Cycling in Europe
Europe is the world’s most bike-friendly continent, laced with thousands of kilometres of signed cycle routes, from flat riverside greenways to the legendary climbs of the Grand Tours. Cycle-friendly trains and a dense network of towns make touring effortless.
The Netherlands and the great river paths offer relaxed, car-free riding, the Alps and Pyrenees test the strongest legs, and the Mediterranean islands blend sunshine with quiet roads. There is a ride here for every level and ambition.
These are the routes and regions worth planning a trip around.
Where to Cycle in Europe#
The Danube Cycle Path One of the world’s most popular bike tours, following the great river through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary on flat, car-free paths past castles and baroque cities. Vienna to Budapest is a classic. It is ideal for beginners.
The Loire a Velo, France An 800km route along the Loire through France’s chateau country, rolling gently past vineyards, gardens and royal palaces. Wine and cheese stops abound. Flat terrain makes it accessible to all.
Lake Constance, Central Europe A scenic 260km loop around the lake shared by Germany, Austria and Switzerland, one of the most popular cycle tours on the continent. Ferries link the shores. Alpine views and orchards line the way.
The Dolomites Passes, Italy For strong riders, the legendary climbs of the Stelvio, Gavia and Sella Ronda offer some of the most spectacular road cycling on earth. The Sellaronda car-free day is a highlight. The scenery rewards every pedal stroke.
Mont Ventoux & the Alps, France The ‘Giant of Provence’ and the great Tour de France cols like Alpe d’Huez are pilgrimage climbs for road cyclists worldwide. Riding in the pros’ tyre-tracks is a thrill. Summer is the season.
The Netherlands The world’s most cycle-friendly country, a vast, flat network of dedicated paths linking windmills, tulip fields, canals and cities. Bikes rule the road here. It is effortless, joyful cycling.
Mallorca, Spain A winter and spring training paradise for cyclists, combining quiet mountain roads in the Tramuntana with flat coastal routes and reliable sunshine. The pros come to train here. Every village has a cyclists’ cafe.
The Vias Verdes, Spain A network of ‘greenways’ built on disused railways, offering flat, traffic-free cycling through the Spanish countryside on gentle gradients. Tunnels and viaducts add interest. They are perfect for families.
The Rhine Cycle Route Following Europe’s great river from the Alps to the North Sea, through gorges lined with castles and vineyards. The Middle Rhine section is the most dramatic. It is a well-served, scenic classic.
Coastal Croatia & the Islands Quiet island roads and the Parenzana greenway in Istria reward cyclists with Adriatic views, vineyards and Venetian towns. Ferries link the islands. Spring and autumn are ideal.
The Ruhr & German Rivers Germany’s superb network, including the Elbe and Weser routes, offers relaxed riding between historic cities on flat, well-signed paths. Beer gardens make natural stops. It is touring made easy.
The EuroVelo 6, Atlantic to Black Sea One of the great long-distance routes, crossing the continent from France to the Black Sea largely along rivers. Riders tackle it in sections or as an epic. It captures Europe’s diversity.