Germany offers approximately 6,800 kilometers of bike paths from north to south, from west to east, along the coast and in the Alpine foothills. But the wider the selection, the harder the decision often is. To help you make up your mind, we have selected the five most beautiful bike tours through Germany for you and show you what else there is to consider during a tour.

Germany as a destination for cycle tours

Cycle tours in Germany are very popular. From spring to fall, families and leisure cyclists as well as athletes will find the right route and perfect conditions in the multitude of long-distance cycle paths.

Advantages of a cycle tour in Germany

Germany is a popular travel destination due to its diverse landscape, its pleasantly temperate climate and its impressive history. The cycle tours in Germany couldn’t be more different. Whether you prefer the North or the Baltic Sea, want to cycle from west to east, along rivers or in the foothills of the Alps, there is something for everyone, whatever your taste or level of difficulty. Furthermore, the long-distance cycle paths in Germany must meet certain criteria set by the Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club (ADFC). In addition to a minimum length of 150 kilometers, a minimum width of 2 meters is required, as well as good signposting and navigability even in the rain. Another advantage of Germany as a cycling destination is that it is a very safe country and well developed for tourism.

How many cycle paths are there in Germany?

In 2020, the total length of cycle paths in Germany was around 6,800 kilometers, spread across approximately 225 long-distance cycle paths. In addition, the 12 D-routes, Germany’s long-distance cycle routes, have existed since 2002, connecting the cycle paths throughout Germany to the long-distance cycle paths and thus also enabling cycling trips in Europe. If you follow these routes, it is quite easy to connect several long-distance cycle paths. In addition, with the help of the D-routes, you can easily cycle to neighboring European countries, as these are connected to the Europe-wide Eurovelo network.

The 5 most beautiful cycle routes in Germany

And what are the most beautiful bike tours in Germany? We have put together the following 5 routes for you, which we particularly like:

• Elbe Cycle Route
• Moselle Cycle Route
• Danube Cycle Route
• Main Cycle Route
• Baltic Sea Cycle Route

The varied Elbe Cycle Route

The Elbe Cycle Route is one of the most diverse cycle tours in Europe. At over 1,300 km long, you will find a wide range of nature, culture and attractions between Germany and the Czech Republic. A cycling holiday on the Elbe Cycle Path offers spectacular mountain passes, dense floodplains, various animal species such as otters and beavers, as well as significant cultural treasures. In Germany, the Elbe Cycle Route runs from Cuxhaven in the north to Schöna on the Czech border. For example, you can take a great cycling trip from Hamburg to Berlin, where you can explore many natural treasures as well as cities in Germany!

The leisurely Moselle Cycle Path

The approximately 300-kilometre-long Moselle Cycle Path is close to the river, well signposted and passes through impressive scenery. Since the route is very flat, a bike tour on the Moselle Cycle Path is also suitable for families. The Moselle Cycle Path is particularly popular during the grape harvest in September and October, but it can also get very crowded then. However, you should try the Moselle wine either way. Otherwise, historic towns such as Koblenz, Metz and Trier and plenty of variety await you.

The popular Danube Cycle Path

The Danube Cycle Path has long been one of the most popular long-distance cycle paths in Europe. The Danube is the second longest river and one of the most important trade routes in Europe and is equally diverse. This long-distance cycle path also takes you along almost the entire length of the Danube. Experience the Bavarian Danube and cycle, for example, from Donauwörth to Passau. A trip for the whole family!

The idyllic Main Cycle Path

The Main Cycle Path is perfect for all leisure cyclists. There is plenty to discover over almost 600 km and 13 daily stages. Along the way, you will find three of the seven Bavarian UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely the old town of Bamberg, the Margravial Opera House in Bayreuth and the Würzburg Residence. In addition, the diverse Franconian cultural and natural landscape is waiting to be discovered by you.

Cycling through Germany – what should you bear in mind?

If you are planning a longer cycle tour through Germany, you should be well prepared. As with any longer cycle tour, the right equipment and optimal maintenance of the bicycle are crucial. You should also plan the exact stages in advance and find possible accommodation. During the main travel season, it is important to bear in mind that some accommodation may already be fully booked. Depending on how flexible you are, you can consider booking some of the accommodation in advance. Do you just want to enjoy your cycling holiday without having to plan and organize much? Then you can conveniently book an organized bike tour with us. Enjoy luggage transport, well-selected accommodation and other services!

Cycling tours through Germany – Worth a vacation

Germany is a true paradise for cyclists. Due to the wide variety of different routes, there is something for every cyclist. In addition, you can rely on the quality of the routes in Germany. The ADFC sets certain criteria for long-distance cycle paths in Germany, which guarantee good navigability even in the rain. If you plan to combine different routes or continue your journey in other European countries, it’s best to follow the 12 D routes, which connect the long-distance cycle paths.

FAQs: Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to cycle in Germany?

Germany is the ideal country for cyclists and offers a wide range of landscapes. This makes it difficult to answer the question about the best routes. The Danube Cycle Path and the Elbe Cycle Route, for example, are very popular.

Which is the most beautiful cycle path in Germany?

Among the most beautiful cycle paths in Germany are the diverse Elbe Cycle Route, the long-standing popular Danube Cycle Route and the Main Cycle Route, which runs through Bavaria and Hesse. The Moselle Cycle Route is particularly recommended for wine lovers, and the Baltic Sea Cycle Route for those who love the sea.

Which cycle paths in Germany are good for families?

Germany has many cycle paths that are good for families, including the popular Danube Cycle Path, the leisurely Moselle Cycle Path and the idyllic Main Cycle Path.