The best European cycle routes

More about the Alpe-Adria Cycle Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/alpe-adria-bicycle-route-cycling-through-alps-to-adriatic-sea The Alpe-Adria route is about 415 km long and links Salzburg in Austria with the seaside town of Grado in Italy. It runs through Salzburger Land, Carinthia and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, changing the scenery from high Alpine views to a Mediterranean coast. One of its best parts is a 60 km section on an old railway line, with tunnels, bridges and stations rebuilt for cyclists. A train shuttle takes riders through the Tauern Tunnel, which makes the crossing of the Alps easier. In total there are more than 5,000 meters of climbing and a similar amount of downhill riding. Most of the route is paved and well signed, though in Austria some stretches run on roads shared with traffic. Many cyclists plan a week for the ride, but strong riders can do it in just a few days.

More about the Lakes Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/exploring-swiss-alps-cycling-lakes-route-in-switzerland The Lakes Route is a 500-kilometer cycling route across postcard-like Switzerland, linking ten scenic lakes and regions such as Werdenberg, Lucerne at the foot of Mount Pilatus, Iseltwald on Lake Brienz, Gruyères, and the Lavaux vineyards above Lake Geneva. The version described starts in Zurich and finishes in Lausanne, passing through Zug, Lucerne, Meiringen, Interlaken, Spiez, and Gstaad. According to Switzerland Mobility, the route is about 510 km long with a total elevation gain of roughly 5900 m. It offers outstanding views of Alpine lakes, charming towns, and valleys, making it perfect for a multi-day journey. Many riders plan 6 to 8 days to complete the route, depending on pace and stops. Its demanding profile with climbs and descents makes it both challenging and rewarding. In the end, the Lakes Route is a well-organized and scenic cycling adventure that captures the variety of Swiss landscapes.

More about the Drava Cycle Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/cycling-in-austria-drava-cycle-route-in-carinthia The Drava Cycle Route (Drauradweg) is one of only four European routes awarded the top five-star rating by the ADFC, and its central section through Carinthia shows off some of Austrias most beautiful summer scenery. The full route stretches for about 510 kilometers from Dobbiaco in Italy via Lienz, Villach, Ferlach and Völkermarkt to Aich/Dob in Austria. In Carinthia you ride on well-maintained cycling roads, past lakes and rivers, with views of mountains and stops in historic towns. A highlight is the cycling path that runs 100 meters above the river under the Jauntalbrücke railway bridge. The infrastructure is excellent, with clear signage, bike-friendly accommodation and services coordinated by the Drava Route Hosts Association. Most of the route is easy and flat along the Drava valley, though sporty riders can add climbs like the Weissensee. Altogether the Drava Cycle Route combines scenery, comfort and variety, making it a great choice for a summer cycling trip.

More about Loire by bike: https://www.cyclingthread.com/cycling-loire-valley-loire-velo-castles-and-wine The Loire à Vélo route in the Loire Valley is mostly on gravel paths instead of smooth asphalt, which makes the cycling different than many imagine. The river views are calm and modest, but the many castles and palaces quickly become the main attraction. The route passes through a region full of history, culture and architecture that give the ride extra depth. Riders see famous châteaux with different styles and stories, surrounded by the gentle scenery of the Loire. The area is well prepared for cycling tourism with clear signs, cyclist friendly services and even trains adapted for bikes. Along the way there are historic towns, gardens and vineyards that add variety to the journey. It is a route that combines cycling with an immersive experience of the Loire Valley’s heritage.

More about the Rhine Cycle Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/switzerland-and-rhine-cycle-route-one-of-most-beautiful-in-europe The Rhine Cycle Route in Switzerland is the first section of EuroVelo 15 and runs from Andermatt in the Alps to Basel – about 430 km. It begins near the source of the Rhine at Oberalp Pass and descends through the Ruinaulta canyon to reach Chur. From Chur the way becomes flatter and follows the Rhine Valley to Lake Constance. The route then continues past Schaffhausen and Stein am Rhein, including the Rhine Falls, before arriving in Basel. Cyclists ride through diverse scenery – from Alpine landscapes to calm river valleys and historic towns. Most of the route is on paved bike paths, with some gravel stretches and short sections on quiet roads. It combines strong cycling infrastructure with rich natural and cultural highlights.

More about the Elbe Cycle Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/exploring-elbe-cycle-route-from-dresden-to-magdeburg The Elbe Cycle Route from Dresden to Magdeburg is a flat and scenic section of Germany’s most popular long-distance bike trail - perfect for weekend rides or longer tours. It runs roughly 300 km and passes classic towns like Meissen, Torgau, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, and Dessau-Roßlau before reaching Magdeburg. The path follows riverside landscapes and includes the UNESCO-listed Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, offering peaceful natural views and rich wildlife. Surfaces are varied - mostly smooth asphalt paths with occasional concrete, gravel or cobblestone, especially on older sections. The route is very well signposted, easy to navigate and supported by cyclist-friendly infrastructure including accommodations with "Bett+Bike" certification. Train connections at both ends and along the way make it easy to adjust or shorten the trip. This charming stretch blends nature, history and relaxed cycling for a memorable ride.

