Bicycle tour through Germany: The most beautiful bike paths
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Melissa
In diesem Artikel
Quality routes in Germany
Many cyclists are drawn to German cycle paths: especially because of their first-class quality and well-thought-out infrastructure. The ADFC (Allgemeine Deutsche Fahrrad-Club) certifies many routes as quality routes with an official seal of quality.
This award guarantees you:
- Excellent signage along the entire cycle path
- Varied route through the most beautiful landscapes
- Optimal infrastructure with rest areas, overnight accommodations and repair stations
- Family friendly routes with low gradients and safe paths
Most cycle paths are separated from car traffic and therefore offer maximum safety for relaxed cycling. Modern route planners for bicycles also support you in perfect tour planning.
The most beautiful cycle paths in Germany
Elbe Cycle Path - Germany's most popular cycle path
The Elbe cycle path introduces you 1,203 kilometers (840 km of which run through Germany) from the Czech border to the North Sea and is considered Germany's number one long-distance cycle path.
This bike tour impresses with its diversity: from the majestic rocks of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains to baroque Dresden to the pulsating port city of Hamburg.
Highlights of the route:
- Saxon Switzerland with spectacular rock formations
- UNESCO World Heritage Dresden with Frauenkirche and Zwinger
- Magdeburg waterway cross as a technical masterpiece
- Hamburg's Elbphilharmonie as an architectural highlight
The route runs with almost no inclines on well-paved paths and is perfect for beginners in cycling tours.
Weser cycle path - the ultimate family cycle path
Just barely 520 kilometers he leads Weser cycle path from Hann. Münden to Cuxhaven and is considered an ideal route for families. The Weser accompanies you from its origins in the Werra and Fulda to its mouth in the North Sea.
Special experiences:
- Fairytale half-timbered towns like Hameln
- Porta Westfalica - the impressive breakthrough between the mountains
- Bremen with its historic old town
- Cuxhaven and the Wadden Sea UNESCO World Heritage Site
Danube Cycle Path - European cycle tour dimension
The German stage of the legendary Danube cycle path extends over 600 kilometers from the source in the Black Forest to the Austrian border. This cycle path combines nature experiences with cultural highlights in a unique way.
Unforgettable stops:
- Source of the Danube in Donaueschingen
- Weltenburg Monastery with its famous monastery brewery
- UNESCO World Heritage Regensburg
- Passau - the city of three rivers
Baltic Sea coast cycle path - sea air included
Almost 1100 kilometers pure A coastal atmosphere awaits you on this cycle path from Flensburg to the island of Usedom. The Baltic Sea coast shows off its most beautiful side with endless beaches, historic seaside resorts and picturesque fishing villages.
Maritime highlights:
- Hanseatic city of Wismar with a Gothic city center
- Chalk cliffs on Rügen in the Jasmund National Park
- Traditional seaside resorts like Grömitz
- Usedom with its elegant imperial baths
The predominantly flat bike path is ideal for relaxed family trips with regular swimming breaks.
Rhine cycle path - Cultural diversity on every kilometer
This international cycle route leads to 1,483 kilometers through four countries and offers incomparable variety. The German section impresses with the romantic Middle Rhine Valley with its castles and vineyards.
Cultural Treasures:
- Loreley - the legendary rock
- Rüdesheim with its famous viticulture
- Cologne Cathedral as a Gothic masterpiece
- Düsseldorf bank of the Rhine with modern architecture
Lake Constance-Königssee cycle path - Alpine panorama guaranteed
Over 450 kilometers against the backdrop of the Alps make this cycle path a special experience for sporty cyclists. The route leads from Lindau on Lake Constance more demanding route to the picturesque Königssee.
Alpine highlights:
- Lindau Island with Bavarian lion and lighthouse
- Neuschwanstein Castle - Ludwig II's fairytale castle.
- Chiemsee with Herrenchiemsee Castle
- Königssee - Germany's deepest lake
Due to the hilly route, an e-bike is recommended for less trained cyclists.
