Discover the beauty of cycling in Germany: 10 breathtaking cycling routes

When you think of cycling in Germany, you think of delicious beer, the inevitable bratwurst and… great cycling routes! Yes! After our adventures in Freiburg and trips to the Eifel and Tecklenburg are Germany Absolutely top of mind. I went through Komoot and found ten epic routes that you absolutely have to explore. Each route is different and has a nice mix of challenging climbs, views, and almost certainly a delicious bratwurst on the way. One thing is for sure: the food in Germany is always good. Decent, usually what you would expect. Are you with me? Are you missing a cycling route in Germany that should definitely be on there? Send me a message or leave a comment at the bottom of this post. I’m curious!

Author: Sander Kolsloot

1. About Feldberg in the Black Forest

We start with the Black Forest, with a 120-kilometer ride that begins and ends in Freiburg. This is definitely a place to visit, with or without a bike. A relaxed student town, which is also easily accessible by train. The Black Forest, known for its dense forests and rolling hills, is right at your feet here. This route takes you to a wonderful highlight. Literally this time, because the Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest, is the final destination. Along the way you will pass by two beautiful lakes. You have breathtaking views at the Titisee and if you want you can take a refreshing dip in the Schluchsee. A visit to the historic St. Blasien with its beautiful cathedral is also worth it.

2. Ski jumping and Alpine panoramas: A tour of Garmisch

As a young boy, on January 1st I was always ready for the highlight of that day: the ‘New Year’s Jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A beautiful setting, great atmosphere and every time impressive distances. The punch came much later, that the ski slopes and the snow conditions were a hint that you could also cycle beautifully in the mountains. For those who love the mountains, there are plenty of beautiful routes around Garmisch. For example this one gravel route, north of Garmisch-Partenkirchen About 70 kilometers, with some elevation changes, some gravel roads and a view to make you dream.

Also the Alpen panorama route It is possible. That trip is not for the faint of heart, but the reward is great. Along the way, you can make a stop at the picturesque Eibsee, Here you can not only enjoy the view, but also take a walk around the crystal-clear lake. Then you cycle through to Partnachklamm, an impressive gorge where you can stop to enjoy the waterfalls and the natural beauty. A tip for an overnight stay? Hammersbach Mountain Hotel They have all kinds of options for cycling and they have a ski room where you can store your bike.

3rd tour of the Rhine Valley with the Drachenfels

Starting and ending in Cologne, the journey through the Rhine Valley You’ll ride along the majestic Rhine. This is part of the EuroVelo 15 route, so good asphalt is guaranteed. Although you’ll be following the water for a long time, this route still has quite a few elevation changes. On the one hand, it’s relaxing, but we also managed to cycle the steepest climb in the region. You’ll pass by the beautiful Königswinter. Above the mountain stands the The coolest hotel/conference venue in the region. Here, Putin and Chancellor Merkel shook hands at the time. The highlight here is the Drachenfels, a veritable 320-meter-high volcano. From here you have a panoramic view of the valley. Further along you drive past the medieval town of Linz am Rhein, with its colorful half-timbered houses. A typical German sight. If you find the route too long (it is 140 kilometers), you also have the option to choose a different starting point, such as Bonn or for an ultra-short route you start in Königswinter itself.

Tip: if you are in Düsseldorf would start (that makes the trip a bit longer), then stop by Stylish hat! Nice bike shop, with similar stuff.

4. Harz Adventure: Magic Forests and the Brocken

We have previously written about wonderful adventures in the Harz Mountains. I think it’s an underrated cycling destination, especially since Dutch people tend to head to the Eifel, the Ardennes or the Vosges. The magical forests and the Brocken invite you to an amazing adventure. In 130 kilometers you drive through the forests from Goslar and can enjoy the medieval charm of Wernigerode. The highlight of this route? The Brocken, literally the highest point. In addition, you also have the beautiful Rappbodetalsperre. Water dams do add something special, if you ask me.

Are you still looking for a good hotel for cyclists? Hotel Waldhaus is perfect.

