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In summer 2024, my sister and I decided it was time for a joint adventure. We hadn't seen each other in months – and what could be better "sibling bonding" than spending ten days on the road together? Somehow I managed to convince her to take "the road" quite literally: cycling from Berlin to Copenhagen.
The Start: A Train and a Shortcut
The plan sounded simple, the reality… not so much. 500 km in 10 days was a bit ambitious for two untrained cyclists. So we cheated a little: starting further north, in Flensburg. One train ride later, we stood at the Danish border, bikes packed and ready to go.
Our route took us through Søby, Ærø, Maribo, Nykøbing, Stubbekøbing, Bogø, Stege, Borre, the island of Møn, Praestø, Rødvig, Stevns Klint, Køge, and finally Copenhagen. Admittedly, we "cheated" a bit here and there, taking the bus or train when the weather turned brutal or the bikes simply gave up. (Borrowing my roommate's bright pink city bike probably wasn't the smartest decision – but it did get a few laughs!)
Weather, Landscapes, and Shelters
Denmark gave us everything: scorching sun, pouring rain, and winds that nearly blew us back to Germany. But that's exactly what made it charming.
What really made the trip easier was the brilliant shelter system. Using an app, you can find simple huts or campsites every few kilometers. Some were quite basic, others beautifully set in nature. With a tent in our luggage, we always knew a safe place to sleep was guaranteed.
The landscape kept changing: golden fields, forest paths, coastal trails. Highlights for me were Ærø and the island of Møn – absolutely stunning. Nykøbing-Falster, on the other hand, you can safely skip.
Struggles and Laughter
I won't sugarcoat it: we struggled a lot. Against the wind, through rainstorms, or when we had to carry a bike through Copenhagen because the front wheel had given up the ghost.
But it was exactly these moments that made the small highlights even sweeter: laughing about the pink bike, drying socks by the fire, meeting nice people along the way, or finally enjoying a hot plate of pasta in a shelter with a stove after three days of cold salad.
And the best part: we were total beginners. Which means, if we could do it, so can you. All you need is a sense of humor, a bit of willpower, and good company.
The Gear Dilemma
Our gear was… improvised. We borrowed bits and pieces from friends, bought the essentials (padded cycling shorts and a multitool), and hoped for the best. Sometimes it worked, sometimes it didn't – and it was often more stressful than it needed to be.
Back then, I didn't know about Outzip yet. If I had, we could have simply rented everything instead of scraping it all together. That's exactly what Outzip is for: making adventures easier, more accessible, and less dictated by gear chaos. So you can focus on riding – not on whether your panniers will survive another day (spoiler: ours didn't).
The Finish Line
Arriving in Copenhagen felt surreal: tired legs, big smiles, a few tears, and that special closeness you only feel after ten days of shared adventure. It wasn't perfect – but it was real. And that's exactly what made it unforgettable.
If you're thinking about trying bikepacking yourself: 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.
Feeling inspired for your own bikepacking adventure?
At Outzip, you can rent bike bags, tents, and camping gear:
- Ortlieb Back-Roller Classic bike panniers
- Ortlieb Seat-Pack
- Hilleberg Nammatj tent (2 people)
- Exped SIM Lite sleeping mat
- Tambu OFRA sleeping bag
What Do You Need?
Recommended Bikepacking Packing List
Light and functional – here's the essential gear for your trip from Berlin to Copenhagen.
- Bike & Bags: Touring or gravel bike, waterproof bags (e.g. Ortlieb), lock, lights.
- Camping Gear: Lightweight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, small stove, cookware.
- Clothing: Padded cycling shorts, rain jacket, technical shirt, warm layer, spare socks.
- Tools: Multitool, pump, spare tube, patch kit, chain oil.
- Navigation & Basics: Phone mount or GPS, power bank, ID, first-aid kit.
- Food & Hygiene: Snacks, water bottle, soap, sunscreen.
Tip: Less is more – lighter luggage makes every stretch more enjoyable.
