Cykelslangen (The Bicycle Snake)
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.
Cykelslangen, the bright orange “Bicycle Snake” in Copenhagen’s Vesterbro district, is an elevated cycle bridge that twists gracefully between glass-fronted buildings and the harbor. Opened in 2014, this bike-priority bridge carries thousands of cyclists daily above the water and waterfront plazas, linking Kalvebod Brygge with Havneholmen and Bryggebroen. Even on foot, it is a striking piece of urban design and a front-row seat on Copenhagen’s celebrated cycling culture.
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
- Visit around weekday rush hours to see the bridge at its most dynamic, with a near-continuous stream of cyclists showcasing Copenhagen’s bike culture.
- For photography, aim for early morning or late evening when the orange deck, water reflections and surrounding glass buildings catch the softest light.
- If you are walking, stay close to the inner side of the deck and be alert; this is first and foremost a fast, flowing route for cyclists.
- Combine a ride over Cykelslangen with a crossing of Bryggebroen to complete a short harbor loop with varied views and perspectives.
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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Train and walking from central Copenhagen
From Copenhagen Central Station, take an S-train one stop to Dybbølsbro, which typically takes about 3 minutes. Trains run every few minutes throughout the day and are covered by standard city tickets, usually in the range of 20–30 DKK for a single journey. From Dybbølsbro it is an easy, largely flat 10–15 minute walk through the surrounding neighborhood to the harborfront area where Cykelslangen rises beside the large shopping mall. The route is suitable for most visitors, though surfaces are mainly paved rather than soft.
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City bus to the harborfront
Several city buses serve the Fisketorvet mall area next to Cykelslangen, with travel times of around 10–20 minutes from central Copenhagen depending on traffic. Standard city bus tickets generally cost 20–30 DKK per ride and can be bought via machines or mobile apps. Buses run frequently during the day and early evening but less often late at night. Once you alight at the stop near the mall, expect a short, level walk of about 5–10 minutes through the commercial area to reach the base of the orange bridge.
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Cycling via Copenhagen’s bike network
For the full experience, rent a city bike from one of the many rental points in central Copenhagen and follow the harbor-oriented cycle routes toward Vesterbro. Depending on your starting point, the ride typically takes 10–25 minutes at an easy pace. Expect dedicated bike lanes for most of the way and gentle gradients suitable for casual riders. Standard city bike rentals are commonly priced from about 75–150 DKK per day. Lockable stands and railings near the approaches allow you to secure the bike while you explore the waterfront on foot.
Cykelslangen location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Cold Weather
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Hot Weather
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Cykelslangen
An Orange Ribbon Over Copenhagen’s Harbor
Cykelslangen – literally “The Bicycle Snake” – is one of Copenhagen’s most distinctive pieces of urban infrastructure. Painted a vivid orange, the slender bridge floats above the harbor basin at Gasværkshavnen, threading between the concrete of Kalvebod Brygge and the glassy bulk of Fisketorvet mall. Although designed first and foremost for bikes, it has become a modern landmark in its own right, drawing architecture fans, photographers, and the simply curious. From a distance, the bridge looks like a ribbon dropped casually between buildings. Up close, its steel deck, slim white columns and carefully profiled railings reveal the precision behind the apparent effortlessness. Stand beneath it and you appreciate how little it touches the ground, freeing space on the quay for strolling, sitting and lingering by the water.How the Bicycle Snake Changed the Waterfront
Before Cykelslangen opened in 2014, cyclists moving between Vesterbro, Havneholmen and the harbor bridge Bryggebroen faced an awkward detour, including stairs and tight pedestrian areas. The new bridge solved a very practical problem: giving bikes a direct, car-free route while relieving pressure on the promenade below. Today many thousands of riders glide over it daily, their constant flow a reminder of how central cycling is to daily life in Copenhagen. The bridge links seamlessly into a wider network of harbor crossings and “cycle superhighways”. For the city, it is more than a shortcut: it signals a commitment to put human-powered transport on equal footing with cars. You can watch office workers on upright city bikes, families with cargo bikes and students on racing bikes all sharing the same smooth curve, rarely needing to brake.Architecture in Motion
Cykelslangen was designed to be experienced at speed. Its long, gentle ramps are calculated so cyclists can ascend and descend without strain, while the snaking plan line subtly slows them through the tightest bends. The orange deck contrasts with the usually grey-blue harbor, so from the water or opposite quay the snake stands out as a bold graphic stroke. Running roughly 200–220 meters, the bridge rises to around seven meters above the water at its highest point, offering fleeting views as you ride or walk along. Look east and you catch glimpses of Bryggebroen and Islands Brygge; look west and the city’s mix of historic rooftops and modern glass unfolds between gaps in the surrounding buildings.Experiencing the Bicycle Culture Up Close
You do not need a bike to appreciate Cykelslangen, but it helps. Riding across, you feel gently lifted out of street-level clutter into a dedicated world of cyclists, temporarily separated from bus stops, shop entrances and parked cars. On foot, you can pause at the railings to watch the constant stream of bikes, a living illustration of why Copenhagen is known as one of the world’s great cycling capitals. Down on the waterfront, the bridge becomes a backdrop rather than a route. From the quayside benches and steps you can watch silhouettes of riders passing above, framed against the sky and water. In the evening, subtle lighting turns the snake into a glowing loop, reflecting softly on the harbor surface and shifting the atmosphere from utilitarian bypass to urban sculpture.Best Times, Light and Perspectives
Early morning and late evening bring some of the most photogenic moments here. At sunrise, low light picks out the orange deck and throws long shadows from the thin columns onto the water. Around sunset on clear days, the glass façades around Fisketorvet mirror warm colors while commuter traffic peaks, giving the bridge a sense of animated energy. Because Cykelslangen sits amid other modern structures, it also offers interesting vantage points back towards the city. From the mid-span, you can frame canals, moored boats and neighboring bridges in a single view. Architecturally minded visitors will also notice how the bridge knits together what could have been a rather anonymous mall-and-office district, injecting movement, color and human scale into the waterfront.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.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
- Unique
- Casual
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Modern Designs
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Modern
- Landmarks
- 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
- Reel-Friendly
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Eco-Friendly
- Low Impact
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Car-Free Access
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Adventure Photo Shoot
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- 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
