Home » Destination News » Copenhagen Leads the Way as the Best City for Cyclists in Europe with Unmatched Bike-Friendly Streets and Culture
Published on
September 9, 2025
When it comes to the best city for cyclists in Europe, Copenhagen unquestionably takes the top spot. Known for its outstanding cycling infrastructure and deeply ingrained cycling culture, this Danish capital offers a model for other cities to follow. It’s not just about cycling lanes and bike paths—it’s about creating a city where cycling is not only practical but also the preferred way of getting around. With its extensive network of bike routes, low bike theft rates, and commitment to sustainability, Copenhagen is a beacon for anyone who loves cycling.
A City Built for Cycling
Copenhagen’s reputation as the best city for cyclists in Europe has been earned through years of thoughtful planning and dedication to cycling infrastructure. The city is designed to prioritize bikes over cars, with expansive networks of protected bike lanes, dedicated traffic lights for cyclists, and bike-sharing systems that make it easy to rent a bike for a day. Whether you’re commuting to work or exploring the city as a tourist, cycling in Copenhagen feels effortless.
Nearly 50% of Copenhagen residents commute by bike, highlighting just how central cycling is to the city’s lifestyle.The city’s cycling infrastructure includes over 390 kilometers of designated bike lanes, making it safe and easy for cyclists to navigate all parts of the city.Copenhagen is known for its safe streets, with low levels of bike theft and an emphasis on reducing accidents, ensuring that cyclists feel secure while riding.Cycling Culture: A Way of Life
What truly sets Copenhagen apart as the best city for cyclists in Europe is its strong cycling culture. In Copenhagen, cycling is far more than a mode of transport—it’s a part of daily life. The city’s flat terrain and well-designed urban spaces make it easy for people of all ages and abilities to bike wherever they need to go. Whether for commuting or leisure, cycling is deeply embedded in the lifestyle of Copenhagen’s residents.
Key elements of Copenhagen’s cycling culture include:
High Cycling Participation: More than half of the city’s population uses bicycles for daily commuting.Bike-Friendly Amenities: The city offers a wealth of bike-friendly amenities such as bike racks, repair stations, and easy access to rental bikes for visitors.Safety First: Copenhagen has implemented measures to ensure cyclists’ safety, with dedicated bike lanes and traffic lights that prioritize cyclists, making the city a safe place to ride.
This strong cycling culture is why Copenhagen ranks as the best city for cyclists in Europe. It’s a place where biking is not just common but the preferred way of getting around.
The Harbour Circle: A Popular Bike Route
One of the best ways to experience Copenhagen’s bike-friendly atmosphere is by cycling the Harbour Circle route. This 8-mile bike route takes you around the city’s harbor and offers views of some of Copenhagen’s most iconic landmarks. The route is a perfect example of the city’s commitment to creating bike routes that are both practical and scenic, allowing cyclists to enjoy the beauty of the city while on the move.
Along the Harbour Circle, cyclists can enjoy:
Nyhavn: The famous harbor with its colorful buildings and lively atmosphere.Swim Areas: Relax by the waterfront or take a dip in one of Copenhagen’s designated swimming areas.Houseboats and Parks: Ride through peaceful parks and past houseboats for a relaxed, scenic ride.Quiet Backwaters: Discover hidden spots that offer tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Harbour Circle is just one example of how Copenhagen uses its cycling infrastructure to connect various parts of the city in a way that is safe, enjoyable, and environmentally friendly.
Amsterdam: Another Top Bike-Friendly City
Copenhagen may be the best city for cyclists in Europe, but it’s not the only city that ranks highly for cycling. Amsterdam, another European cycling hub, has earned its place among the best bike-friendly cities in the world. Like Copenhagen, Amsterdam’s city design makes cycling a natural choice for locals and visitors alike.
Some of the reasons why Amsterdam is considered one of the best bike-friendly cities include:
Extensive Bike Path Network: Amsterdam boasts over 500 kilometers of bike paths, making it one of the most cyclist-friendly cities in Europe.Flat Terrain: Amsterdam’s flat landscape makes cycling easy, even for those who aren’t used to riding regularly.Cycling Everywhere: In Amsterdam, bikes outnumber cars, and cycling is the preferred method of transport for locals.
Amsterdam’s cycling infrastructure supports both locals and tourists, making it easy to explore the city’s many sights and attractions by bike.
Cycling Tourism in Copenhagen and Amsterdam
Both Copenhagen and Amsterdam have become top destinations for cycling tourism, attracting cyclists from around the world who want to experience their cycling culture and world-class bike routes. These cities have developed cycling infrastructure that caters to tourists, making it easy to rent bikes and explore the streets at your own pace.
Copenhagen: The city offers bike tours and well-marked bike routes for tourists, making it easy to enjoy the city’s scenic spots and landmarks by bike.Amsterdam: Known for its picturesque canals and bike-friendly streets, Amsterdam is a cyclist’s paradise, with countless opportunities for bike tours and cycling experiences.
In both cities, cycling tourism thrives, as cyclists can explore iconic neighborhoods, landmarks, and natural beauty without worrying about traffic or parking. With their seamless integration of cycling infrastructure and a strong cycling culture, Copenhagen and Amsterdam provide cyclists with everything they need for an enjoyable and memorable trip.
Conclusion: Leading the Way in Cycling
Copenhagen’s status as the best city for cyclists in Europe is well-earned. Its exceptional cycling infrastructure, deep-rooted cycling culture, and commitment to sustainability have made it the top destination for cyclists worldwide. Alongside Amsterdam, which also excels as one of the best bike-friendly cities, these cities are setting the standard for others to follow.
As more cities aim to promote cycling as a sustainable and enjoyable way to get around, Copenhagen and Amsterdam provide valuable examples of how effective cycling infrastructure and a thriving cycling culture can create truly bike-friendly urban environments. Whether for commuting, leisure, or tourism, these cities prove that cycling can be a major part of urban life, benefiting both residents and visitors alike.
