Germany's most beautiful bike paths
Discover Germany's scenic landscapes and cities by bike. The road network is extensive and well laid-out. Here are a few tips.
Christina Iglhaut,
30.08.2024 
You can explore the whole of Germany by bike – an inexpensive and ecofriendly way to travel. We present seven particularly attractive cycle tours:
Altmühltal Cycle Route
The perfect route for beginner bicycle travellers: the Altmühl is considered one of the slowest-flowing rivers in Germany, and the 250-kilometre cycle path along its banks is just as leisurely and smooth-running. The Altmühl Cycle Route starts in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and continues to the Befreiungshalle in Kelheim. The path is virtually flat: you cycle gently downhill to the mouth of the Danube with minimal effort – past Biriciana Roman fort in Weißenburg, Prunn Castle near Riedenburg and Weltenburg Abbey near Kelheim.
Weser Cycle Route
From the Weserbergland to the North Sea: the Weser Cycle Route stretches for around 520 kilometres, from the half-timbered town of Hann. Münden to Cuxhaven. It is one of the most popular riverside cycle paths in Germany. The route begins in Hann. Münden, where the Weser emerges from the rivers Werra and Fulda, and runs on through the Weserbergland. At Porta Westfalica the Weser breaks through the Weser Hills, then the route takes you through the open landscapes of the Middle Weser and on to Bremen. Near the end, you pass through Cuxland to Cuxhaven. Along the way you can explore Hämelschenburg Castle, stop off at the German Horse Museum in Verden, or take a trip through the Earth’s climate zones at Klimahaus Bremerhaven.
Danube Cycle Path
Cycle past imposing castles, Baroque monasteries, towering limestone cliffs and rolling hills: around 2,850 kilometres in length, the Danube Cycle Path runs through eight federal states. It begins – as you would expect – at the source of the Danube in the Black Forest and runs all the way to the Danube Delta in the Black Sea. The Danube flows through diverse landscapes and several mountain ranges. In Germany, the route for sports and leisure cyclists is around 600 kilometres long. If you are travelling by e-bike to cover longer stages, you will find numerous charging stations along the route.
Baltic Sea Cycle Route
Here you bike with a view of the sea and a cool breeze on your face: the approximately 800 kilometer-long Baltic Sea Cycle Route runs from Flensburg along the Baltic Sea coast to Ahlbeck on the island of Usedom. The route offers miles of sandy beaches, varied landscapes, seaside resorts and idyllic fishing villages. The bike path is mostly flat and ideal for families with children.
Main Cycle Route
The Main Cycle Route accompanies the River Main from its source to its estuary: it leads through almost 600 kilometres of the idyllic Fichtel Mountains, Franconian Switzerland, the Franconian Forest and, as a contrast, the vibrant metropolis of Frankfurt. On the roadside between Bamberg, Würzburg and Mainz, you can expect sights and regional specialties; just dismount and discover.
Elbe Cycle Route
The Elbe Cycle Path is popular with families with children. It starts in Czech Špindlerův Mlýn (Spinderlmühle) in the Giant Mountains and is about 1,220 kilometres long. 840 kilometres lead through Germany to Cuxhaven, where the Elbe flows into the North Sea. In Germany, the road is mostly asphalted, flat and car-free almost everywhere. On the tour there are many sights to discover, such as the Romanesque cathedral in Havelberg, the UNESCO World Heritage Bauhaus and master houses in Dessau, the Saxon Wine Route and the Elbe Philharmonic Hall in Hamburg.
Lake Constance Cycle Route
This route leads along the Alps from the largest lake in Germany, Lake Constance, to the most beautiful mountain lake in the country, the Königssee. There are some challenging climbs along the way, but the effort will be rewarded: spectacular views, the famous Neuschwanstein Castle and Bavarian mountain villages are highlights of this tour. There are many good overnight accommodations along the way.
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