Cykelslangen (The Bicycle Snake)
An elegant orange bicycle bridge curling above Copenhagen’s harbor, Cykelslangen turns a once-awkward junction into a flowing, scenic showcase of bike-first urban design.
Cykelslangen, the bright orange "Bicycle Snake" in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, is an elegant elevated bridge created almost entirely for cyclists. Completed in 2014 by Dissing+Weitling, the 220m serpentine structure glides between glassy mall façades and the harborfront, lifting riders above traffic and pedestrians. As you curve over the water, the bridge doubles as an urban viewpoint, offering snapshots of Gasværkshavnen, Bryggebroen and the city’s evolving waterfront, while showcasing Copenhagen’s dedication to people-first, bike-centric design.
A brief summary to Cykelslangen
- Cykelslangen, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, Vesterbro/Kongens Enghave, 1560, DK
- Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Bring or rent a bicycle to experience the full flowing curve of Cykelslangen; riding it is more engaging than simply walking across.
- Use the bridge in off-peak hours, such as mid-morning or late evening, if you prefer to avoid the densest commuter bike traffic.
- Pause at the railings midway to enjoy harbor views and watch the constant stream of cyclists moving between Bryggebroen and Kalvebod Brygge.
- Be mindful of speed and keep to the right when cycling; this is an important commuter route with many locals using it daily.
- On windy or wet days, take extra care on the curves, as the elevated, exposed position can make conditions feel more intense.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Sheltered Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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S-train and short walk
From Copenhagen Central Station, take the S-train one stop to Dybbølsbro Station, a ride of about 3–4 minutes. Trains run very frequently throughout the day on standard city tickets, typically around 24–36 DKK depending on zones and ticket type. From Dybbølsbro it is an easy 10–15 minute walk on mostly flat pavements through the Vesterbro/harbor area to reach the approaches to Cykelslangen, suitable for most visitors but less ideal in heavy rain or strong winds.
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City bus to Fisketorvet area
Several city bus lines serve the Fisketorvet shopping center next to Cykelslangen, with typical journey times of 10–25 minutes from central Copenhagen depending on traffic. A single bus fare within the city is usually around 24 DKK when bought as a regular ticket. Buses stop close to the mall entrances, from where you can walk a few minutes on level, urban terrain to the bridge. Services run regularly but can be less frequent late at night and on weekends.
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Bicycle via city cycle network
Rent a bicycle from one of Copenhagen’s many bike rental shops or bike-share systems in the central districts and follow the signposted harborfront and cycle tracks toward Kalvebod Brygge and Fisketorvet. Depending on your starting point in the inner city, the ride typically takes 10–20 minutes along dedicated bike lanes. Rental prices vary, but expect roughly 100–150 DKK for a standard day rental. Surfaces are paved and mostly flat, but be prepared for strong winds along the water and dense commuter traffic during rush hours.
Cykelslangen location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
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Windy Conditions
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
Discover more about Cykelslangen
A bright orange ribbon above Copenhagen’s harbor
Cykelslangen, the "Bicycle Snake", coils gracefully above Copenhagen’s inner harbor between Vesterbro and Havneholmen, its vivid orange deck cutting a bold line between steel, glass and water. Designed by Danish studio Dissing+Weitling and opened in 2014, the bridge carries bicycle and pedestrian traffic across Gasværkshavnen, linking the busy Kalvebod Brygge corridor with the harborfront path and Bryggebroen beyond. At around 220 meters in length and roughly 4.6 meters wide, the bridge feels surprisingly intimate, more like an elevated street than a piece of heavy infrastructure. A gentle, continuous ramp eliminates the need for stairs, turning what was once an awkward choke point by the Fisketorvet shopping center into a smooth, flowing connection that fits neatly into Copenhagen’s wider cycling network.From problem junction to cycle superhighway
Before Cykelslangen, cyclists traveling between Vesterbro and Islands Brygge had to dismount, haul bikes down a staircase and weave slowly through a crowded harborside plaza. This pinch point clashed with a city that prides itself on fast, safe cycling. The solution was not just another ramp, but a dedicated bike bridge that would elevate riders above the clutter and give them their own clear route. The resulting structure functions almost like a cycle "superhighway". Its snaking path lengthens the route just enough to keep the gradient comfortable, while the consistent width and clear sightlines allow a steady, continuous pace. Thousands of commuters and leisure riders now glide across daily, reinforcing Copenhagen’s reputation as one of the world’s most bicycle-focused cities.Architecture that moves with the rider
