On the Bike Through Germany: The Top 10 Most Beautiful Routes
Past small towns, castles and lakes: if you want to explore Germany's sights by bike, you should choose one of the following routes.
April 6, 2023
1. The Weser cycle path
© TMN/DZT/Jens Wegener
The route along the Weser to the North Sea is one of the most beautiful bike paths in Germany. It made it to ranking No. 1 in the ADFC cycle trip analysis. Imposing castles and fortresses like the UNESCO World Heritage Corvey Castle in Höxter, small half-timbered towns, the dikes of the North Sea - the Weser Cycle Route impresses with its scenic and architectural sights.
2. On the banks of the Elbe
© Facebook/Sylvio Dittrich
The route follows the Elbe from its source in the Giant Mountains (the Karkonosze) to its mouth in the North Sea. It goes through beautiful marshlands and glacial valleys, past attractions such as the museum fortress of Dömitz or the bastion of Saxon Switzerland.
3. On the Baltic coast
© TMV/Sweet
Number 3 in the ranking gives bike travelers an inviting route along the Baltic Sea. The route is part of the European long-distance cycle route EuroVelo 10 and runs from Flensburg to Usedom. Picturesque coastlines, historic Hanseatic cities and lively seaside resorts promise plenty of variety along the route.
4. Along the Danube
© German Danube Tourism e.V.
This route always runs along the banks of the Danube and connects Donaueschingen and Passau. By far the most beautiful section is the romantic Danube valley in the Swabian Alb. Other highlights are the Weltenburg Monastery, Ulm Cathedral and the Danube seepage in the Upper Danube Nature Park.
5. On the Main
© unsplash
By bike you can follow the Main from its source to its mouth. You'll pass a fascinating natural scenery such as the mountains of Franconian Switzerland and the forests and meadows of the Tauber valley. Worth seeing are cities like Würzburg, Volkach or Bamberg.
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6. Through the Rhur valley
© TRTW
True to the motto nature meets industrial culture, this route leads from the densely wooded low mountain range in the Sauerland to industrial monuments in the green Ruhr Valley. Along the way, you can also marvel at the historic town center of Arnsberg, the massive rock formations of the Bruchhauser Steine, and the Aquarius Water Museum in Mülheim.
7. On the banks of the Moselle
© Mosellandtouristik/D.Ketz
Along the Moselle between the French city of Metz and Koblenz, the focus is primarily on culinary delights. Fine wineries and picturesque half-timbered villages offer delicious food opportunities along the way. In addition, historic places such as Germany's oldest city Trier or Cochem are worth a visit.
8. Along the Rhine
© Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism GmbH
For a long time, the Rhine has been the economic and cultural axis between the Alps and northern Europe. Today, this route can be cycled for about 1,500 kilometers. It goes from Freiburg via Mainz and Cologne to Emmerich, then you cross the border to Holland. Along the way, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley awaits, as well as picturesque river landscapes and villages.
9. From Lake Constance to Königssee
© Dietmar Denger
The route from Lake Constance to Königssee is majestic: castles such as Hohenschwangau and Neuschwanstein are waiting to be visited along the way. The route also has a lot to offer in terms of scenery. You can take breaks in charming little towns with traditional inns, enjoying wonderful views of the Alps.
10. Around lake constance
© Lake Constance Tourism Service GmbH
As the name suggests, the Lake Constance Cycle Path runs around Lake Constance, connecting the three countries of Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Almost along its entire length, you can cycle in a relaxed manner along the lakeshore. Especially in hot summers, the path is ideal: more than 100 bathing spots invite you to cool off.