Have you ever thought of spending your next summer vacation cycling through Germany? With an impressive 70,000-kilometer network of cycle paths, Germany offers optimal conditions for cycling trips, whether you want to explore the breathtaking landscapes, immerse yourself in the local culture or take on a sporting challenge. In this article, you will learn more about the most beautiful bike paths in Germany and what precautions you should take for your bike tour!

Advantages of Germany’s bike paths

Germany is a true paradise for cyclists. In addition to routes for all levels of difficulty, the picturesque nature, exciting cities, impressive sights and tranquil places are sure to impress. Whether you are looking for mountain panoramas or coastal views, a river cycle path or a route around one of the most beautiful lakes, Germany is diverse and offers excellent infrastructure.

Cycling routes with a seal of quality – classified quality routes

Another advantage of a bike tour in Germany is that many tours have been classified as quality routes by the ADFC cycling club. The advantages of these cycle paths lie above all in the good signage, the varied routing and the infrastructure along the route. So you can be sure that the cycle paths will meet your expectations. Info: You can find the ratings of the following cycle paths on the official website of the ADFC.

Germany’s most beautiful bike paths – our top 10

Whether you are an experienced cyclist or a hobby cyclist, there is no better way to experience Germany in all its glory than by taking one of the country’s most beautiful bike paths. Below, we take a look at some of the most attractive and popular routes, which will serve as the perfect inspiration for your next bike tour.

Elbe Cycle Route

The well-maintained Elbe Cycle Route is 1,260 kilometers long in total and has only a few hills. Depending on which route you choose, you can explore Saxon Switzerland and Dresden on the varied route or enjoy maritime flair between Hamburg and Cuxhaven. Also beautiful: the “Alte Elbe” nature reserve, which lies between Tangermünde and Havelberg.

• Length: approx. 1260 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Elbe Cycle Route is flat.

Lake Constance Cycle Route

The Lake Constance Cycle Route is also one of the easier cycle routes. The idyllic tour takes between five and nine days, depending on which route you choose. You will not only be in Germany, but also in Switzerland and Austria. Highlights include the city of Constance and the beautiful view of the lake, which invites you to cool off and linger. If you prefer to sleep in one place, a star wheel tour is also possible at Lake Constance.

• Length: approx. 270 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Lake Constance Cycle Path has no major inclines.

Main Cycle Route

The Main Cycle Route is 525 kilometers long and can be covered in about 11 days. However, it is also possible to choose only individual parts of the route. Even then, you will experience interesting cities, the idyllic wine country and quaint forests. Highlights include the old town of Bamberg, the wine town of Würzburg and the Franconian Forest.

• Length: approx. 525 km
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Topography: The Main Cycle Route runs without any major inclines.

Lahn Cycle Route

The Lahn Cycle Route is more of an insider tip among cyclists. Accordingly, nature here is idyllic and untouched. And the picturesque half-timbered towns and historic cities such as Marburg and Wetzlar impress with their very own charm.

• Length: approx. 245 km
• Degree of difficulty: Easy
• Topography: The Lahnradweg has no major inclines.

Rheinradweg

The Rheinradweg is one of the longest cycle paths in Europe. A total of 1,320 kilometers are waiting to be discovered by you. The landscape is as varied as the cycle path is long. But first, there is an important question to answer: do you prefer to be on the right or left side of the Rhine? The highlights along the Rhine include the world-famous Lorelei rock and a host of romantic castles.

• Length: approx. 1,320 km
• Difficulty level: moderate
• Topography: the Rhine Cycle Route is mainly flat, with a few ascents in the Alpine region.

Altmühltal Cycle Path

The Altmühltal cycle path in the Franconian Lake District is another highlight among Germany’s cycle routes. The region is a popular recreation area for both locals and tourists, offering a range of appealing water sports and cultural highlights, such as the Limes.

• Length: approx. 231 km
• Difficulty level: easy
• Topography: the Altmühltal cycle path is flat.