Cykelslangen is as much an experience as it is a shortcut. Slender white columns lift the orange deck several meters above the quay, leaving space for life on the waterfront below. From a distance the bridge reads as a single sweeping stroke; on it, you feel the subtle banking of each curve, the way the path gently rises and dips between buildings and out over the water. The design choreographs motion and views. Heading toward the harbor, the city briefly falls away and the water opens under you. Glimpses of Bryggebroen, moored boats and the skyline appear between guardrails and façades. At night, the bridge’s lighting underscores its sinuous outline and turns it into a luminous thread across the dark basin.A symbol of Copenhagen’s cycling culture
More than a local shortcut, Cykelslangen has become a visual shorthand for modern Copenhagen: a place where infrastructure is designed for people first, cars second. It embodies the city’s push to reduce emissions, encourage everyday cycling and create inviting public spaces in former commercial docklands. The bridge also animates an area that might otherwise feel like a backdrop of offices, highways and a mall. Cyclists streaming overhead and pedestrians pausing on the quayside below together bring a rare human scale to this stretch of harbor, illustrating how well-considered infrastructure can reshape not only commutes but the character of an entire waterfront district.Experiencing the Bicycle Snake up close
Visiting Cykelslangen is simple yet rewarding, whether you arrive on two wheels or on foot. Pedestrians can access it via ramps and adjoining paths, watching the constant flow of riders and pausing to look down at the harbor. Cyclists experience it more kinetically: a gentle ascent from the street, a brief, elevated cruise, and then a swooping descent toward Bryggebroen and the car-free promenades beyond. There are no ticket booths or formal opening hours to consider; the bridge functions as part of the city’s public realm, open day and night. In calm weather, it is a tranquil place to appreciate how seamlessly cycling has been woven into Copenhagen’s urban fabric. On a breezy day, leaning on the railings with the wind off the harbor, you feel the exposed, maritime side of the city that this orange ribbon so elegantly connects.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Cykelslangen
0.0 km
An elevated orange ribbon over Copenhagen’s harbor where cyclists glide above the water and visitors glimpse the city’s everyday bicycle culture in motion.
Havneholmen 33
0.2 km
Striking waterfront media headquarters in Copenhagen’s Havneholmen district, where modern Danish office architecture meets busy cycle bridges and harbour life.
Copenhagen Central Post Building
1.0 km
A majestic neo-Baroque landmark intertwining Denmark’s postal history with Vesterbro’s vibrant urban fabric, located beside Copenhagen’s bustling central railway station.
Copenhagen Central Station
1.1 km
Historic brick-and-timber rail hub at the heart of Copenhagen, combining grand architecture, everyday convenience and instant access to the city’s main sights.
Frihedsstøtten
1.2 km
Statuesque tribute to Danish freedom: Frihedsstøtten stands as a majestic milestone marking the abolition of serfdom at the vibrant gateway to Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
Copenhagen Visitor Service
1.3 km
Central, modern orientation center offering expert advice, resources, and insider tips for exploring Copenhagen’s sights, culture, and neighborhoods.
Enghaveparken
1.3 km
Historic art deco park with rose gardens, community events, family-friendly spaces, and a vibrant local atmosphere at the heart of Vesterbro, Copenhagen.
H. C. Andersens Blvd.
1.4 km
A broad, bustling boulevard where Hans Christian Andersen’s legacy meets City Hall Square, Tivoli’s lights, and the everyday pulse of central Copenhagen.
City Hall Square
1.5 km
Copenhagen’s City Hall Square is the city’s ceremonial heart, blending grand architecture, local traditions, lively events, and everyday urban buzz into one essential landmark.
The Stable Boy's House
1.5 km
A modest former service house on Frederiksholms Kanal, quietly recalling the working lives behind Copenhagen’s royal stables and the grandeur of nearby Christiansborg.
Lur Blowers
1.5 km
Bronze Age horns meet early 20th‑century grandeur in this 20‑metre column, where two silent lur players keep watch over Copenhagen’s bustling City Hall Square.
Frederiksholms Kanal
1.6 km
Discover the charm of Frederiksholms Kanal, Copenhagen's picturesque canal, perfect for peaceful strolls and cultural exploration.
Vandkunsten Springvand
1.6 km
A hidden gem where medieval water engineering meets early 20th-century artistry in Copenhagen's charming Old Town.
The War Museum
1.7 km
Explore 500 years of Danish military history in Copenhagen's historic arsenal.
