Denmark is often cited as one of the happiest nations on earth so it stands to reason there may be some things we can learn from the locals. Predominantly flat terrain and brilliant infrastructure mean cycling is at the heart of Danish living, both in city centres and rural outposts. It’s also an affordable and fun way to explore the landscape of this beautiful country, which ranges from bustling cities to picturesque meadowands and sublime stretches of sand dunes. Here are some routes that will have you itching to jump in the saddle...

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With its superlative restaurants, stylish stores and trendy coffee houses, Copenhagen is the cultural capital of northern Europe. A trip here wouldn’t be complete without a day spent exploring on the saddle – the Queen Louise Bridge is reputed to be the busiest cycling route in the world, after all.

Traversing the Danish capital by bike need not be intimidating as long as you follow the basic guidelines; stay to the right in your bike lane and pay close attention to traffic lights. We recommend Copenhagen’s 13 km (8-mile) Harbour Circle route, which follows both sides of the harbour, from Nyhavn in the north to Sluseløbet in the south. It’s connected by six design-savvy, car-free bridges.

Check out Visit Copenhagen for details of self-led cycling tours.

Funen island is known as the garden or orchard of Denmark, and its verdant landscape certainly makes for a gorgeous bike ride. More than 1,000 km (620 miles) of cycling routes lead through beautiful pastures and woodland, past castles and mansions, and alongside the Baltic coast. Its main city of Odense, one of the oldest in Denmark, has 540 km (335 miles) of bike paths and free city bike rental. Odense was the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and you can discover 15 fairytale sculptures dotted around the city. The city is also home to the dazzling Egeskov Castle. Visit the tourist office for more information and itinerary suggestions.

Far out in the Baltic, the idyllic island of Bornholm is the sunniest part of Denmark and the best place for a romantic cycle. It is a common sight here to see groups of cyclists heading out on bike trails to explore the verdant forests, lush meadows and gorgeous coastal paths. The island has 235 km (146 miles) of well sign-posted cycling routes, many of which connect to the main towns. Good places to start include the attractive capital of Rønne, the small town of Allinge and the pretty harbourside village of Gudhjem.

Popular with both expert cyclists and hikers, the Ancient Road follows the hilltops of the Jutland Ridge for 450 km (280 miles), leading all the way down to the German border. Follow the pilgrims, drovers, merchants and kings who forged this route thousands of years ago and discover wild oak forests, scenic meadows and historic monuments that tell the story of Denmark.

Those looking for a true adventure should head for Jutland’s wild west coast, home to Denmark’s most panoramic cycle route, the North Sea Cycle Route. A particularly scenic stretch is the 42 km (26 mile) road from Nymindegab to Bork Havn, finishing at the town of Nørre Nebel. Though the landscape is truly tranquil, a good bike and stamina are recommended for this particular route.

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