More about the Carinthian Lake Loop: https://www.cyclingthread.com/carinthian-lake-loop-cycling-carinthia-with-velovista The Carinthian Lake Loop (Kärnten Seen-Schleife) is a new 420-kilometer cycling route in Carinthia that runs past lakes, rivers and Alpine landscapes. It connects some of the region's highlights - from Villach through Ossiach, Millstatt, Weißensee, Hermagor, Sankt Kanzian, Klagenfurt and Sankt Veit, back to Villach. The route offers varied sections - from easy to more demanding - which makes the ride diverse and rewarding. It can be done independently as a multi-day trip using the well-developed cycling infrastructure, or as part of the Velovista event held each spring. The first edition of Velovista in May 2025 gathered over 400 participants from different countries, with daily stages, accommodation, meals, luggage transport and regional attractions included. The route is still being developed, so local signage and official GPX tracks may differ and should be checked on site. It is an attractive alternative to Austria's other popular routes - the Drava Cycle Route and the Alpe-Adria - and a great option for a summer cycling holiday.

More about the Tauber-Altmühl Radweg: https://www.cyclingthread.com/franconia-and-tauber-altmuhl-radweg-perfect-german-getaway The Tauber-Altmühl Radweg in Franconia is one of the most fascinating cycling routes in Germany, running through the valleys of the Tauber and Altmühl rivers and the rocky landscapes of the Franconian Jura. Its romantic atmosphere is enhanced by medieval towns, with Rothenburg ob der Tauber standing out as one of the country’s main attractions. The route begins in Wertheim, passes through Rothenburg, and after crossing the European watershed follows the Altmühl to Kelheim, where the river meets the Danube. The Tauber section is about 100 km long, while the Altmühl adds around 250 km, offering varied experiences. Surfaces range from smooth asphalt to gravel paths that fit well into the Jura scenery, even if they are less comfortable. Along the way cyclists can see geological formations like Burgstein, historic bridges in Ornbau, and the Jura Museum in Willibaldsburg Castle in Eichstätt. Altogether, the route combines landscapes, history and good infrastructure, making it an excellent choice for a long weekend or a longer cycling holiday in Franconia.

More about Oder-Spree-Tour: https://www.cyclingthread.com/oder-spree-tour-truly-cyclist-friendly-brandenburg The Oder-Spree Tour is a circular route of about 278 km through the lakes, rivers, forests and canals of eastern Brandenburg. It usually takes around four days to complete and starts and ends in Frankfurt (Oder), not far from Berlin. Most of the way follows quiet bike paths and forest roads closed to car traffic, which makes the ride peaceful and safe. Only short sections run directly along the Oder and the Spree, while much of the route follows canals such as the Oder-Spree Canal and the Frederick William Canal. The scenery is a mix of woodlands, lakes and cultural sights like monasteries, medieval towns and canal locks. Highlights include Neuzelle Abbey, the old center of Beeskow, the spa town of Bad Saarow and several historic waterways. The route is flat, well signposted and supported by good train access, making it easy to adapt for shorter trips.

More about Velo Baltica: https://www.cyclingthread.com/eurovelo-10-bicycle-route-in-poland-velo-baltica-in-west-pomerania The EuroVelo 10 route in West Pomerania - also called Velo Baltica - runs about 240 km along the Baltic Sea coast. It starts at Świnoujście and passes Międzyzdroje, Kołobrzeg, Mielno and Darłowo before reaching the area around Ustka. Many sections are new bike-only paths built with EU support, and they are marked with clear signs and equipped with rest areas. The ride is mostly flat and easy, which makes it suitable for cyclists of different ages and skills. Train access is good, but in summer bike spaces can be limited. Accommodation and services along the way are often cyclist-friendly with storage and repair options. The route combines seaside landscapes, practical infrastructure and a relaxed cycling experience.

More about the Szczecin Lagoon Cycle Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/szczecin-lagoon-cycle-route-cycling-west-pomerania The Szczecin Lagoon Cycle Route is a 296 km loop that runs through both Poland and Germany, circling Lake Dąbie and reaching the Baltic Sea coast. Around 200 km of the route lies in West Pomerania, a region well known for its investment in cycling infrastructure, while the remaining part leads through quiet German landscapes. The route connects towns such as Szczecin, Police, Nowe Warpno, Anklam, Świnoujście, Międzyzdroje, Wolin and Stepnica. The scenery changes from rivers and lagoons to forests and coastal stretches, offering plenty of variety for cyclists. About 50 km of the route is on gravel, mostly across dikes where asphalt would not be possible, but the majority is on smooth and comfortable surfaces. Train access is very good, which makes it easy to ride the loop in sections, on weekends or even during shorter day trips. Altogether it is a well marked, safe and diverse cycling route that combines nature, culture and cross border travel.

More about the Lower Lusatia Mining Route: https://www.cyclingthread.com/lusatian-lakeland-and-lower-lusatia-mining-route-cycling-brandenburg The Lusatian Lakeland in southern Brandenburg is a former lignite mining area that is now being transformed into a tourism region with artificial lakes and new cycling routes. At its core lies the Lower Lusatia Mining Route, a cycling loop of more than 400 kilometers that passes through landscapes once dominated by open-cast mines. The route connects towns such as Forst, Spremberg, Großräschener See, Senftenberg and Finsterwalde, and the part covered in May was about 200 kilometers. Along the way cyclists can see a mix of industrial heritage and new nature, from giant mining machines like the F60 conveyor bridge to modern viewpoints like the Rusty Nail tower. There are also unique stops including the rose garden in Forst, a former brickyard and a chocolate manufactory. Train connections make the trip flexible, with regional services linking places like Finsterwalde and Forst. Altogether the Lower Lusatia Mining Route offers a special experience, showing how a mining landscape can become a lake district for cycling and recreation.