Main cycle path - Franconian enjoyment route
619 kilometers through the Franconian wine country make this bike tour a feast for all the senses. From the two sources of the Main to the mouth of the Rhine near Mainz awaits you pure Culture of enjoyment.
Enjoyment stations:
- Bayreuth with the Margravial Opera House
- UNESCO World Heritage Bamberg with its beer culture
- Würzburg in the middle of the vineyards
- Frankfurt am Main with its modern skyline
Moselle cycle path - traveling between vineyards
Pure Romance awaits you on this cycle path through the Moselle valley. From the French border to the mouth of the Rhine near Koblenz, wine towns are lined up like pearls on a string.
Romantic experiences:
- Trier with the Roman Porta Nigra
- Eltz Castle - one of the most beautiful castles in Germany
- Cochem with its impressive imperial castle
RuhrtalRadweg - industrial culture rediscovered
240 kilometers from the Sauerland to the mouth of the Ruhr in Duisburg show the Ruhr area from its green side. This cycle path combines nature experiences with fascinating industrial culture.
Industrial highlights:
- Zollverein Coal Mine in Essen - UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Gasometer Oberhausen with spectacular exhibitions
- Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park
- Idyllic Ruhr meadows between the cities
Altmühltal Cycle Path - The relaxed cycle path
Almost 250 kilometers pure This cycle path along the Altmühl from Rothenburg ob der Tauber to Kelheim offers relaxation. One of the most comfortable cycle paths in Germany, it follows the slowest river in the country.
Relaxed stations:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber with medieval flair
- Weißenburg with Roman thermal baths
- Weltenburg Monastery at the mouth of the Danube
- Minimal inclines for effortless cycling
Lahn cycle path - The insider tip among connoisseurs
248 kilometers untouched Natur await you on this relatively unknown cycle path from the source of the Lahn in the Rothaargebirge to the mouth of the Rhine near Lahnstein. The Lahn is considered one of the cleanest rivers in Germany and takes you through picturesque half-timbered towns.
Hidden Treasures:
- Marburg with its historic university town atmosphere
- Wetzlar - Goethe's inspiration for "Werther"
- Limburg with the impressive cathedral
- Countless medieval castles and palaces
Ems cycle path - From the Teutoburg Forest to the North Sea
387 kilometers take you from Hövelhof in the Teutoburg Forest to Emden on the North Sea. This varied cycle path shows you the diverse Westphalia and Lower Saxony from their most beautiful side.
Westphalian highlights:
- Münster - the cycling capital of Germany
- Münsterland with its moated castles
- Emsland with wide moorland landscapes
- Emden with a maritime East Frisian flair
Havel cycle path - Brandenburg's blue ribbon
371 kilometers through Brandenburg, which is rich in water, make this cycle path a special natural experience. From the source of the Havel in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania to the mouth of the Elbe near Havelberg, you cross one of the most attractive river landscapes in Germany.
Brandenburg pearls:
- Potsdam with Sanssouci Palace
- Werder with its famous tree blossoms
- Brandenburg an der Havel with medieval charm
- Countless lakes for refreshing swimming breaks
Neckar cycle path - From the Black Forest to Mannheim
About 400 kilometers through Baden-Württemberg take you from the source of the Neckar near Villingen-Schwenningen to the mouth of the Rhine near Mannheim. The Neckar cycle path shows you the diversity of the German southwest.
Württemberg beauties:
- Stuttgart with its ballet and opera
- Tübingen - the romantic university town
- Heidelberg with the famous castle
- Vineyards and orchards
Isar cycle path - Bavarian Alps to the Danube
290 kilometers from the source in Tyrol to the mouth of the Danube near Deggendorf - this cycle path connects the Alpine mountains with the Bavarian foothills of the Alps.
