the Baltic Sea has 52 Fahrenheit), some strolled along the nice little town, some had wellness treatment. Some we took for a very beautiful restday ride - yes it is Astrid Lindgren land and you feel like beeing in Bullerbü - it was just wonderful. The day ended with a picnic at the Baltic Sea - thank you Sarah.
Wonderful weather and an exciting day is ahead of us. Along Swedens south coast we reach Simrisham, a tiny fishing village and stopped for coffee. Glimminghus - the oldest and best preserved castle in Sweden is next. But the absolutely highlight are the stones of Ale. Our destination is Ystad - hometown of crumpy detective Wallander. And of course we have to taste his cake in Fridolfs Konditeri.
We started the final day of our journey along Sweden’s southern coast on the Sydkustleden cycle route. At Sweden’s southernmost point, Smygehuk, we were surprised by a band performing an „Edelweiß-concert“ just for us. The Viking fortress in Trelleborg was our last highlight before we boarded the train to Malmö with all our gear. Sweden’s third-largest city welcomed us with a cold beer and a vibrant summer atmosphere—the perfect ending to a truly beautiful tour.