Denmark and Sweden by Sail and Bike
7 nights from €2230
4.71
Discover the Baltic Sea, scenic isles, and historic Scandi cities
Sail and bike the Baltic Sea between Denmark and Sweden! In the spirit of the ancient mariners aboard the majestic tall ship Atlantis, you'll explore the legendary Øresund Strait, once a bustling trade route.
This unique itinerary features two of Europe's most bicycle-friendly cities, Copenhagen and Malmö. You'll follow the gently undulating landscapes of Nordsjælland (North Zealand), biking along the picturesque coastal Danish Riviera, home to gorgeous harbor villages. On the Swedish side of the strait, from the coastal gem of Helsingborg, your cycling features the Skåne County (Scania) coastline.
As you sail, you island hop! The tiny island of Ven, rising above the sea like a plateau, offers breathtaking views of steep limestone cliffs, charming farmhouses, and the historic observatory of the renowned astronomer Tycho Brahe from the 17th century. The Danish island of Møn, the southernmost point of your adventure, is known for its dramatic white limestone cliffs, adorned with fossil treasures. Situated in a sparsely populated area, Møn offers the perfect setting for stargazing, as its remote location allows for exceptionally clear night skies.
An unmissable Scandinavian adventure awaits you!
Daily Program
Day 1: Arrival in Copenhagen
Your tall ship, your home for the week, will be moored close to the center of the city and the famous Kastellet, the statue of the Little Mermaid. Embarkation and check-in will begin at 5:30 pm. The skipper, crew, and tour leader will invite you for a welcome drink, followed by dinner on board. During your first briefing after dinner, you'll learn what to expect during the trip and details about the ship and the safety measures on board. The bicycles will be distributed in the evening or following morning.
Day 2: Copenhagen – Humlebaek – Helsingør
48 km / 30 mi
You will leave the ship and cycle past the Little Mermaid and Kastellet along quiet bike paths out of town, following the Øresund as well as inland routes through forests and charming villages. You might even catch a glimpse of the ship sailing. About 10 km before Helsingør is the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art, which is well worth a visit.
Continue on to Helsingør (also known as Elsinore), where you’ll reach the historic city center. The harbor is dominated by the impressive Kronborg Castle, famously featured in Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Nearby, old harbor buildings have been beautifully restored and now house a street food market, a nautical museum, and more.
Day 3: Helsingør–Hornbaek–Esrum–Helsingør
28 or 45 km / 18 or 28 mi | ship sails to Helsingborg
After breakfast, you’ll begin cycling along the coast of the “Danish Riviera,” with its long, sandy beaches, all the way to the tiny harbor of Hornbæk. Then you’ll head inland through gently rolling hills toward Esrum for a stop at the medieval monastery on Lake Esrum.
Next, you’ll cycle through picturesque wheat fields and pass several charming castles and country houses on your way back to Helsingør, reaching the historic city center after a long descent. This short bike tour leaves you time to explore Helsingør in the afternoon.
During dinner, the ship will cross the narrow strait to Helsingborg on the Swedish coast. Helsingborg is not only a beautiful historic city but also regarded as one of Europe’s most innovative. After dinner, you can enjoy a short walk to soak in the atmosphere.
Day 4: Helsingborg – Landskrona
28 km / 18 mi. | Ferry to Ven | Ven roundtour (10 km / 6.5 mi
In the morning, you’ll cycle along the coast of Skåne County (Scania) to the fortified town of Landskrona. Along the way, you’ll pass several beaches and the former fishing village of Borstahusen, with its charming old fishermen’s houses. The 16th-century citadel of Landskrona remains almost entirely intact.
Just after noon, you’ll take the ferry to the island of Ven. This tiny island—only 7.5 km² (2.9 mi²) with fewer than 400 inhabitants—is a true gem in the Øresund. You can cycle around the island, visit local artists and goldsmiths, stop at cozy cafés, tour the whiskey distillery, or explore the 16th-century observatory of the astronomer Tycho Brahe.
