Cycling through Germany: your route to a breathtaking cycling holiday

Cycling in Germany is certainly not the first thing that comes to mind for the younger generation of cyclists and gravel bikers. Many times there is an association with e-bikes, trips along the Rhine, 'genussradfahren' and more. Yet a Cycling Holiday in Germany is increasingly popular these days. Not only because of the beautiful gravel routes and cool cycling routes you can find there. Also the decent German cuisine, the 'Bett & Bike' options and the proximity to the Netherlands, make Germany a top destination for a cycling holiday. In Europe, it is the number one destination outside the home country for Dutch and Belgians.

But why choose a cycling holiday in Germany?

As mentioned, there are lots of great gravel routes and cycling trails in Germany. In addition, many of us underestimate the diversity of Germany as a cycling holiday destination. After all, you can go over the rolling hills at Tecklenburg drive, you can go to the Black Forest or to Bayern for wonderful challenges by bike. You will 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. Did we already mention the Harz? The good infrastructure with routes, but especially the asphalt also helps a lot. For gravel lovers, there are endless forest routes and beautiful crunchy paths, where you will want to stay for a long time. Combined with its rich history and culture, Germany is cycling holiday country number one.

Which bike do I take on holiday to Germany?

You can proceed in several ways. One option is to plan a bikepacking trip to our neighbouring country. This can be done via the Shimano Gravel Experience, which takes you from Valkenburg to Hellenthal in two days. Please check our bikepacking article for handy tips and tricks. Then you'll also know what to bring.

Are you going to Germany on your road bike? Then check our basic packing list. Then you will always be well ahead. On a road bike, there is plenty to do and see. Routes abound, where it is nice to have one place to start from. In that respect, Germany with its Bett & Bike accommodations a good offer for a successful cycling holiday. About transport we can be brief: Germany is basically best reached by bike or by car, where train is also an option. Although in most ICE trains your bike is not easy to carry.

Tips for cycle routes for a cycling holiday in Germany

We already wrote an extensive article with 10 cycling routes you should definitely have ridden in Germany. We also have a lot more inspiring content about our eastern neighbours. Only additions to the current content are the Bodensee-Königssee and Munsterland. The latter mainly because of its castles! That is always magical.

• Discover the Beauty of Cycling in Germany: 10 Breathtaking Cycling Routes
• Tips for cycling in Germany: Rik op Reis part III
• Hidden German gem: Saxon Switzerland
• Insanely beautiful cycle route in Freiburg

Tips for a safe cycling holiday in Germany

Obviously, Germany is a beautiful destination, but you have to pay attention when you go on holiday. Because although the infrastructure is in good shape, the car still rules in many places. So always consider the following things:

• Lighting: especially if you are out and about at the edges of the day (at dusk), good lighting vital.
• Always remember your helmet. Now a helmet is NOT compulsory in Germany, but it is common sense to wear one when going on a cycling holiday on a road bike and especially on a gravel bike. An accident is in a small corner and does not even have to be your fault.
• Weather apps: the weather can change at any time, so make use of a local weather app or one that shows the correct weather in both the Netherlands and Germany.
• Food & hydration: check your route before 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

That a cycling holiday in Germany equals a wonderful encounter with German cultural history is obvious. The Cologne cathedral, the church in Dresden, or in Berlin, a route through Bayreuth or past fashionable Munich. Following the Iron Curtain Trail is also an experience in itself. Although sometimes a bit 'dark', this is an important part of the country's history.

In addition, German cuisine is also evolving. It is no longer just Bratwurst, Schweinshaxe and Bratkartoffeln. Meanwhile, a true culinary revolution is taking place, especially in the larger cities, and you can also eat and drink good vegetarian food in many places. Of course, a CurryWurst cannot be missed and you will find the Best Baked Potatoes in Munsterland. In Munich, a visit to Hofbrauhaus is a must. And, of course, the wines in the Moselle region.

What is also special about a cycling holiday in Germany is the typical 'Kuchen Kultur'. Go to a local Konditorie and you will find the most delicious baked goods, often at a friendly price. So a coffee round with cake stop becomes a real treat. Almost every village has one, in the big city you have too much choice. Another thing: in Germany, 'Frühstuck' on Sunday mornings is a thing. Make a reservation for a (late) breakfast yourself and you can eat your fill here too, before a busy day on the bike.

Events

Fun events on bikes can be found all over Germany. We ourselves are quite a fan of the following gravel and road cycling events:

• Grinduro. Started from GIRO Sport Design, this is a recurring event, which also has a German variant
• the Gravel Games Ruhrgebiet are there to be ticked off.
• On the border with the Czech Republic you will find the Bohemian Border Bash,
• For Racing cyclists, you can easily join the Tecklenburger Rundfahrt which also happens to be organised by a Dutch cycling club.
• Riderman 3-day: According to Herman from Cycloworld, one of the nicest cyclo's/events in Europe. Relaxed atmosphere, still a bit of competition and well German Degelijk arranged.

Staying overnight during your cycling holiday

• Bicycle-friendly accommodation is everywhere in Germany. Search on 'bike hotel' and you'll find plenty. Even if you think: is this really a bike hotel, the basic level of German destinations is really guaranteed. Via the Bett&Bike site, you can also look at labelled hotels and destinations, which raises your guarantee of a good hotel or B&B. You can also look at Welcome Holidays, which have cycling hotels on offer.
• Camping or comfort: that's up to you! Many campsites have cabins or you can easily pitch your tent. The Camping Wildbach in Hellenthal is an example of a campsite ideal for cyclists. But there is also plenty on offer around Lake Constance for that. Via this link you will find even more beautiful campsites at Lake Constance:
  • In the mountains - Lake Constance campsites
• Booking and planning: tips for the best deals can be found on well-known platforms, such as Time To Momo. Also check out Roadbike Holidays, who have a number of accommodations in southern Germany.

Conclusion

• The advantages of a cycling holiday in Germany are endless. Germany is close, it has a lot of variety in routes and offerings and you can also get there reasonably cheaply. You can choose from high mountains, challenging hills or even a beautiful route along the German coast. A visit to Rügen, the island in the Baltic Sea, is also one to remember.
• Germany has already brought us a lot. Both in the summer of 2023 in Freiburg, and in earlier years in both the Eifel, the Moselle, Tecklenburg, the Harz and on a tour of Magdeburg. In short, too much to mention and too much not to explore. Combine that with the 'kuchen kultur' and the fact that after 20 years you still haven't run out of things to say about a cycling holiday in Germany, and you know enough.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

• Share your experiences about cycling in Germany or your cycling holiday in Germany with our editors via e-mail or via the comments
• More info via the site of Germany Tourism!