A MINI TOU R DE F R ANC E IN COPENHAG E N Regularly ranked as one of the world’s most bike- friendly cities, the Danish capital has over 300 miles of cycle paths and superhighways, plus bike bridges across its canals and numerous tour and rental companies. Copenhagen’s hosting of part of the Tour de France in 2022 has now been immortalised in a 13-mile, self-guided cycle loop. Stops can include the Tivoli Gardens amusement park, Amalienborg Palace and the colourful waterfront of Nyhavn, with plenty of opportunities to fuel up on cinnamon buns and smørrebrød (open sandwiches) along the way. The route can be linked with the Harbour Circle, a path that leads through southern districts. visitcopenhagen.com/tour-de-france


AMS T ERDAM CANALS AND C U LTU RE Few cities are as synonymous with the chime of a bicycle bell as Amsterdam. Cyclists rule here, and there are plenty of bike-rental options that allow you to join the locals in their favourite activity. It’s easy enough to zigzag between canals and


gabled houses independently, but to scout out some more unusual corners of the Dutch capital try the Countryside Bike Tour with Mike’s Bikes. You’ll trace a route south via the lovely green swathe of Vondelpark and get to visit three Dutch staples: a windmill, a cheese producer and a clog factory. It passes the home of the Dutch masters, the Rijksmuseum, on the way back. mikesbiketoursamsterdam.com iamsterdam.com


S T R A SBOU RG WINE ADVE NTU RE S Strasbourg is known as France’s cycling capital for good reason. The appeal of the Alsatian city lies not just in its 372 miles of bike paths, but in the easy access it offers to the countryside. The Petite France neighbourhood of waterways and half-timbered houses is a charming spot. Or head east along the Canal de la Bruche to Alsace’s pretty rural villages and vineyards. The 82-mile Alsace Vineyard Cycle Route is a great way to explore the latter. visitstrasbourg.fr wineroute.alsace


POL I SH HI S TORY IN KR A KÓW Zipping between Kraków’s diverse neighbourhoods on its cycle paths gives visitors a crash course in Polish history. Starting on the cobbles of the Old Town’s medieval Market Square, one route leads south to the historic Jewish quarter of Kazimierz; destroyed during the Second World War, today the area is thriving again, its handsome houses and courtyards home to cafes and bars. Cyclists can then add on a 7.5-mile route east along the Vistula River, eventually swinging north to Nowa Huta. Built during the Soviet era, the district is now home to clubs and music venues. polandtraveltours.com visitkrakow.com


National Geographic Traveller – European Cities Collection 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84