Bavarian impressions:
- Bad Tölz with its picturesque old town
- Munich - cosmopolitan city with a heart
- Freising with the oldest brewery Weihenstephan
- Landshut with the longest brick Gothic church in the world
Fulda cycle path - through the heart of Germany
260 kilometers from the Wasserkuppe in the Rhön to the mouth of the Weser near Hannoversch Münden lead through the geographical heart of Germany. This cycle path impresses with its diversity of landscapes and cultures.
Central German highlights:
- Fulda with the impressive baroque cathedral
- Hersfeld with the famous festival
- Kassel with the documenta and the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe
- Hannoversch Münden - where three rivers unite
Saale cycle path - From Bavaria to Saxony-Anhalt
About 400 kilometers through four federal states make the Saale cycle path one of the most diverse routes in Germany. From the source in the Fichtelgebirge to the mouth of the Elbe near Barby, you can experience German history up close.
Historical stations:
- Hof with its Franconian architecture
- Jena - city of science and technology
- Naumburg with the UNESCO World Heritage Cathedral
- Merseburg with its thousand-year history
Leine cycle path - Lower Saxony's green vein
Over 300 kilometers from Leinefelde in Thuringia to the mouth of the Aller near Schwarmstedt show you the diverse Lower Saxony. This still little-known cycle path leads through pristine landscapes and historic towns.
Lower Saxon discoveries:
- Göttingen with its famous university
- Hanover - state capital with royal gardens
- Hildesheim with UNESCO World Heritage churches
- Celle with the largest half-timbered ensemble in Europe
Werra cycle path - through the green heart of Germany
290 kilometers from the source in the Thuringian Forest to the junction with the Fulda near Hannoversch Münden lead through one of the most pristine landscapes in Germany. The Werra cycle path shows you authentic Thuringia and Hesse.
Thuringian jewels:
- Meiningen with the famous theater
- Bad Salzungen with its healing springs
- Eschwege with medieval flair
- Witzenhausen as a “cherry town”
Route planner for bikes: How to plan your bike tour
The perfect bike tour begins with thoughtful planning. Modern digital route planner for bicycles like the "Cycle route planner Germany" offer you precise route guidance on quality-tested cycle paths, detailed elevation profiles to assess the difficulty, information on surface conditions and the practical integration of sights and rest areas.
When planning stages, you should plan 50-75 kilometers a day depending on your fitness, allow enough time for sightseeing and book accommodation along the cycle path well in advance. Careful preparation turns every bike tour into a stress-free experience full of unforgettable moments.
Safety on the bike path: The right helmet makes the difference
Independence ahead – but only with the right safety equipment. A high-quality bicycle helmet is your most important companion on every tour and can save lives in an emergency. KED helmets stand for uncompromising quality. The innovative technology and the well thought-out design offer optimal protection without loss of comfort.
Different types of helmets for different tours:
- City bike tours: Urban helmets with optimal ventilation
- Road bike routes: Aerodynamic road helmets
- Family trips: Comfortable all-round helmets and Children's bicycle helmets
- E-bike tours: Special e-bike helmets for higher speeds
Practical tips for your Germany bike tour
The perfect equipment:
- Functional textiles for different weather conditions
- Rain jacket and trousers with reflectors
- Padded cycling shorts for longer stages
- Repair kit with replacement hoses and tools
- First aid kit for minor injuries
Best travel times:
- April to October: peak season for most cycle paths
- May to September: Ideal conditions for family tours
- June to August: Best time for coastal and mountain routes
- September/October: Fewer tourists, pleasant temperatures
Technical preparation:
- Bicycle check before the tour by a specialist company
- Load apps and GPS devices for navigation
- Program emergency contacts
- Check insurance coverage
Discover Germany by bike path - your next bike tour is waiting
Germany offers cycling enthusiasts an incomparable variety of experiences. From the maritime flair of the Baltic Sea coast to the romantic river valleys to the alpine panoramas in the south - every cycle path tells its own story and gives you unforgettable moments of freedom. With the right preparation and high quality equipment every bike tour becomes an unforgettable experience.
