Cycling fanatic and guest blogger for our platform Rik de Voogd (follow him on instagram too) is a well-known adventurer. He now rides almost professionally. He went on a summer trip through Germany and Italy. He was also already featured with Ruben Hoogland in the beautiful Wadden area in Northern Netherlands. This is one of the first in a series of stories and routes that go through Germany. Today it’s the turn of the state of Hesse. With a route that starts just outside the metropolis of Frankfurt, it’s a must-see for anyone looking for something closer to home.
Text and photos: Rik de Voogd
Instagram as a connecting tool
A few weeks ago, I was looking for some friends I had met through Instagram. Some of them I had never met in person. Although Instagram is mainly about ‘online’ interactions, I also want to expand these friendships offline. That can be done by cycling together. By showing me their surroundings. It’s something I do quite often in the Netherlands. But now I feel the incredible urge to do it abroad too. So I’m going there. Towards Germany. That never disappoints me.
It’s just so relaxing to spend time with these happy people. To bike together, to talk about the most random things together. To discover environments that I know nothing about at all. Just to enjoy that moment. For me, that’s the ultimate experience of cycling. That it’s possible despite adversity in life, or despite the language barrier. That makes it fantastic.
Hessen
Hessen is a state in the west of Germany. The most famous cities are Frankfurt and Mainz. Frankfurt is a metropolis, where every year Eurobike, a large bicycle show, is also held. I have met the three locals Duc, Etienne and Laurin. They live in and around Wiesbaden, so it’s logical to book a hotel there as well.
In Germany, you can easily find bike-friendly accommodation through the bett+bike initiative. For more tips on bike accommodation and labels, see our Special article about it
We meet at the local bakery in Wiesbaden. First Duc, then the others. Coffee and cycling are so intertwined. So first a pre-ride coffee and something that should be a dessert after breakfast. Baksels in Germany are hard to describe, but they have one thing in common: they are delicious. After our fuel-up we meet Etienne and Laurin on the outskirts of Wiesbaden. The next 5 minutes are communicated in German between the three locals. Although I don’t fully understand the language, my idea is that it’s about possible route options to show me everything about this region. I can only wait and the outcome was simple: Taunusgebergte, the scenic route. Let’s go.
Well paved
The first thing that strikes me is the quality of the roads. For me, it is completely new to find such beautiful roads in Germany. It is quiet with little traffic, well paved, and the roads wind up and down the hills nicely. I must say that the climbs are quite enjoyable for me. It is a joy on two wheels. The climbs are much longer than those in the The Ardennes For example, but much less steep. I find that really fantastic. It’s hard to find the highlight of the day. Maybe it’s the climb to Pressberg. It could also be the view over the Rhine during the descent to Rüdesheim. It would be the cool stop we make for an espresso with ice cream. I don’t know. But why would I even compare it? In my experience, you can enjoy the most when you appreciate everything. I’m glad I made the choice to travel to Hesse!
Route through Germany – Hesse
Would you like to relive the route of Rik and drive it yourself? Then take a look at our Komoot collection via the link below.
Read more about Rik’s adventures?
For Cycling Destination, Rik made a very cool series of bicycle stories in Europe. Among other places in Germany, but also in Italy.
Check all the stories below
- Rik on a journey Part 1
- Rik on a trip Germany part 2
- Germany part 3
- Across Tuscany
- Greece, Part 1, 2 and 3
- Dolomites with Ruben
Questions & tips
Do you have any questions about this route, or have you been there yourself? Share them here. We read everything and usually respond within a few days.