Moselle Cycle Path

The well-marked Moselle Cycle Path runs from France through Luxembourg and into Germany. The largest section of the route is in Germany. Wine connoisseurs and castle enthusiasts alike will find many beautiful places along the Moselle to get off their bikes, take a deep breath and enjoy the scenery.

• Length: approx. 310 km
• Difficulty level: easy
• Topography: The Moselle Cycle Path is free of major inclines.

Baltic Sea Cycle Path

The Baltic Sea Cycle Path is about 430 kilometers long and runs from Flensburg to Usedom. If you are looking for sun, sand and sea, this bike tour in Germany is perfect for you. The route is mostly flat, making it suitable for beginners. We also recommend a detour via Rügen.

• Length: approx. 430 km
• Difficulty level: easy
• Topography: the Baltic Sea Cycle Route is flat and has no major inclines.

Weser Cycle Route

The Weser is a very special river. The Weser Cycle Route passes through a wide variety of landscapes, taking you through green valleys, river meadows and moors. The route also passes through cities such as Bremen, Bremerhaven and Cuxhaven before finally flowing into the North Sea. It doesn’t get much more diverse than this.

• Length: 520 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Weser Cycle Route is flat with no major inclines.

Danube Cycle Route

The route along the Danube has always been an important trade route. A bike tour along the Danube Cycle Route is accordingly diverse. On its way to the Black Sea, the Danube passes through numerous countries, allowing the route to be experienced in very different ways. In Germany, it is mainly the Bavarian shore with Donauwörth and Passau that attracts visitors and can be explored in eight days.

• Length: 2850 km
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Topography: The Danube Cycle Path is flat.

Bike paths in Germany – preparations

Germany’s bike paths are easy to reach, with no language barrier and better-marked bike routes. Nevertheless, a bike trip in Germany requires good planning. Before you start your bike tour, you should take care of the following things:

• Route planning
• Arrival and departure
• Bike check
• Accommodation
• Light and comfortable functional clothing
• Padded bike shorts
• Rain jacket with reflectors and rain trousers
• Bike helmet
• Luggage transport
• First-aid kit and sunscreen
• Drinks
• A cycling guide or a map

Tip: We have put together a packing list for the bike tour. This way you will have everything you need with you.

Explore Germany’s most beautiful cycle paths – with professional planning from RAD+REISEN

Especially for people who are very busy at work or at home or who do not yet have much experience in planning a longer tour, it can be a real advantage to have the bike tour in Germany planned by professionals. Whether river bike tours or other long-distance cycle routes, we at RAD+REISEN know what is important and are happy to support you in planning and implementing the individual stages. With RAD+REISEN, you benefit from pre-booked accommodation, a 7-day service hotline, luggage transport, and an information session at the beginning of the trip. You can also rent the latest bikes from us.

Germany’s most beautiful cycle paths – in the footsteps of nature

Germany has many cycle paths that are suitable for a weekend excursion or a cycling holiday. Once you have found the right cycle path, you can plan the tour yourself or get help from our professionals. This way, you get the most out of it and ensure that the bike tour is an unforgettable experience. Thanks to our luggage transport service, you can also travel light, so you can enjoy the landscapes and cities without a care.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions about Germany’s cycle paths

Where are the most beautiful cycle paths in Germany?

The most beautiful cycle routes in Germany mostly run along rivers. The Danube Cycle Path, the Elbe Cycle Route and the Moselle Cycle Route are among the most beautiful tours. Apart from that, the Lake Constance Cycle Path and the Baltic Sea Cycle Path are also recommended.

Where is the best place to go cycling in Germany?

In Germany, there are many regions that are very suitable for cycling. Starting from the North and Baltic Sea to the southernmost part of Bavaria, you can experience a lot while cycling. The numerous river cycle paths in Germany are particularly worth seeing.

Which is the longest cycle path in Germany?

The longest cycle path that is entirely in Germany is the cycle path in Brandenburg. At 1,111 kilometers, it connects 19 cities, nature parks, castles, palaces and biosphere reserves.