5. Discover the wine and castles along the Moselle

When I think of the Moselle myself, I think of sweet wine, old people on e-bikes and especially a destination I wouldn’t go to very often. But that’s an image that needs to change quickly. If you can combine wine and cycling somewhere, then it has to be in the Moselle region. Add the beautiful castles and of course the Moselle valley and you’re really on the right track. Start in the city of Trier and you have about 130 kilometers of pure beauty at your feet. You can hardly imagine how beautiful this is and that only a stone’s throw away from the Netherlands. Stopping in Bernkastel-Kues, seeing the Castle of Eltz or what do you think of Traben-Trarbach. Meanwhile, you’re blown away by the winding route along the Moselle river. Vineyards everywhere you look. So enjoy it. Below you find the full Moselradweg from Perl. A big tip is to book your accommodation near Kröv or Cochem. As with Fietshotel Karl Noss in Cochem.

Read this story from the Mountain High Chasers

6. Baltic Coast Exploration with the Heiligendamm

Not for nothing, one of the EuroVelo routes follows the Baltic coast. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a beautiful cycling region. The EuroVelo 10 Followed by the Baltic Sea, and in that part you will also find the beautiful German coast. The total EuroVelo 10 route is 9100 kilometers long and goes through 9 countries, but if you are in Germany, then Rostock is the place to start (or be). Rostock is an old Hanseatic city in East Germany. A bit rougher, but no less interesting, among other things because of the Gothic architecture. The route also passes by Warnemünde, a beautiful fishing village with colorful houses and a beautiful (almost Dutch) beach. In addition, there is also the spa town of Heiligendamm, traditionally a place where the Germans come for their health.

7. Bavaria at its Best

Bayern, Bavaria, Bavaria. The first thing everyone will associate with Bayern is beer and the football club from Munich. Munich also played an important role in World War II. Not insignificant in historical perspective: Berchtesgaden Located in Bavaria, the Berghof was also there, where the dictator and his circle of friends drank themselves drunk during the war. The reason this location was chosen? It is a particularly beautiful area. That also translates into the presence of Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps the most photographed castle in the world. In short: Bavaria is fantastic for cycling. Although the castle of Neuschwanstein is a bit too far for a ride, you can find the beautiful Schliersee closer by and on the banks of the Tegernsee you can easily pick up a nice German yellow schnapps. A beer, of course. A stop in the picturesque village of Mittenwald, known for its violin-making tradition, is also an option.

If you want to discover more beautiful routes in Bavaria: Dennis went on an adventure around the area. Landal Arber. Check his story here.

8. Saxon Switzerland with beautiful rocks and ravines

When you think of Switzerland…Forget about it. This is the ‘Saxon Switzerland‘, the area around Dresden. Why do you want to go there? Why do you think the Bohemian Border Bash takes place in this region? Because it’s a beautiful area. Lots of beautiful forests, a river (the Sachsische Dampfschiffart, what’s in a name), and special bridges and towns. Once you’re on the road, a good look (or a stop) at Festung Königstein is an absolute must. You also follow part of the EuroVelo 7 route, the so-called ‘Sun Route’. Does that speak for itself, right? Elbe Valley It offers plenty of beauty and splendor, and don't forget to visit the Frauenkirche in Dresden itself.

9. Eifel Volcanoes Route: Crater Lakes and Race Tracks

Who is on the Eifel I think he definitely has the reservoirs in mind, among other things because of the 11 canal cruise by Bram Tankink and co. The Eifel has much more to offer, as this route shows. After all, here used to be VULCANS, you guessed it! From the starting point in Daun you immediately encounter one of the first crater lakes, and along the entire route you will find places like this, including near the Laacher See, a tranquil crater lake. In addition, the legendary Nürburgring race circuit is also just a stone's throw away. Don't forget to stop by the historic town of Mayen, with its medieval city walls and market square.

10. Frankish Switzerland through Caves and along Beer Caves

Complete your cycling adventure with the Frankish Switzerland Tour, starting and ending in Bamberg. Ride through picturesque villages and discover the Teufelshöhle, a mysterious cave carved out of limestone. And for the icing on the cake, enjoy a delicious lunch in a historic beer cellar in Bamberg Altstadt. Don’t forget to visit the historic city of Bayreuth, known for its musical heritage and the impressive Neues Schloss.

These 10 cycling routes in Germany offer an unforgettable mix of landscapes, culture, and culinary highlights. So saddle up, embark on an adventure, and discover the beauty of Germany on two wheels.

10 Breathtaking Routes in Germany

We have the 10 Adorable Routes in Germany in one handy collection on Komoot. Would you like to see them too? Then send us a message at our INFO address, or leave a comment below. Also if there are routes that we absolutely have to do!