Bicycling The absence of hills and the abundance of parks and wide avenues with bicycle lanes make cycling the best way to explore Copenhagen. Bike-rental shops and stands are scattered throughout the city. Two suggestions are Københavns Cyker, Reventlowsgade 11 (tel. 33-33-86-13; bus: 6 or 10), and Dan Wheel, Colbjørnsensgade 3 (tel. 33-21-22-27; bus: 28 or 41). A deposit of 500DKK ($85/£45) is required. Alternatively, City Bike is a great way to get around central Copenhagen. Bike racks are located throughout the city center; the service is free and you unlock your bike with a 20DKK ($3.40/£1.80) deposit. When you return the bike your deposit is returned. The bikes are available from May to December. Fitness Form & Fitness, Øster Allé 42E (tel. 35-55-00-78; bus: 9 or 10), offers a day pass for 150DKK ($26/£14). Aerobics, weights, and fitness machines are available Monday to Thursday 6:30am to 11pm, Friday 6:30am to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 8am to 6pm. Golf Denmark's best-known golf course, and one of its most challenging to golfers around the world, is at the Rungsted Golf Klub, Vestre Stationsveg 16, Rungsted (tel. 45-76-85-82; bus: 3, 16, or 45). It's in the heart of Denmark's "Whisky Trail," a string of homes and mansions known for their allure to retirees, about 21km (13 miles) north of Copenhagen. Some degree of competence is required, so beginners and intermediate golfers might want to hold off. If you're an advanced golfer, call for information and to arrange a tee time. Greens fees run 350DKK to 550DKK ($60-$94/£32-£50) for a full day's use of the club's 18 holes. To play, you must present evidence of a 21 handicap on Saturday and Sunday, or 25 on weekdays. With advance notice, you can rent clubs for 250DKK ($43/£23). No carts are allowed on the ecologically fragile course, which is open year-round, except when it is snowing. Jogging The many parks (known to locals as "green lungs") of Copenhagen provide endless routes for joggers. Our favorite, just west of the city center, circles Lakes Sortedams, St. Jorgens, and Peblinge. The paths that wind through the Frederiksborg gardens are also well suited for joggers. Swimming In spite of an often bone-chilling climate, swimming is a favorite Danish pastime. The Frederiksborg Svømmehal, Helgesvej 29 (tel. 38-14-04-04; bus: 6 or 18), is open to the public Monday to Friday 7am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 4pm, Sunday 9am to 2:30pm. Tickets cost 30DKK ($5.10/£2.70). You can also try Sundby Swimming-pool, Sundbyvestervej 50 (tel. 32-58-55-68; bus: 30 or 31); or Kildeskovshallen, Adolphsvej 25 (tel. 39-77-44-00; bus: 165). Tennis Visitors usually pay a large supplement to play tennis at hotels and clubs in Copenhagen. There's a high hourly rate, and courts must be reserved in advance. At the Hotel Mercur, Vester Farimagsgade 17 (tel. 33-12-57-11; bus: 40 or 46), visitors pay 130DKK ($22/£12) for the first hour, 100DKK ($17/£9) for each additional hour. Another club is Københavns Boldklub, Peter Bangs Vej 147 (tel. 38-71-41-50; bus: 1); this club is in Frederiksberg, a neighborhood west of central Copenhagen. |