Circle Bridge
1.7 km
A five-masted circle of light and steel where art, everyday crossings and Copenhagen’s maritime history meet above the waters of Christianshavn Canal.
Unmissable attractions to see
Islands Brygge
0.7 km
Copenhagen’s former industrial quay reborn as a sun-soaked harbourfront of swimming decks, lawns and laid-back city life along the inner waterfront.
VisitDenmark
0.7 km
Copenhagen's vibrant waterfront hub where urban swimming, green lawns, and waterside cafes create the perfect Danish hygge escape.
Øksnehallen
0.7 km
Vast former cattle hall turned cultural venue, Øksnehallen blends industrial heritage, daylight-filled architecture and flexible space for major fairs, art shows and events.
Freddys Bar
0.8 km
Discover Denmark’s maritime heritage and cutting-edge architecture at Helsingør’s award-winning M/S Maritime Museum, set in a stunning subterranean dry dock near Kronborg Castle.
Folkehuset Absalon
0.8 km
Copenhagen's beloved community gathering space where strangers share meals, create art, and build genuine connections.
Istedgade
0.9 km
Gritty, creative and endlessly watchable, Istedgade is Vesterbro’s main strip and Copenhagen’s classic showcase of everyday city life with an edge.
Legepladsen i Skydebanehaven
1.0 km
A colourful staffed playground tucked inside a historic walled park in Vesterbro, where giant parrots, paddling pools and lawns turn old shooting grounds into family fun.
Islands Brygge 18
1.0 km
A waterfront cultural house on Copenhagen’s harbour, blending performances, family activities and a relaxed café with open views across the city skyline.
Mikkeller Bar
1.0 km
Stændertorvet is Roskilde’s historic central square, bustling with markets, events, and iconic views of the UNESCO-listed cathedral at the city’s vibrant core.
Model train display
1.1 km
Discover the enchanting Model Train Display in Copenhagen, showcasing intricate landscapes and charming miniature railways for all ages.
Himmelskibet
1.1 km
Spin 80 meters high on the world's tallest carousel swing for breathtaking Copenhagen views.
Havnebadet Islands Brygge
1.1 km
Open‑air saltwater pools, diving towers and sun‑warmed decks turn Copenhagen’s inner harbour at Islands Brygge into an urban beach and everyday swimming hangout.
The Tube
1.1 km
Step into a World War II bomb shelter transformed into a mind-bending immersive experience with 17 interactive rooms.
Red Sightseeing Copenhagen
1.1 km
Hands-on science, vintage vehicles, and maritime history come together in this interactive, family-friendly branch of Malmö Museum, housed in an iconic industrial building.
Rutschebanen
1.2 km
A century-old wooden roller coaster weaving through a rocky mountain in Tivoli Gardens, where a live brakeman and rattling timber keep Copenhagen’s past in motion.
Essential places to dine
The Harbour
0.1 km
Calm, contemporary harbourfront dining inside Copenhagen Island hotel, pairing generous breakfasts and modern Nordic-inspired dishes with sweeping water views.
Je t'aime
0.4 km
Intimate Vesterbro bistro where candlelight, classic French dishes and a well‑chosen wine list bring a touch of Paris to a quiet Copenhagen side street.
MASH Penthouse
0.4 km
Skyline steakhouse on the 12th floor of Tivoli Hotel, blending premium cuts, crafted cocktails and sweeping Copenhagen views in a chic, velvety penthouse setting.
Kødbyens Fiskebar
0.6 km
Industrial-chic seafood in Copenhagen’s former Meatpacking District, where ultra-fresh Nordic fish, natural wines and a buzzing bar scene meet under one concrete roof.
Fleisch
0.7 km
A contemporary restaurant and butcher shop in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, Fleisch combines Nordic meat traditions with creative, communal dining in an atmospheric urban setting.
Paté Paté
0.7 km
Paté Paté offers Mediterranean-inspired dining and expertly curated wines in Vesterbro’s Meatpacking District, blending industrial charm with vibrant Copenhagen culinary culture.
Bevi Bevi
0.9 km
Experience authentic Italian cuisine and exquisite wines at Bevi Bevi, a charming restaurant in the heart of Copenhagen.
Ristorante Buono
1.0 km
Cozy Vesterbro Italian with candlelit tables, generous pasta and risotto, and a relaxed neighbourhood feel in the heart of Copenhagen’s evening dining scene.
