It has been known for a long time that Denmark has secured the start of the Tour de France. Originally, La Grande Boucle was supposed to start in 2020 from Copenhagen, but due to all the complications in the world, it is finally happening two years later. Copenhagen is the epicenter of the start, but the peloton quickly moves towards southern Denmark. Don’t expect huge elevation changes like in the Alps of Flemish classics. You can find some beautiful places there and this is a wonderful part of Europe for a cycling holiday. Based on the route, here are a few tips for a cycling holiday on Funen. Named the “cycling island of Denmark” (and the rest of Europe) thanks to the organization of the tour and the tourism bureau.
New Territory
The Tour had never been so far from home before. Or at least: the starting point Copenhagen It is the northernmost starting point ever. It is therefore appropriate that the first stage (the prologue is in/around Copenhagen) is finished in Nyborg. The route of the first stage is largely in the province of Zealand and goes via an autobahn bridge to the island of Funen (Fyn) in the province of Southern Denmark, where Nyborg is located.
Nyborg is a beautiful city with a few real highlights such as the castle of Nyborg (more than 800 years old), where the center of the Kingdom of Denmark used to be located. The surrounding medieval town is also not bad (an understatement) and of course the Great Belt Bridge that connects Sealand with Funen (Fyn) cannot be missed. This architectural masterpiece will be the eye-catcher during the second stage of the Tour.
Even more beauty
From Nyborg you can go in several directions, including towards the north, to the so-called ‘Finshoved’. This point, actually a kind of peninsula, has beautiful trails, expansive views, and we have a nice route that leads you past, among other things, the Viking Museum, several cool lighthouses, and around the Kerteminde Fjord. Not only Norway has fjords as you can see.
Baltic Sea Cycle Route
On the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, Nyborg is also an important and natural hub. The 820-kilometer-long route, also known as the N8, runs largely over the island of Funen (Fyn). Here, you follow the southern side of the island and pass by a beautiful spot like Helnaes, where you literally drive through the water.
Even a picturesque town like Svendborg should not be missed as a stopover. The further you drive from Svendborg towards Helnaes, the closer you get to the highest point of the island, the Lerbjerg.
Cycling city of Odense
Ten miles west of Nyborg, at about 35 kilometers, you find Odense. The capital of the island was the official cycling capital of Denmark from 2009 to 2012. Although you would of course prefer to cycle outside the city rather than in a city, Odense is worth a visit. Many bike paths, green bike lanes, and good hotels make Odense an ideal base camp for exploring the rest of the island.
Facts about Fynny
- Fyn is the second largest island in Denmark. It has an area of 3.099 km² and is home to about 500,000 inhabitants.
- It is truly an island region: it consists of about 100 islands, including the South Funen archipelago.
- The highest point on Fyn is only 130 meters above sea level.
- Fyn is also called the ‘warehouse of Denmark’ because of the rich soil that is perfect for growing various types of food and even wine.
- Not only does Fyn have 100 islands, but it also has 123 castles and manor houses that you can visit.
- Odense is the capital and birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen, the famous writer.
Questions & tips
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