The Berlin–Copenhagen Cycle Route connects two capital cities through a journey of lakes, woodland, historic towns and Baltic coast. The German National Tourist Board describes the route across Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to Rostock, where a ferry connects the German and Danish parts. In Denmark, the itinerary continues through island and coastal landscapes towards Copenhagen.
From Berlin to the lake country
The German National Tourist Board places the Berlin departure at Schlossplatz and follows the route north into Brandenburg. The River Havel provides a thread through this first part of the journey, with Oranienburg and Fürstenberg/Havel among the suggested stopping places.
Beyond Brandenburg, the landscape changes to the lakes and forests of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. ADFC, the German Cyclists’ Federation, highlights Neustrelitz, with its distinctive street plan and historic market square, and the Müritz area. In Waren, the Müritzeum offers an opportunity to learn about the region’s wildlife before continuing north.
Through Mecklenburg to the Baltic
ADFC’s route description continues past Krakow am See and Güstrow. Güstrow’s historic centre and cathedral offer a cultural stop among the lakes and countryside; the cathedral houses Ernst Barlach’s sculpture The Floating One.
Farther north, the Warnow accompanies the journey towards Rostock. The Hanseatic city provides a change of scale after the inland towns, with brick churches and a city harbour. ADFC also suggests a side trip to Warnemünde before taking the ferry from Rostock’s overseas port to Denmark.
Danish islands and Copenhagen
The Danish part brings a different set of landscapes. VisitDenmark describes National Cycle Route N9 through South Zealand and Møn, including the coast near Stevns Klint, Præstø Fjord and the crossing of Mønbroen to Møn. Its guide identifies Stevns Klint as a UNESCO World Heritage site and the wider Møn area as a UNESCO Biosphere.
The German National Tourist Board names Nykøbing and Møn on the way to Copenhagen. At the northern end, the Danish capital’s harbour and Little Mermaid provide a recognisable city finish to a journey that has also passed through rural and coastal places.
Putting the journey together
The full itinerary can be approached as a sequence of shorter rides. VisitDenmark explicitly suggests choosing smaller sections and spending extra time at places along the way; the lakes around Neustrelitz or the coast of South Zealand could each shape a trip in their own right.
Allow for the ferry in any cross-border itinerary and check its current sailing and bicycle arrangements with the operator before travelling. In Germany, visitBerlin says the route is marked with a blue, white and red logo. ADFC lists railway access points along the German part, including Berlin, Oranienburg, Neustrelitz, Waren, Güstrow and Rostock; check current train and bicycle conditions when making reservations.