Since the port is too small for the ship to enter, the crew will pick you up by dinghy in the late afternoon, and the ship will remain anchored for the night.
Day 5: Sailing day from Ven to Køge or Rødvig
Today, you and your bikes will stay on board as the ship sails (weather permitting, under sail) from Ven, passing beneath the Øresund Bridge, to the southern part of Zealand. Enjoy the journey from the deck of the large sailing ship. Your destination will be either Køge or, weather permitting, a little further to Rødvig. In Køge, the ship will moor in the harbor, while in Rødvig it will anchor for the night.
Between these two towns, you’ll pass the striking white limestone cliffs of Stevns Klint, reminiscent of those at Dover or on the German island of Rügen. This sparsely populated area is also considered a “dark sky area,” where, on clear nights, the starry sky—once essential for navigation at sea—can be beautifully observed.
Day 6: Rødvig – Stevns Klint – Køge
30 km / 19 mi. or roundtour Køge – Stevns Klint – Køge (58 km / 36 mi. | the ship sails from Køge to Malmö
If your cycling tour starts in Rødvig, you will be transferred to shore by dinghy. From there, you’ll cycle to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Stevns Klint for a short stop to explore the chalk cliffs, the town of Højerup, and the cliffside church. You’ll then continue to Køge, where you can take some time to visit the historic center of this medieval town.
If your tour starts in Køge, the route is longer. You will still visit the chalk cliffs of Stevns Klint before returning to Køge. The ship will pick you up there for a scenic dinner sailing trip to Malmö.
Day 7: Malmö : city + outskirts roundtour
26 km / 16 mi. or Malmö – Lund – Lomma – Malmö (49 km / 31 mi.
The short half-day round tour takes you past several highlights in Malmö’s city center and through its outskirts, culminating in a stunning view of the Øresund Bridge and the city. You’ll then have the afternoon free to explore Malmö on your own.
The longer, full-day tour follows quiet country roads to the vibrant university city of Lund, one of Sweden’s oldest cities with over 1,000 years of history. Discover the charming city center and visit the magnificent 12th-century cathedral. On your way back to the ship, you’ll cycle along the scenic coast, with the chance to enjoy some ice cream or take a last swim in the sea. In the evening, you’ll celebrate with the captain’s farewell dinner.
Day 8: Malmö
This marks the end of your tour, but we won’t let you leave on an empty stomach. Before disembarking by 9:30 am, enjoy a delicious breakfast and say your farewells. Malmö train station is just a short walk away, where you can catch a train to Copenhagen Airport or the city center.
Don't want the adventure to end? Consider taking a cycling day tour in Copenhagen!
Every Sail and Bike tour comes with a touch of adventure. Regarding the daily sailing routes, the captain and crew must adapt to the whims of the wind. The strength and direction of the winds play a role in determining the path. It is important to note that there may be adjustments to departure times, time spent on the water, and even the order of the program. Flexibility is key!
Boats
Bikes
Standard touring bike
The standard rental bicycles on board are custom built by a small manufacturer and equipped with all the essentials of a great touring bike. Reliable Shimano 24-gear and brake systems, a pannier rack, a sturdy bike stand, mudguards and a comfortable Selle Royal touring saddle complete the package. All bikes have 28-inch wheels and there are different frame sizes available.
Electric bike
The e-bike is a tailormade Granville Urban. It is relatively light and has a comfortable low entry. It is equipped with a smooth functioning 9-speed chain shift and reliable hydraulic Shimano disc brakes as well as a powerful central motor from the Bosch Active+ line
Equipment included with bike rental:
- Waterproof pannier bag
- Water bottle
- Bike lock
Bringing your own bike/e-bike is not possible, due to lack of space on deck. Exceptions will be made for special bikes, but only after they have been notified and confirmed in advance. Please note that on some days the bikes must be transported by dinghy.
Pedals:
The bikes have flat pedals.
