{"id":1644,"date":"2021-09-03T18:28:15","date_gmt":"2021-09-03T18:28:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/?p=1644"},"modified":"2026-10-05T14:32:30","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T14:32:30","slug":"across-germany-part-i","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cyclingdestination.cc\/en\/verhalen\/dwars-door-duitsland-deel-i","title":{"rendered":"Across Germany \u2013 Part I"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cycling fanatic and guest blogger for our platform Rik de Voogd (follow him on instagram too) is a well-known adventurer. He now rides almost professionally. He went on a summer trip through Germany and Italy. He was also already featured with Ruben Hoogland in the beautiful Wadden area<\/a> in Northern Netherlands. This is one of the first in a series of stories and routes that go through Germany. Today it\u2019s the turn of the state of Hesse. With a route that starts just outside the metropolis of Frankfurt, it\u2019s a must-see for anyone looking for something closer to home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Across<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Text and photos: Rik de Voogd<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instagram as a connecting tool<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A few weeks ago, I was looking for some friends I had met through Instagram. Some of them I had never met in person. Although Instagram is mainly about \u2018online\u2019 interactions, I also want to expand these friendships offline. That can be done by cycling together. By showing me their surroundings. It\u2019s something I do quite often in the Netherlands. But now I feel the incredible urge to do it abroad too. So I\u2019m going there. Towards Germany. That never disappoints me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s just so relaxing to spend time with these happy people. To bike together, to talk about the most random things together. To discover environments that I know nothing about at all. Just to enjoy that moment. For me, that\u2019s the ultimate experience of cycling. That it\u2019s possible despite adversity in life, or despite the language barrier. That makes it fantastic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Across<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"Across<\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hessen<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Hessen is a state in the west of Germany. The most famous cities are Frankfurt and Mainz. Frankfurt is a metropolis, where every year Eurobike, a large bicycle show, is also held. I have met the three locals Duc<\/a>, Etienne<\/a> and Laurin<\/a>. They live in and around Wiesbaden, so it\u2019s logical to book a hotel there as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Germany, you can easily find bike-friendly accommodation through the bett+bike initiative. For more tips on bike accommodation and labels, see our Special article about it<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We meet at the local bakery in Wiesbaden. First Duc, then the others. Coffee and cycling are so intertwined. So first a pre-ride coffee and something that should be a dessert after breakfast. Baksels in Germany are hard to describe, but they have one thing in common: they are delicious. After our fuel-up we meet Etienne and Laurin on the outskirts of Wiesbaden. The next 5 minutes are communicated in German between the three locals. Although I don\u2019t fully understand the language, my idea is that it\u2019s about possible route options to show me everything about this region. I can only wait and the outcome was simple: Taunusgebergte, the scenic route. Let\u2019s go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Across
This is the essence of cycling<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Well paved<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The first thing that strikes me is the quality of the roads. For me, it is completely new to find such beautiful roads in Germany. It is quiet with little traffic, well paved, and the roads wind up and down the hills nicely. I must say that the climbs are quite enjoyable for me. It is a joy on two wheels. The climbs are much longer than those in the The Ardennes<\/a> For example, but much less steep. I find that really fantastic. It\u2019s hard to find the highlight of the day. Maybe it\u2019s the climb to Pressberg. It could also be the view over the Rhine during the descent to R\u00fcdesheim. It would be the cool stop we make for an espresso with ice cream. I don\u2019t know. But why would I even compare it? In my experience, you can enjoy the most when you appreciate everything. I\u2019m glad I made the choice to travel to Hesse!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Route through Germany \u2013 Hesse<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Would you like to relive the route of Rik and drive it yourself? Then take a look at our Komoot collection via the link below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n