Cycling tourism's popularity is growing across Europe, exemplified by an international study trip from Copenhagen to Gdańsk. This trip, organised by the Pomorskie Tourist Board (PROT) as part of the Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU) project, showcased how cross-border cooperation can turn cycling routes into appealing tourism products. It brought together tour operators, cycling tourism experts, travel media, bloggers, and tourism organisations from across Europe. During five days, participants explored sections of EuroVelo 10—the Baltic Sea Cycle Route—along the southern Baltic coast from Denmark through Germany to Poland. The official launch took place on 27 May 2026 at Copenhagen City Hall, with greetings from Christopher Røhl, Mayor of Culture and Leisure, and Ewa Dębska, the Polish Ambassador to Denmark. The event highlighted the vital role of international collaboration in fostering sustainable tourism and active mobility around the Baltic Sea.

One of the main objectives of the journey was to test a new one-way bicycle rental service connecting Copenhagen and Gdańsk. The innovative offer allows cyclists to rent a bicycle in Denmark and return it in Poland, thereby removing one of the most significant logistical barriers to long-distance cycling holidays. The product was developed by two SMEs: Danish company OneWayBikeTours and Polish tour operator Poland by Locals, whose cooperation began through networking activities within the BBU project. The trip also served as a practical test of the EuroVelo 10 route and the supporting tourism infrastructure along the southern Baltic coast. Participants experienced cycling-friendly accommodation, local attractions, ferry connections, gastronomy and visitor services, providing valuable feedback for future route development and tourism product improvement.

The initiative forms part of the Baltic Biking UPGRADE (BBU) project, co-financed by the Interreg South Baltic Programme. Led by the Pomorskie Tourist Board, the project brings together partners from Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Lithuania with the shared goal of strengthening cycling tourism along EuroVelo 10 and improving cycling services across the region. Cycling tourism is increasingly recognised as one of Europe's fastest-growing tourism segments. Long-distance routes such as EuroVelo 10 contribute to sustainable mobility, support local businesses, encourage visitors to explore destinations at a slower pace, and generate economic benefits for rural and coastal communities.

The successful completion of the Copenhagen–Gdańsk journey demonstrates how international cooperation, innovative services and high-quality cycling infrastructure can work together to create attractive tourism experiences. It also shows how EU-funded projects can help transform ideas into market-ready products that respond to growing demand for active and sustainable travel. Eventually, the initiative highlights the potential of the Baltic Sea Region to become one of Europe's leading cycling tourism destinations, connecting countries, communities, and businesses through a shared vision of sustainable mobility and cross-border tourism development.

More information:
https://prot.gda.pl/aktualnosci/z-kopenhagi-do-gdanska-rowerem-miedzynarodowa-wyprawa-promowala-eurovelo-10-i-nowy-produkt-turystyki-rowerowej/

Baltic Biking UPGRADE project:
https://pro.eurovelo.com/projects/2023-09-21_baltic-biking-upgrade

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