With so many people taking up cycling, it’s only natural that you’d like to explore new countries on your bike, and there are numerous alluring European cycling tours to choose from that will satisfy your cultural and gastronomic needs, European cycling vacations are meant to be savored after all. Follow the banks of picturesque rivers and canals as you travel between countries, or follow the paths through idyllic countryside or ancient forests to reach remote beaches. Embark on the ride of a lifetime with our curated selection of Stunning Cycling Trip Routes To Take In Europe. Whether you’re interested in an idyllic getaway or a more active one, you’ll find the perfect European cycling trip to suit your requirements.
Below, we have detailed 10 stunning cycling trip routes to take in Europe…
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Danube Cycle Path: Germany/Austria/Slovakia/Hungary/Croatia/Romania
The Danube Cycle Path is widely regarded as one of the best places to get started bike touring due to its low levels of danger, smooth pavement, and stunning natural surroundings. From Germany to the Black Sea, the cycling path winds through 10 European countries, such as Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, and Romania, along the winding Danube River. From Austria’s natural marvel, the Danube Loop, to the Baroque castles of Vienna and the natural spas of Budapest, there is no shortage of things to see and do along the way.
The Romantic Road: Germany
The Romantic Road is a scenic drive that passes through picturesque farmland and the historic walled towns of Nördlingen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The route is around 440 kilometers long and is quite level; it passes through the beautiful Alps, although the route’s elevation gain is less than 600 meters. In addition to seeing Neuschwanstein Castle, cyclists can stop in the medieval town of Augsburg along the route.
Via Francigena: Italy
The port city of Brindisi served as a connecting point for pilgrims traveling from Western Europe to Rome and Jerusalem along the Via Francigena. Sigeric “the Serious,” Archbishop of Canterbury, traveled the Via Francigena in the year 990, inspiring the designation of the route as a “Cultural Route of the Council of Europe” in 1994. The route traverses the entirety of the Italian peninsula, beginning at Lake Como and ending in Brindisi via the Sigeric corridor between Pavia and Rome. Moving behind Rome, it passes through the Southern Apennines and ends up in the Adriatic Sea via the Po River basin and the Cisa Pass.
Elbe Cycle Path: Germany/Czech Republic
The Elbe Cycle Path, which follows Germany’s second-longest river and is consistently chosen the country’s favorite cycling path, is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery. Cyclists who travel from Prague to Dresden can take in picturesque scenery and explore quaint Bohemian villages en route to the city of Dresden. The route connects with a network of cycling routes across Germany, allowing cyclists to see even more of the country on their way to the North Sea shore.
Tauern Cycle Trail: Austria
The Tauern Cycle Trail in Austria is an incredible journey that begins at Gerlos Pass and ends in Salzburg. The route is almost 150 miles long and has elevation gains of several thousand feet, making it challenging but rewarding for experienced riders. Take in breathtaking scenery along the way, from Grossglockner Mountain and the Hohe Tauern National Park to Lake Zell and Europe’s tallest waterfall, the Krimml.
Iron Curtain Trail: Bulgaria
Starting in Thracian Valley, one of the world’s oldest and most attractive winemaking districts, the Bulgarian leg of the Iron Curtain Trail travels through mountains and spa towns. After passing through Gotse Delchev and Devin, cyclists can travel east over pine-lined routes into the highlands bordering Greece, where they can take in the stunning scenery of the Rhodope Range.
EuroVelo 10 (Baltic Sea Cycle): Germany/Poland/Finland
The Baltic Sea Cycle, also known as EuroVelo 10, is a bicycle tour that travels along the coast of the Baltic Sea. There is a lot to see and do, from the pristine beaches of the German Riviera to the country’s many national parks and thousands of islands. The route takes cyclists past picturesque coastal towns like Gdansk and Lübeck, where they can immerse themselves in local culture while still enjoying the outdoors.
Holland Junction Network: The Netherlands
With its well-developed bicycle infrastructure and abundance of flat roads, Holland is a paradise for cyclists of all skill levels. There are 32,000 kilometers of well-marked bike paths in the Holland Junction Network, with plenty of destinations and rest stops. Bicyclists can take their time on the Network as they travel to various destinations, including the picturesque countryside and the lively city of Amsterdam, located on Holland’s North Sea Coast.
Sa Calobra: Mallorca, Spain
If the pros call Girona home, then Mallorca remains their go-to for intense training. Mallorca is probably the most well-known cycling destination in Europe, and Brits prefer to escape the dreary weather of home in the spring and head to the sun-drenched Balearic island. The island is equipped to handle the yearly flood of cyclists and is a popular destination for amateurs, club riders, and professionals. Mallorca has you covered with its abundance of tour operators, hotels, bike rentals, and shops. As for the riding, its popularity can be attributed in part to the variety of landscapes that can be explored. This Spanish island has everything a cyclist might want: flat roads, rolling hills, and challenging mountains.
Also Read : Why the Smoky Mountains Make for the Ultimate Family Vacation Destination
Tour de France and Giro d’Italia: French Alps, France/Italy/Switzerland
Every list of must-climb mountain cycling routes includes the French Alps. The Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia, two of cycling’s major races, frequently pass through this region, making the mountains here some of the most famous in the world. Who among us hasn’t watched professional cyclists race up a mountain and wondered if we’re up to the challenge? The region has become almost as well-known among bikers as it is among skiers in the winter, making it an ideal vacation spot whenever the temperature rises. However, these dizzying ascents and frightening descents in the Alps require your absolute best riding ability.
Holidays spent riding in Europe are among the most memorable and enriching experiences one can have on two wheels. The continent offers a variety of opportunities for cyclists, including training camps with local clubs, family vacations, trips with bike buddies when cycling isn’t the primary focus, and solitary mountain adventures. All you need to do is pick the destination you prefer, make sure you have adequate insurance to cover all your kit and arrange for it all to be transported by a reliable shipping company, then you are good to go.