Cofoco
1.0 km
Cofoco in Vesterbro delights with accessible, innovative Danish and European tasting menus amid warm Scandinavian aesthetics and a true neighborhood spirit.
LUN restaurant & winebar
1.1 km
Andalusian-inspired tasting menus, serious wine and cocktails, and a warm candlelit atmosphere in the heart of Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district.
Smagsløget
1.1 km
Discover Smagsløget in Copenhagen: where traditional Danish flavors meet innovative culinary experiences in an inviting atmosphere.
Delphine
1.1 km
Stylish Mediterranean small plates in a visually stunning Vesterbro setting.
Maple Casual Dining
1.1 km
Intimate Copenhagen dinner spot on Vesterbrogade, serving polished home-style dishes, generous desserts and warm service in a cozy, modern neighborhood setting.
La Baracca Tivoli - Food Hall
1.2 km
Handmade Italian pasta and wine in the heart of Tivoli Food Hall, offering relaxed, counter-service dining steps from Copenhagen Central Station.
Retour Vesterbro
1.2 km
Relaxed French-inspired bistro in the heart of Vesterbro, serving generous steaks, classic comfort dishes and cocktails in a warm, urban Copenhagen setting.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Fisketorvet Copenhagen Mall
0.1 km
Scandinavia's premier shopping destination with 120+ brands, world-class cinema, and waterfront charm.
Funky Junky
0.9 km
Discover Vesterbro’s Funky Junky—a vibrant vintage store featuring retro furniture, unique fashion, and Danish design, perfectly reflecting Copenhagen’s creative soul.
Tivoli Gift Shop
1.1 km
A compact slice of Tivoli Gardens magic just outside the park gates, perfect for picking up Copenhagen souvenirs before or after your visit.
Flying Tiger Copenhagen
1.2 km
Compact, colorful and full of playful Danish design, this Vesterbrogade shop turns everyday essentials, gifts and games into a fun, low-cost treasure hunt.
C. G. Nordic clothing and gifts
1.3 km
A small Vesterbro boutique where Nordic clothing, cozy textiles and design-led gifts capture the understated charm of contemporary Scandinavian style.
Souvenir Gift Shop
1.3 km
Compact, central and colourful, this Vesterbrogade gift shop is a quick and easy stop for Copenhagen-themed souvenirs between Tivoli, Vesterbro and the Central Station.
Artikel København
1.3 km
Family-run Copenhagen atelier where timeless, unisex garments are designed, cut and sewn in an open workshop on historic Gammel Kongevej.
Wonderful Souvenirs
1.6 km
Compact, colourful and central, Wonderful Souvenirs on Frederiksberggade is a one-stop Strøget shop for easy Copenhagen-themed gifts and keepsakes.
Danish Souvenirs
1.6 km
Central Copenhagen’s one‑stop Strøget shop for Little Mermaid trinkets, Viking keepsakes and easy last‑minute gifts before you say farvel to Denmark.
Viking Souvenirs
1.6 km
Lively Strøget souvenir shop packed with Viking‑themed gifts, Danish icons and suitcase‑friendly mementos, ideal for quick last‑minute presents in central Copenhagen.
Souvenir Shop
1.7 km
Compact, convenient and central, this Frederiksberggade souvenir shop on Strøget is a quick one‑stop for classic Copenhagen gifts and mementos.
Carmen Copenhagen
1.7 km
Compact vintage treasure trove in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, where characterful clothes, curated racks, and cozy atmosphere turn slow browsing into a small adventure.
København K
1.7 km
Hidden in a Latin Quarter courtyard, København K is a long-standing Copenhagen vintage shop packed with curated second-hand fashion, denim and quirky homeware finds.
Wasteland
1.8 km
A high-energy vintage hub in Copenhagen’s Latin Quarter, packed with curated 80s, 90s and Y2K streetwear, denim and accessories in a distinctly urban setting.
Quirky Lane
1.8 km
Copenhagen's eclectic pink-walled vintage boutique where sustainable fashion meets curated character.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Jolene Bar
0.5 km
Industrial‑chic, late‑night beats in Copenhagen’s Meatpacking District, blending laid‑back bar vibes with a no‑frills, LGBTQ‑friendly dance floor.
Mesteren & Lærlingen
0.6 km
Discover the lively bar scene at Mesteren & Lærlingen, where cocktails meet vibrant DJ beats in the heart of Copenhagen's nightlife.
