When you think of cycling in Germany, you inevitably think of delicious beer, the inevitable bratwurst and... great cycling routes! Yes indeed! After our most recent adventure towards Freiburg and trips to the Eifel and Tecklenburg is Germany totally top of mind. I dove into Komoot for a while and found ten epic routes that you should definitely explore. Each route is different and has a nice mix of challenging climbs, beautiful views and maybe a tasty bratwurst along the way. Or just a peek at solid German cuisine. With a little help, I have created 10 Breathtaking Routes in Germany. Will you check them out with me? Also let me know which route we should definitely ride again that is not listed here.
Author: Sander Kolsloot
1. Black Forest: Epic Hills and the Feldberg
We kick off with the Black Forest, with a 120-kilometre ride starting and ending in Freiburg. Anyway, this is a place to visit, with or without a bike. A laid-back student town, it is also easily accessible by train. The Black Forest, known for its dense forests and rolling hills, is at your feet here. This route takes you to a beautiful highlight. Literally this time, because the Feldberg, the highest mountain in the Black Forest is the final destination. On the way, you pass two beautiful lakes. You'll have breathtaking views at Titisee Lake and if you want, take a refreshing dip in Schluchsee. A visit to historic St Blasien, with its beautiful cathedral-church is also worthwhile.
2. Alpine Panorama Tour: stunning views and the Zugspitze
As a young boy, I was invariably ready on 1 January for the day's highlight. The 'Neujahrsspringen' in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. A beautiful setting, great atmosphere and impressive distances every time. The penny dropped much later, that the ski jump and snow conditions were a hint that you could also cycle beautifully in the mountains there. For those who love the mountains, the Alpenpanorama Tour is a must. You start in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and cycle 140 kilometres with 1,800 altimeters. The ride is not for cowards, but the rewards are great. Along the way, you can stop at the picturesque Eibsee, where you can not only enjoy the views, but also take a walk around the crystal-clear lake. Then cycle on to Partnachklamm, an impressive gorge where you can stop to enjoy the waterfalls and natural beauty.
3. Rhine Valley Tour: Historical Splendour and the Drachenfels
Starting and ending in Cologne, the Rhine Valley Ride takes you along the majestic Rhine. Although you follow the water for longer periods, there are still quite a few altimeters in this route. It is relaxing on the one hand, but we also managed to cycle the steepest climb in the region in it. You pass beautiful Königswinter. On top of the mountain is the region's fanciest hotel/conference resort. This is where Poets and Chancellor Merkel shook hands at the time. The highlight here is the Drachenfels, a real volcano 320 metres high. From here you have panoramic views over the valley. Further on, you drive past the medieval town of Linz am Rhein, with its colourful half-timbered houses. A typically German sight. If you find the route too long (it is 140 kilometres), you also have the option to choose another starting point, such as Bonn or for an ultra-short route start in Königswinter itself.
Tip: if you are in Düsseldorf would start (that makes the ride a bit longer), stop at Schicke Mütze! Nice bike shop, with ditto gear.
4. Harz Adventure: Magical Forests and the Brocken
We previously wrote about wonderful adventures in the Harz mountains. I think it is an underrated cycling destination, especially as the Dutch are more likely to go to the Eifel, the Ardennes or the Vosges. The magical forests and the Brocken invite for a great adventure. In 130 kilometres, you drive from Goslar through the forests and can enjoy the medieval charm of Wernigerode. Highlight of this route? The Brocken, literally the highest point. You also have the beautiful Rappbodetalsperre. Dams do give something extra, if you ask me.
5. Moselle Vineyard Tour: Wine and Castles on the Moselle
Wine lovers take note, because if there is anywhere you can make a good combination between wine and cycling, it is in the Moselle region. Add to that the beautiful castles and, of course, the Moselle Valley and you are really well on your way. Start in the city of Trier and there are about 130 kilometres of pure splendour at your feet. You can hardly imagine how gorgeous this is and that just a stone's throw from the Netherlands. Stop in Bernkastel-Kues, check out Eltz Castle or how about Traben-Trarbach. Meanwhile, feast your eyes on the meandering route along the Moselle River. Vineyards everywhere you look. So enjoy. Make a stop at one of the vineyards if you want to make a nice 'genussradtour' of it.
6. Baltic Coast Exploration: Sea Breeze and Heiligendamm
Not for nothing does one of the EuroVelo routes follow the Baltic coast. The EuroVelo 10 follows the Baltic Sea and in that part you will also find the beautiful German coast. The total EuroVelo 10 route is 9100 kilometres long and passes through nine countries, but if you're in Germany, Rostock is the place to start (or to be). Rostock is an old Hanseatic city in eastern Germany. A bit rawer, but no less interesting, partly because of its Gothic architecture. The route includes Warnemünde, a beautiful fishing village with colourful houses and a beautiful (almost Dutch) beach. There is also the spa town of Heiligendamm, traditionally a place where Germans come for their health.
7. Bavarian Lakes and Mountains: Bavaria at its Best
Bayern, Bavaria, Bavaria. The first thing everyone will associate with Bayern is Beer and the Munich football club. Munich also played an important role in WWII. Not insignificant in historical perspective: Berchtesgaden is in Bavaria and that is also where the Berghof was located, where the dictator drank the war away with his circle of friends and generals. The reason this location was chosen? It is a particularly beautiful area. That also translates to the presence of Neuschwanstein Castle, perhaps the most photographed castle in the world. In short: Bavaria is fantastic for cycling. Although Neuschwanstein castle is just a touch too far for a round trip, closer by you'll find the beautiful Schliersee lake and on the shores of Tegernsee you'll be fine grabbing a tasty German yellow chaser. A beer, that is. A stop in the picturesque village of Mittenwald, famous for its violin-making tradition, is also among the options.
8. Saxon Switzerland Adventure: Rocks and canyons
When you think of Switzerland....Forget about it. This is the 'Saxon Switzerland', the area around Dresden. Why you want to go here? 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 unusual bridges and towns. Once you're on the road, a good look (or a stop) at Festung Königstein is an absolute must. You also partly follow the EuroVelo 7 route here, called the 'Sun Route'. Speaks for itself right? In any case, the Elbe Valley offers plenty of splendour. In Dresden itself, don't forget to visit the Frauenkirche.
9. Eifel Volcano Route: Crater Lakes and Racetracks
Anyone thinking of the Eifel is bound to have the reservoirs in mind, among other things due to the 11 reservoir tour by Bram Tankink and consorts. That the Eifel has much more beauty to offer is clear from this route, which passes by the Eifel's Crater Lakes. Because here were once, you guessed it, VULKANEN! From the starting town of Daun, you have one of the first crater lakes right away and along the entire route you will find spots like this, including at the Laacher See, a quiet crater lake. In addition, the legendary Nürburgring race track is also a stone's throw away. Don't forget to make a stop at the historic town of Mayen, with its medieval city walls and market square.
10. Franconian Switzerland Tour: caves and beer cellars
End your cycling adventure with the Franconian Switzerland Tour, starting and ending in Bamberg. Cycle through picturesque villages and discover the Teufelshöhle, a mysterious stalactite cave. And as 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 scenery, culture and culinary highlights. So saddle up your bike, go on an adventure and discover the beauty of Germany on two wheels.
10 Breathtaking Routes in Germany
Herewith are the 10 Breathtaking Routes in Germany in one handy collection on Komoot. Do you have any new cool routes? Let us know.
