Berlin to Copenhagen on Two Wheels - My First Bikepacking Adventure

By Ines Moreno – Outzip Team

Summer 2024, my sister and I decided it was time for some sibling-bonding adventure. We hadn’t seen each other in months, and what better way to catch up than to spend ten days on the road together? Somehow, I managed to convince her that the road should be taken quite literally: by bike, from Berlin to Copenhagen.

 

The Start: A Train and a Shortcut

The plan sounded simple, the reality… not so much. We quickly realized 500km in 10 days might be ambitious for two people who hadn’t exactly trained. So we adjusted, starting further north in Flensburg. A train ride later, we were at the Danish border, bikes loaded and ready to roll.

Our route took us through Søby, Ærø, Maribo, Nykøbing, Stubbekøbing, Bogø, Stege, Borre, Møn Island, Praesto, Rødvig, Stevns Klint, Køge, and finally Copenhagen. I’ll admit we occasionally “cheated” with the bus or train when the weather was too brutal or our bikes simply gave up in the middle of nowhere. (Borrowing my roommate's bright pink city bike was probably not the smartest choice, but it did add some comedy to the journey!)

 

Weather, Landscapes, and Shelters

Denmark gave us everything: blazing sun, sheets of rain, and winds that nearly pushed us backwards. But it was all part of the charm.

One thing that really made the trip easier was Denmark’s amazing shelter system. Through a simple app, you can find rustic huts or camp spots almost every 10km. Some were basic, others beautifully placed in nature. With a tent in the mix, we always knew we’d find a safe spot to spend the night.

The landscapes changed constantly: golden fields, forest paths, coastal trails. Highlights for me were Ærø and Møn Island – absolutely stunning. Nykøbing-Falster, on the other hand, you could probably skip.

 

Struggles and Laughs

I won’t sugarcoat it: we struggled at times. Fighting headwinds, pushing bikes through rainstorms, or carrying one when the wheel collapsed entering Copenhagen. But all those struggles made the small moments sweeter: laughing about our pink bike, drying our socks by a fire, meeting lovely people along the way, or savoring a hot plate of pasta in a shelter with a stove after three days of eating cold salads.

And the best part? We were complete newbies. Which means if we could do it, you probably can too. All it takes is some humor, willpower, and good company.

 

The Gear Dilemma

Our gear setup was… improvised. We borrowed bits from friends, bought the bare minimum (padded shorts and a multitool), and hoped for the best. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn’t – and it definitely made things more stressful than they needed to be.

At the time, I didn’t know Outzip existed, but if I had, we could have rented everything we needed instead of piecing it together at the last minute. That’s exactly why Outzip exists: to make adventures like this easier, more accessible, and less about gear logistics. So you can focus on the ride, not on whether your bike bags will survive another day (spoiler alert: they didn’t).

 

The Finish Line

Arriving in Copenhagen felt surreal: tired legs, big smiles, a couple of tears, and the kind of bond you only get after ten days of shared adventure. It wasn’t perfect, but it was real – and that’s what made it unforgettable.

If you’re thinking about trying bikepacking, don’t overthink it. Start small, rent your gear, and just go. Chances are, you’ll come back with a story you’ll never forget.

 

Thinking about your own bikepacking adventure?

Rent your bike bags, tents, and camping gear with Outzip:

• Ortlieb Bike Bags Back-Roller Classic
• Ortlieb Fahrrad Seat-Pack
• Hilleberg Tent Nammatj 2 Persons
• Exped Matt SIM Lite
• Tambu Sleeping Bag OFRA

 

Here’s a compact checklist for your Berlin–Copenhagen bikepacking adventure — essentials only, to keep your ride light and enjoyable.

 

• Bike & Bags: Touring or gravel bike, waterproof bags (e.g. Ortlieb Back-Roller, Seat-Pack), lights, lock.
• Camping Gear: Lightweight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, compact stove, and cookware.
• Clothing: Padded shorts, rain jacket, quick-dry tops, warm layer, and spare socks.
• Tools: Multitool, pump, spare tube, patch kit, and chain lube.
• Navigation & Essentials: GPS or phone mount, power bank, ID, cash, first-aid kit.
• Food & Hygiene: Reusable bottle, snacks, biodegradable soap, and sunscreen.

 

Pro tip: Travel light — the less you carry, the further (and happier) you’ll ride.