1656 Cocktail Bar
0.8 km
Hidden behind an unmarked door in Vesterbro, 1656 serves inventive cocktails in a dimly lit, speakeasy-style hideaway made for slow, late-night conversations.
Spunk
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Spunk, a lively bar in Copenhagen offering a diverse drinks menu and an inviting atmosphere for all.
Pier5 Bar
0.9 km
Waterfront cocktails and harbor views in Copenhagen's contemporary hotel bar.
Jernbanecafeen
1.0 km
Densely decorated, railway‑themed pub opposite Copenhagen Central Station, where model trains, red carpets and cold beer create a lively Vesterbro living room.
Riesen Bar
1.0 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Riesen Bar, where great drinks and lively atmosphere come together for an unforgettable evening.
CUBE bar
1.1 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at CUBE Bar, a stylish venue offering exquisite drinks and a lively atmosphere.
Curfew
1.1 km
Discover Curfew in Copenhagen: a chic cocktail bar offering innovative drinks and a vibrant atmosphere perfect for your night out.
Duck and Cover - Cocktailbar
1.2 km
Experience exquisite cocktails in a stylish ambiance at Duck and Cover, Copenhagen's premier cocktail bar for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Library Bar
1.2 km
Experience Copenhagen's luxurious Library Bar, where sophisticated cocktails meet an inviting atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploration.
The Marble Bar
1.2 km
An intimate marble-clad cocktail hideaway inside Nobis Hotel Copenhagen, serving Scandinavian-inflected drinks and quiet luxury steps from Tivoli Gardens.
Lidkoeb
1.3 km
Discover Lidkoeb, a vibrant cocktail bar in Copenhagen, renowned for its innovative drinks and lively atmosphere, perfect for nightlife enthusiasts.
The House of Machines Copenhagen
1.3 km
Award-winning cocktail bar with industrial soul and live music in Copenhagen's Vesterbro.
The Storm Inn Copenhagen
1.4 km
Experience the warmth of The Storm Inn in Copenhagen, a cozy pub offering a wide selection of drinks in a welcoming atmosphere.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
KB3
0.5 km
Discover the pulse of Copenhagen's nightlife at KB3, a lively night club in Vesterbro offering unforgettable music and vibrant experiences.
Baggen
0.6 km
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of Baggen, where Copenhagen's nightlife comes alive with vibrant music and unforgettable experiences.
The Union
0.7 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at The Union, Copenhagen's premier night club offering electrifying music and an unforgettable experience.
Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub
0.9 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Dollhouse Striptease Nightclub, where adult entertainment meets unforgettable performances.
CristalClubCopenhagen
0.9 km
Dive into Copenhagen's nightlife at Cristal Club, where upscale ambiance meets electrifying music and unforgettable experiences.
Vela Lesbian Lgbtq+ NightClub
1.1 km
Experience the inclusive spirit and vibrant nightlife at Vela Lesbian LGBTQ+ Nightclub in Copenhagen, where every night is a celebration of love and diversity.
Never Mind
1.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife of Copenhagen at Never Mind, where electrifying music meets an eclectic crowd for unforgettable nights.
Module
1.4 km
Discover the ultimate nightlife experience at Module Night Club in Copenhagen, where world-class DJs and an electrifying atmosphere await.
Den Anden Side
1.4 km
Discover the electrifying nightlife of Copenhagen at Den Anden Side, a techno haven for party lovers and night owls.
Club Mambo
1.5 km
Experience the energetic nightlife of Copenhagen at Club Mambo, a vibrant night club offering salsa dancing, cocktails, and delicious dining.
G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub
1.6 km
Experience the heart of LGBTQ+ nightlife at G*A*Y Copenhagen Nightclub, where vibrant energy and inclusive atmosphere await every visitor.
Zefside
1.6 km
Intimate cocktail den turned late-night dance spot, Zefside blends crafted drinks, DJ beats and canal-side charm in the heart of central Copenhagen.
Dorsia
1.7 km
Central Copenhagen nightclub with late‑night DJs, cocktails and an image‑conscious crowd packed into a dark, modern interior off busy Kattesundet.
Cosy Bar
1.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Cosy Bar, a top gay nightclub in Copenhagen offering fantastic music, vibrant crowds, and unforgettable nights.
Miami Bar
1.8 km
Discover Copenhagen's nightlife at Miami Bar, where cocktails and dancing create unforgettable nights in a vibrant atmosphere.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Sunset Spots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Reel-Friendly
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Sustainable
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Cultural Heritage
- Nature Escape
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Business Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
