GERMANY’S MOST BEAUTIFUL RIVER BIKE PATHS
If you like to explore nature from the saddle, these cycle paths are a must. Nature lovers, those seeking tranquility or culture vacationers, these tours will take you to the most beautiful spots in Germany. The low inclines and perfectly signposted cycle routes are also perfect for families or recreational cyclists. All 10 cycle routes have one thing in common: they follow the most beautiful rivers in Germany. And yet each cycle route is unique, has its own special charm and promises unforgettable cycling and water experiences. Immerse yourself in regional culture, discover romantic castles and palaces, enjoy culinary specialties, feel the urban flair in the bustling metropolises and recharge your batteries in the fascinating natural landscapes of the national parks and nature reserves along the banks.
1. Danube Cycle Route, 600 km
The Danube is exciting, varied, dreamy and relaxing all at the same time. The Danube cycle path in Germany is just over 600 km long and can easily be cycled in individual daily stages. Whether you are looking for an active or relaxing experience with the whole family, the Danube is the ideal cycling area for everyone. The Danube originates in the Black Forest in Germany from the confluence of the Breg, the Brigach and the Donaubach, which rises in Donaueschingen. The cycle route begins near the source of the Donaubach in Donaueschingen. Just starting your trip where the longest river in the European Union begins is an experience in itself.
Starting point: Donaueschingen
End point: Passau
2. Elbe Cycle Route, 1,300 km
The Elbe Cycle Route is over 1,300 km long and runs from the Czech Giant Mountains to the North Sea. Unique culture and bustling metropolises alternate with virtually untouched nature. You will follow the river through beautiful rocky landscapes, rustic vineyards and vast Elbe meadows. Due to the slight incline, the route can be cycled both upstream and downstream.
Starting point: Špindlerův Mlýn
End point: Cuxhaven
3. EmsRadweg, 385 km
385 km from the Senne to the North Sea – the EmsRadweg follows Germany’s shortest river as it flows to the sea from its source through five varied and attractive holiday landscapes. Because the route has virtually no inclines, young and old can comfortably cycle through nature, the landscape and the towns. Approximately 25 train stations make it possible to plan your stages along the Ems very flexibly.
Starting point: Hoevelhof
End point: Emden
4. Lahnradweg, 249 km
The Lahntal cycle route between Netphen and Lahnstein offers 249 km of varied cycling holiday fun, because the ADFC three-star quality cycle route offers a good infrastructure, numerous cultural highlights and impressive natural beauty – and a lot of history.
Starting point: Netphen
End point: Lahnstein
5. Mosel Cycle Route, 248 km
World-famous vineyards, ancient sites, romantic castles and the unique river landscape including the meandering Moselle. The 248-kilometer, largely flat Moselle bicycle path close to the banks unites everything that makes the Moselle so attractive in its route from Perl to the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz. The free audio tour “Listening Points on the Moselle Bicycle Path” reveals exciting discoveries and secrets from the region.
Starting point: Perl
End point: Koblenz
6. Neckartal-Radweg, 370 km
Germany’s most contrasting river cycle path runs 370 km from the source of the Neckar in Villingen-Schwenningen on the edge of the Black Forest to Mannheim, where it flows into the Rhine. Cycle through the history of Baden-Württemberg: the Neckar Valley Cycle Route not only impresses with its enchanting valleys, impressive steep vineyards and romantic castles. The ADFC quality cycle route, certified with four stars, is above all a journey of discovery through time and a cycle tour through history.
Starting point: Villingen-Schwenningen
End point: Mannheim
7. Rhine Cycle Route, 1,450 km
The Rhine Cycle Route follows the Rhine from its source in the Swiss Alps to its mouth in the North Sea. The route runs through four countries, a wide variety of landscapes and nine UNESCO World Heritage Sites over a distance of 1,450 km. Numerous castles and palaces, historic towns and steep vineyards line the route and bear witness to the Rhine’s historic past.
Starting point: Andermatt (CH)
End point: Hoek van Holland (NL)
8. Römer-Lippe-Route, 479 km
“History in flow” on a route of over 400 km between Detmold and Xanten! Along the Lippe, the longest river in North Rhine-Westphalia, cycling enthusiasts can experience Roman culture from the comfort of their saddles and take in the calming atmosphere of the water.
Starting point: Detmold
End point: Xanten
9. RuhrtalRadweg, 240 km
With a unique tension between the low mountain range of the Sauerland and the bustling cultural metropolis of the Ruhr, the Ruhr Valley cycle path is one of the most varied river cycle paths in Germany. The cycle path connects impressive natural landscapes, picturesque old towns and impressive industrial monuments like pearls on a string over a length of 240 km.
Starting point: Winterberg
End point: Duisburg
10. Weser Cycle Route, 520 km
The Weser Cycle Route runs for more than 500 km from the Weser Uplands to the North Sea. In addition to the wonderful cycling experience, the attraction here lies in immersing yourself in the fascination of thousands of years of history. Many cities and attractions offer the opportunity to do so: from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Corvey, via the pied piper town of Hamelin and the asparagus town of Nienburg, to Bremen and the spa town of Cuxhaven on the North Sea.
Starting point: Hann. Münden
End point: Cuxhaven
Cover Photo: © Maximilian Semsch
