Sweden and Denmark by bike and boat from Copenhagen

During this magnificent "Bike & Sail" journey aboard the Atlantis, you will discover beautiful cities, small villages, and islands around and within the Øresund, the strait between Denmark and Sweden.
The narrow Øresund has been a historic trade route, much like the Strait of Gibraltar and the Bosphorus, a passage of great strategic and economic importance for centuries. Charming old harbors and fortified towns line its shores.
The journey begins in Copenhagen and ends in Malmö, two of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe. Between these two cities, many treasures await you:
- The "Danish Riviera"
- Medieval towns of Helsingør, Landskrona, and Køge
- Ven Island, a true gem of the strait
- Stevns Klint cliffs
- Malmö
- Copenhagen
- Helsingborg
About this Bike & Sail package:
Sleep and enjoy breakfast on board. Each day, you'll receive a packed lunch and have the option to follow a pre-planned cycling route. If you prefer, you can take a rest day and sail aboard the ship. Touring bikes and electric bikes are available for rent on board.
If you wish, you can also participate in the sailing and sail-hoisting activities—with instructions from the experienced crew, of course—no prior sailing experience is needed. Or you can simply relax and enjoy the sail while admiring the views from the ship.
Guided cycling tour:
Accompanied by two experienced guides, you and the group will visit interesting places and sites during the daily cycling excursions. During briefings and along the way, you will receive all the necessary information about the route and points of interest. You may also choose to do the bike rides independently and at your own pace, using the free navigation app Ride with GPS and our map (available on board upon request). The bike rides on this trip are not particularly long, but they do involve some elevation; certain short sections may be challenging. For this reason, we have rated this trip at difficulty level 3.
Day 1: Copenhagen, boarding and registration
Starting from 5:30 PM, the crew will welcome you aboard the ship, which is moored near the city center. After storing your luggage in your cabin, the skipper, the crew, and the tour guide will invite you for a welcome drink, followed by dinner on board. During the first briefing, after dinner, you will receive information about the upcoming trip, the ship, and the safety measures on board. Bicycles will be distributed in the evening or the next morning.
Day 2: From Copenhagen to Humlebaek and Helsingør (48 km)
This first bike stage heads towards Helsingør. Leave the city by passing the Little Mermaid and the Kastellet Citadel on peaceful bike paths. Along the Øresund, as well as inland, you’ll visit charming villages and cycle through forested areas. About 10 km before Helsingør, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art is worth a stop.
Continue towards the historic town of Helsingør, where the harbor is dominated by the imposing Kronborg Castle. This is the setting that inspired Shakespeare to write "Hamlet". The buildings of the old port have been tastefully restored and now host a street food market and a maritime museum, among other attractions.
Day 3: Loop from Helsingør via Hornbaek and Esrum (28 to 45 km) | From Helsingør to Helsingborg ⛵
Today's route takes you along the "Danish Riviera" with its wide sandy beaches and the small port of Hornbaek. The route continues inland on slightly hilly terrain to Esrum and its monastery by the lake. Return to Helsingør on picturesque paths surrounded by wheat fields, charming castles, and lovely country houses.
During dinner, the boat crosses the strait to reach Helsingborg, Sweden. Helsingborg is a beautiful old town and is also considered one of the most innovative cities in Europe. Feel free to take a walk around town after dinner!
Day 4: From Helsingborg to Landskrona (28 km) | Ferry to Ven Island – Loop ride on the island (10 km)
In the morning, cycle along the coast of Scania County to the fortified town of Landskrona. Its 16th-century citadel is almost completely intact. Along the way, you will pass a few beaches and the old fishing village of Borstahusen with its picturesque houses.
Just after noon, take the ferry to Ven Island. Explore the small island (7.5 km²), which has fewer than 400 inhabitants and is a real gem in the middle of the Øresund. Ride around the island and visit jewelry workshops, whiskey distillery, or the observatory of the famous Danish astronomer, Tycho Brahe. As the island's port is too small to accommodate the sailboat, the crew will pick you up directly in an inflatable boat to bring you back on board.
Day 5: From Ven Island to Køge or Rødvig ⛵
Today is sailing day (weather permitting, of course). From Ven Island, you will pass under the Øresund Bridge to reach the southern part of Zealand. Soak up the sun on the ship's spacious deck and enjoy the cruise. Your destination for the day will be Køge or Rødvig, depending on the weather conditions. In Køge, the boat will be moored at the port. In Rødvig, it will anchor near the coast. Between these two villages, you will find the towering limestone cliffs of Stevns Klint. This area, with its extremely low population density (also called a "Dark Sky Reserve"), is perfect for stargazing. On a clear night, the view is breathtaking and truly unique.
Day 6: From Rødvig to Stevns Klint and Køge (30 km) or loop ride from Køge via Stevns Klint (58 km) | From Køge to Malmö ⛵
Depending on where the boat spent the previous night, the route will differ. In both cases, you’ll enjoy the chance to explore the Stevns Klint cliffs (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and admire the limestone up close. A stop at the charming village of Højerup, with its church perched on the cliff, is also included.
Køge is a medieval town worth exploring. Take your time to stroll through the historic center. In the evening, during dinner, the boat will take you from Køge to Malmö.
Day 7: Malmö and surroundings (26 km) or loop to Lund and Lomma (49 km)
Today, you have two options:
- The short loop will take you through Malmö’s must-see sights and its surroundings, including a surprising view of the Øresund Bridge.
- The long loop leads you along quiet country roads to the lively university town of Lund, one of Sweden's oldest cities! Explore the charming city center with its 12th-century cathedral. On the return journey, you’ll cycle along the stunning coastline. Take time for a swim in the sea or enjoy an ice cream.
On board, the captain’s farewell dinner awaits you.
Day 8: Malmö
Your journey ends today, but we won't let you leave on an empty stomach. Before disembarking at 9:30 AM, enjoy a delicious breakfast and say your goodbyes.
Important notes for the Sail & Bike program:
A little adventure is part of every Sail & Bike tour: only the departure and arrival days and locations are 100% certain. The rest of the daily sailing routes depend partly on the strength and direction of the wind. The skipper decides on the best route to take each day and discusses the options with the crew. However, it is possible that departure times, time spent on the water, and even the order of the program may be adjusted.
Enjoy the journey and let yourself be guided by the elements! Whenever possible, various crossings will be done entirely under sail, and anyone who wishes to help the crew with sailing and steering the boat is welcome to do so. Of course, this is entirely optional, and no prior sailing experience is necessary.