Helmets:
Please note that helmets are available on this tour for €10 and must be reserved in advance. We recommend that you bring your own, or purchase one when you arrive at your destination.
Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.
Dates & Prices
Questions about pricing or options? Call +1-215-613-0874 to talk to a Tour Advisor now.
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Surface and terrain
The bike rides on this trip may not be long, but they present some elevation changes. Be prepared for a few challenging short stretches and navigating semi-paved gravel paths over short distances.
How to get there
Tour start
Nearest airport: Copenhagen (CPH)
There are several bus lines to and from the center of Copenhagen. Copenhagen Airport also provides free terminal bus services, which run between the terminals around the clock.
Trains also run to and from the airport. The train station is located in Terminal 3.
Tour end
Nearest airport: Copenhagen (CPH)
Trains depart from Malmö every 20 minutes and it takes about 35 mintues to reach Copenhagen.
Reviews
- ★★★★★ Nsncy OLeary
Bike/Sail adventure
For the cabins-- NEED to include ladder or stool for the cabins (4 of them) that have one bed that is almost 120 cm high we had to move our cabin to cabin #2 which was much smaller. Without the stool or ladder I couldn't get in and out of bed safely
- What was the date of your tour?
- Sept 28, 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Colleen Price
Fun way to explore some of Denmark and Sweden!
We had a wonderful time. We enjoyed our guide and he did a great job. We only would’ve loved to hear more history of various parts of the country we were in.
The boat is cozy, but it works.- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Mike
Fun mix of bike & boat
This was our third biketours trip and it was a great one. The scenery wasn't as awe inspiring as the Dolomites trip, and the historical sights weren't as strong as the Catalonia trip, but it was a pleasant trip in two great countries.
The rides weren't difficult, the boat was fun, the food was great.- What was the date of your tour?
- August 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 3
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Leslie
Best bike/sail trip yet!
We had 30 bikers, so the group was divided into two, and eventually evolved into three biking groups. Since many had downloaded the app, some people set off on their own. The e-bikes were wonderful and welcome since the winds off the coast could be strong! Although it rained on arrival day, it was sunny and 60’s every day thereafter. The biking varied- from urban streets to rural farm areas with few major inclines. Amazing traditional and contemporary architecture, climbing roses, peonies, and poppies everywhere. Danish and Swedish locals were friendly and helpful as needed.
The ship had 4 comfortable areas for people to hang out in; two inside and two outside. The sailing crew (all young women) were fabulous: friendly, helpful, and strong (!) when putting up the sails! Chef Pete was phenomenal- gourmet meals and fika daily at 4:00. The Captain was friendly and entertaining - very proud of his boat and crew, understandably.
The tour guides were friendly, fun, and incredibly helpful as bikers fell or had tire issues. In past bike/barge tours, the program guides provided more history, info, etc about each city, but we googled/translated info as needed.
I’ve been on 3 other bike/sail trips so assumed the compartments would be small; there were complaints among new tour participants expecting more room.- What was the date of your tour?
- June 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- Three
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- As expected
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ John M.
Excellent tour
Nice mix of scenery, fun companions, excellent food, variety of routes e.g. the beautiful Island of Ven.
- What was the date of your tour?
- May 27-June 3 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 5
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat easier
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Robert Runo
Expectations met
The weather could have been better, but our guides, Elize and Simone, and the Atlantis staff were most accommodating. The food was good and plentiful.
- What was the date of your tour?
- June 4, 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 12 or more
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- Solo travelers
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
- ★★★★★ Wallace G
Tall Ship Sailing and Biking
Wonderful adventure. Strongly consider e-bike option due to strong headwinds switching between north and south. This is a new trip and we were on the maiden voyage, so the guides were becoming familiar with the routes available. Great food and ambiance.
- What was the date of your tour?
- 27 May - 3 Jun 2025
- How many tours have you completed?
- 4
- Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
- Somewhat harder
- Who is this tour suitable for?
- First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
- Do you recommend this tour?
- Yes
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