On the Bike through Germany: Your Route to an Immersive Cycling Holiday

Cycling in Germany is certainly not the first thing that comes to mind for the younger generation of cyclists and gravel bikers. Often there is an association with e-bikes, trips along the Rhine, ‘genussradfahren’ and more. Yet a Cycling holiday in Germany is nowadays becoming increasingly popular. Not only because of the beautiful gravel routes and great cycling trails that you can find there. Also the solid German cuisine, the ‘Bett & Bike’ options and the proximity to the Netherlands make it a great option for those who want to experience the beauty of nature and the culture of Germany. Germany A top destination for a cycling holiday. In Europe, it is the number one destination for Dutch and Belgian people outside their own country.

But why choose a cycling holiday in Germany?

As mentioned, there are plenty of beautiful gravel routes and cycling trails in Germany. Moreover, many of us underestimate the diversity of Germany as a cycling holiday destination. Because you can ride over the rolling hills along the Rhine and the Moselle. Tecklenburg drive, you can go to the Black Forest Or go to Bayern for wonderful challenges on a bike. You’ll also find routes in the Eifel, along the Moselle, or behind the old ‘Iron Curtain’ that will make a cycling holiday in Germany a success. Had we already mentioned the Harz? The good infrastructure with routes, but also the asphalt help a lot. For gravel lovers, there are endless forest routes and beautiful gravel paths, where you want to stay for a long time. Combined with the rich history and culture, Germany is the number 1 country for cycling holidays.

Which bike should I bring on holiday to Germany?

You can approach things in several different ways. One of the options is to plan a bikepacking trip to our neighboring country. This can be done, for example, via Shimano Gravel Experience, which allows you to travel from Valkenburg to Hellenthal in two days. Check in advance if our Bikepacking article For handy tips and tricks. Then you’ll also know what to bring along.

Are you going to Germany by bike? Then check out our basic packing list. You will always be well prepared. There is plenty to do and see on the bike. We have plenty of routes, and it's great if you have a base from which to start. In that respect, Germany has a lot to offer. Bett & Bike Accommodations offer a good selection for a successful cycling holiday. As for transportation, we can briefly mention that Germany is best reached by bike or car, with the train also being an option. Although in most places you can get there by car, the best way to get there is by bike. ICE trains You can't easily take your bike with you.

Tips for cycling routes for a cycling holiday in Germany

We have already written an extensive article with 10 cycling routes that you should definitely have done in Germany. In addition, we have many more inspiring content about our eastern neighbors. The only additions to the current content are the Bodensee-Königssee and the Munsterland. The latter especially because of the castles! That is always magical.

• Discover the beauty of cycling in Germany: 10 breathtaking cycling routes
• Tips for cycling in Germany: Rik on Reis part III
• Hidden German Pearl: Saxon Switzerland
• Incredible beautiful cycling route in Freiburg

Tips for a safe Cycling holiday in Germany

It goes without saying that Germany is a beautiful destination, but you have to be careful when you go on holiday. Because although the infrastructure is well organized, cars still rule in many places. So always remember the following:

• Lighting: especially if you are out at the edges of the day (at dusk), good lighting is essential. lighting of vital importance.
• Always remember your helmet. Now, in Germany, wearing a helmet is NOT mandatory, but it’s common sense to wear one when you go on a cycling holiday on a race bike and especially on a gravel bike. An accident can happen in the smallest of places and doesn’t have to be your fault.
• Weerapps: the weather can always change so quickly, so use a local weather app or one that provides the correct weather in both the Netherlands and Germany.
• Nutrition & hydration: check your route before you go cycling and always remember to bring enough water and food. Especially if you go into the forests and if you cycle in the former east, you can be alone for a long time.

Culture, culinary and more

It goes without saying that a cycling holiday in Germany is tantamount to a wonderful encounter with German culture and history. The cathedral in Cologne, the church in Dresden, or in Berlin, a route through Bayreuth or along the fashionable Munich. Also, following the Iron Curtain Trail is an experience in itself. Although it can sometimes be somewhat ‘dark’, this is an important part of the country’s history.

Furthermore, German cuisine is also developing. It’s not just more Bratwurst, Schweinshaxe and Bratkartoffeln anymore. There is definitely a real culinary revolution going on in the larger cities now, and you can also find good vegetarian food and drinks in many places. Of course, a CurryWurst is not to be missed, and in the Munsterland you’ll find the Best Fried Potatoes. A visit to the Hofbrauhaus in Munich is a must. And of course, the wines in the Moselle region.

Another special aspect of a cycling holiday in Germany is the typical ‘Kuchen Kultur’. Go to a local bakery and you’ll find the most delicious pastries, often at a friendly price. A coffee break with a cake stop becomes a real treat. Almost every village has one, in the big city you have too many choices. Another thing: in Germany, ‘Frühstuck’ on Sunday mornings is a thing. Reserve yourself a (late) breakfast in advance too, and you can also fill your belly here for a busy day on the bike.

Events

Fun events on bicycles can be found everywhere in Germany. We ourselves are quite fond of the following gravel and race bike events:

• Grinduro. Initiated by GIRO Sport Design, this is a recurring event that also has a German version.
• the Gravel Games Ruhrgebiet are there to be checked off.
• At the border with the Czech Republic you will find the Bohemian Border Bash,
• For race cyclists, you can easily participate in the Tecklenburger Rundfahrt which happens to also be organized by a Dutch cycling club.
• Riderman 3-day event: According to Herman of Cycloworld, one of the most enjoyable cyclo events in Europe. Relaxed atmosphere, a bit of competition, and good German organization.

Overnight stay during your cycling holiday

• Bike-friendly accommodations are everywhere in Germany. Search for ‘bike hotel’ and you’ll find plenty. Even if you’re thinking: is this a bike hotel, the basic level of German destinations is really guaranteed. Through the Bett&Bike website, you can also look at the hotels and destinations with a label, which increases your guarantee of a good hotel or B&B. You can also look on Welcome Holidays, which has bike hotels on offer.
• Camping or comfort: that's up to you! Many campsites have cabins or you can easily put your tent down. The Camping Wildbach in Hellenthal Is an example of a campsite ideal for cyclists. But there is plenty of other choice around the Bodensee as well. Through this link you can find more beautiful campsites on the Bodensee:
  • In the Bergen – Campsites on the Bodensee
• Books and plans: tips for the best deals can be found on well-known platforms, such as Time To Momo. Also check out Roadbike Holidays, which has a number of accommodations in southern Germany.

Conclusion

• The benefits of a cycling holiday in Germany are endless. Germany is close by, it offers a wide variety of routes and activities, and you can also get there quite cheaply. You can choose between high-altitude trails, challenging hills, or even a beautiful route along the German coast. A visit to Rügen, the island in the Baltic Sea, is also worth mentioning.
• Germany has already given us a lot. Both in the summer of 2023 in Freiburg, and in previous years in the Eifel, the Moselle, Tecklenburg, the Harz, and a tour of Maagdenburg. In short, too many to mention and too many to not discover. Combine that with the ‘kuchen kultur’ and the fact that after 20 years you still haven’t spoken about a cycling holiday in Germany, and you have enough information.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

• Share your experiences of cycling in Germany or your cycling holiday in Germany with our editorial team via email or via the comments section.
• More info via the site of Germany Tourism!