Cycling tours are becoming more and more popular. No wonder, because a cycling holiday is sustainable, a real adventure and can help you to get away from it all. Europe offers some of the most beautiful cycle paths in the world and is therefore the perfect destination for a cycling holiday. Read on for tips on the most beautiful bike tours in Europe!

Preparations for bike tours in Europe

Europe has excellent infrastructure, well-maintained roads and a wide range of landscapes. There are tours for all levels of difficulty. Whether you are looking for coastal or mountain views, a sea route or a river cycle path, Europe has a wide range of bicycle tours to offer. However, you should plan your bike tours in Europe well. The following checklist will help you organize your trip:

• Route planning: The route is one of the crucial things you need to take care of in advance, because only when you know where you want to go can you take care of the arrival and departure, the overnight stays and the packing list. After all, every bike tour has its own challenges and requires different clothing, for example.
• Arrival and departure: Once you have decided on your route, you should consider how you will get to the starting point of your bike tour and back. You could, for example, travel by train, plane or car.
• Overnight accommodation: Research whether there are enough hotels, holiday apartments or campsites along the way and decide whether you want to take a tent with you, for example.
• Packing list: Your packing list for the bike tour should include, among other things, lightweight functional clothing, padded bike shorts, a rain jacket, rain trousers, a bike helmet, a small first-aid kit, sun cream and a cycle guide. Make the packing list early enough so that you can get any missing items in good time.
• Luggage transport: You can also consider using a luggage transport service. This makes your trip much easier, because it is much more pleasant to cycle without heavy luggage on your saddle or back.
• Bike check: Last but not least, it is important to have your bike checked before a longer bike tour, preferably by a professional.

The most beautiful cycle paths in Europe - our top 10

So, what are the most beautiful cycle paths in Europe? Our top cycle paths take you along the Baltic Sea in Germany, through the Salzkammergut in Austria or along the Euro-Velo-6. Let yourself be inspired!

Loire Cycle Route

The Loire Cycle Route is about 700 kilometers long and runs from the Atlantic Ocean to the center of France. Along the way, you can visit world-famous castles, among other things. The cycle route is well signposted and has only slight inclines.

• Length: approx. 700 km
• Difficulty level: easy
• Topography: the Loire Cycle Route has no major inclines.

Lake Constance Cycle Route

The Lake Constance Cycle Route is well suited for beginners. Depending on which route you choose, the cycle tour takes between 5 and 9 days. The tour passes through several countries, namely Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The highlights of the tour are the breathtaking view of Lake Constance, which accompanies you and invites you to cool off, and the idyllic city of Constance.

• Length: approx. 270 km
• Difficulty level: easy
• Topography: the Lake Constance cycle path has no major inclines.

Moldau Cycle Path

The Moldau Cycle Path runs from Prague to Passau, with two cities worth seeing already mentioned. It is therefore best to plan one or more days at the start and finish to visit the sights of these two picturesque cities.

• Length: approx. 380 km
• Difficulty level: moderate
• Topography: the Moldova Cycle Path has a few hills.

Baltic Sea Cycle Path

The approximately 430-kilometre-long Baltic Sea Cycle Path runs from Flensburg to Usedom. The mostly flat route is also suitable for beginners. This bike tour in Germany is perfect for you if you are in the mood for sun, beach and sea. A detour via Rügen is also highly recommended.

• Length: approx. 430 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Baltic Sea Cycle Route has no major inclines.

Danube Cycle Path

The Danube Cycle Path is also one of the classic routes in Europe. Depending on which section you choose, the route can be experienced in many different ways. The Danube, which flows into the Black Sea, passes through Bavaria, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Serbia, among other countries. You can explore the section in Bavaria in eight days. The highlights here include the cities of Regensburg and Passau.

• Length: 2850 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Danube Cycle Path has no major inclines.

Euro-Velo-6

The Euro-Velo-6 runs for 4,450 kilometers from the Atlantic to the Black Sea. The sections along the Loire and the Danube are world-famous. Whether wine tasting in France or visiting museums in Vienna, the Euro-Velo-6 offers many highlights, even away from the tour.

• Length: approx. 4,450 km
• Difficulty level: Medium
• Topography: Euro-Velo-6 has a few steep inclines along its route.

Salzkammergut Cycle Path

The Salzkammergut Cycle Path offers an idyllic landscape with mountain and lake panoramas. In addition, the numerous lakes such as Lake Wolfgang and Lake Attersee are perfect for cooling off. Other highlights include Bad Ischl and the Mozart city of Salzburg.

• Length: 320 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Salzkammergut Cycle Path is flat with no major inclines.

More popular cycle paths in Europe

Other popular cycle tours in Europe include the Lake Route in Switzerland, the Neusiedlersee Cycle Path in Austria and the route from Munich to Venice. The cross-alpine route is particularly suitable for sporty cyclists.

Plan your cycle tour in Europe

Does that sound like a lot of preparation time? Then let the experts at RAD+REISEN plan your cycle tour for you. Whether traveling by bike and boat, river bike tours or bike paths by the sea, we know the advantages and disadvantages of cycle tours in Europe and can help you decide. We will help you plan and implement your bike tour. Thanks to our 24-hour service hotline, you can reach us anytime, which offers you additional security. RAD+REISEN also takes care of planning and reserving your accommodations and organizes luggage transport for you. In addition, you can rent the most modern bikes from us, so you don’t have to worry about a bike check.

Bike tours in Europe – summary

Cycling tours in Europe are extremely diverse. Good planning is necessary to make your trip an unforgettable experience. You can either do this yourself or let the experts at RAD+REISEN help you. This way, you can benefit from pre-booked accommodation, luggage services and the latest rental bikes.

FAQs – Cycling tours in Europe

What is the most beautiful cycle path in Europe?

The most beautiful cycle paths in Europe offer a combination of natural beauty, historical attractions and well-maintained cycle paths. The most popular cycle paths are the Danube Cycle Path, the Loire Cycle Path, the Lake Constance Cycle Path and the Moldau Cycle Path.

What are the top destinations for cycle tours in Europe?

The best destinations for cycle touring in Europe are characterized by their impressive variety of landscapes, rich cultural heritage and excellent infrastructure for cyclists. Among the most popular destinations are the Netherlands, France, Germany, Austria and Italy.