The year 2021 is almost over. Despite everything, it helps to look ahead and make plans. That gives perspective and that helps for positivity! Therefore, we are already looking forward to top destinations for a cycling holiday in 2022. Because if you are planning a cycling holiday, where do you actually want to go? Will it be the classic route? Alpe d'Huez Or do you do something else instead? We already have Part I Featured from cool destinations for 2022. Here comes the second part, with more inspiration again.
Vaud – Switzerland
This month, December 2021, the canton Vaud In Switzerland, that means that 2022 is the ‘Year of the bicycle‘ would be.’ Why? Not only does the Tour de Romandie pass through the area, but there is also a finish (Lausanne) and a start (Aigle) of a road stage. Not to mention other activities. We have already been to the area and local hero Alain Rumpf also knows the way in this beautiful environment. We often focus on the part around Lausanne and Aigle, but the canton extends all the way from (just outside) Geneva to the Lake of Neuchâtel. You can discover the Jura there, but also the Valais Alps. And don't forget to make a stop at the UCI World Cycling Centre! You can therefore be located more to the east of the canton, but there are also beautiful places to the west and, of course, the vast Lake Leman.
Val d’Aran – Catalonia
Catalonia is the top cycling destination in Spain in 2022. Well, maybe along with Asturias, but that’s more for those cyclists who are looking for extreme challenges, with goat trails over 20% (like for example these ascents). But towards the border with France, on the Spanish side of the Pyrenees lies Catalonia. A cycling paradise. Many are already familiar with the possibilities of cycling in Girona. Many top riders spend their winter camps there and many cycling tourists enjoy the first spring sunshine. They flee colder conditions in more northern parts of Europe.
A less well-known region is the Val d’Aran. In a corner, right against the French border, this winter ski region is a summer mecca for MTB enthusiasts but also for race bike and gravel bikers. You can enjoy the Spanish hospitality and the Spanish cuisine, but also take in some of the famous peaks from the Tour de France. The climb to Superbagnères It is really within easy reach. Viella is a beautiful base for a wonderful holiday.
Czech Republic
In 2021, the Iron Curtain route (at least the part in the Czech Republic) was the cycling route of the year. That means something. Soweiso is the entire Iron Curtain Trail One to jot down for the challenge of the coming years. This is truly a route with a story that you should tell. The only downside is that it takes quite a bit of time to complete the route, because it is over 7,500 km long. Jeez. The part in Czech Republic It is beautiful. You mostly ride through the forest and on quiet (unpaved) paths. A gravel bike or at least a race bike with wider tires is recommended.
Along the way you travel through recent history, because many people forget that the Iron Curtain hung between East and West until 1989. A little more than 30 years ago, but in this region it comes to life again. Sometimes you still see old watchtowers and you drive through areas where people literally gave their lives to escape a communist regime. The Šumava National Park is definitely worth a visit.
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.