European cycle routes

Europe is a true paradise for cycling enthusiasts. Diverse landscapes, rich culture, and well-developed infrastructure mean every cyclist will find something for themselves. From picturesque coastlines, through majestic mountains, to charming towns and historic metropolises – this continent offers countless opportunities to explore on two wheels.

Many European countries invest in developing cycling routes, making travel safe and comfortable. The EuroVelo network, comprising 17 long-distance routes, allows you to traverse the continent lengthwise and crosswise. Additionally, numerous local routes throughout European countries offer unforgettable experiences, allowing for deeper discovery of regional attractions and traditions.

Regardless of your skill level, everyone will find a suitable route. Gentle paths along rivers like the Vistula or Elbe are perfect for short weekend trips for those seeking relaxing routes or paths suitable for family travel. Road cycling or mountain biking enthusiasts will find exciting challenges! Europe has everything a cycling adventure enthusiast needs.

Best cycling routes in Europe

1. Alpe Adria trail (about 420 km)

The Alpe Adria Trail is a spectacular route connecting the Austrian Alps with the Italian Adriatic coast. It begins in Salzburg and leads through picturesque landscapes, offering unforgettable views. The surface is mainly asphalt, with some well-prepared gravel and dirt sections.

• Salzburg – Mozart's birthplace.
• Passage through the Alps with breathtaking panoramas.
• Charming Italian towns like Udine.
• The route ends in coastal Grado, where you can relax on the beach.

2. Elbe cycle route (Elberadweg) (about 1300 km)

Elberadweg is one of the most popular cycling routes in Europe, running along the Elbe River from its sources in the Czech Republic to its mouth in Germany. The route leads through diverse landscapes. An excellent choice for those seeking a less demanding route: when starting at the southern end, the trail leads almost exclusively downhill, following the river.

• Prague – the Czech capital with rich history and architecture.
• Saxon Switzerland – picturesque rock formations.
• Dresden with its baroque architecture.
• Hamburg – a dynamic port metropolis.

3. Rhine cycle route (EuroVelo 15, about 1450 km)

EuroVelo 15 is a route running along the Rhine River, leading through Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands. It's a path full of historic cities and magnificent landscapes. The route is well-marked, with trails set on both banks of the Rhine in some places.

• Basel with its rich cultural heritage, numerous galleries, and unique museums.
• Vineyards in the Alsace region.
• Cologne Cathedral – a masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
• Rhine Delta in the Netherlands with extensive water areas.

4. Loire Valley trail (La Loire à Vélo, EuroVelo 6, about 900 km)

La Loire à Vélo is part of EuroVelo 6, running along the Loire River through central France. The route is famous for its numerous castles and charming towns.

• Chambord Castle – an impressive example of Renaissance architecture.
• Tours with its beautiful old town.
• Loire Valley vineyards offering tastings of local wines.
• Nantes – a dynamic city with a rich history.

5. Velo Baltica, section of EuroVelo 10 / R10 along the Baltic Sea (529 km)

Velo Baltica is the name of a section of EuroVelo 10, known as the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. The entire route runs along the Baltic coast through countries such as Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The Velo Baltica section offers beautiful sea views and leads through charming coastal resorts and towns. It's worth exploring both the sections in Poland and in other countries:

• Tri-City – Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia with rich cultural and recreational offerings.
• Słowiński National Park with its moving dunes.
• Klaipeda in Lithuania – a charming coastal city.
• Riga – Latvia's capital with a beautiful old town.

6. Enns trail (R7, Ennsradweg, 263 km)

The Enns Trail is a picturesque route in Austria, running along the Enns River through regions such as Styria and Upper Austria. The trail offers beautiful views of the Alps and charming Austrian villages.

• Gesäuse National Park – wild landscapes, ideal for nature lovers.
• Historic town of Steyr – one of Austria's most beautiful cities.
• Waterfalls in the Schladming-Dachstein region – breathtaking views.
• Linz – a dynamic city with a modern art center.

7. Velo Dunajec (233 km)

The Velo Dunajec Trail is one of the most beautiful cycling routes in Poland, leading through the picturesque landscapes of Podhale, Pieniny, and Beskid Sądecki.

• Zakopane and the Tatra Mountains – an ideal place to start your journey.
• Dunajec Gorge – a spectacular section running along the river.
• Niedzica Castle – picturesquely situated on Lake Czorsztyn.

8. Havel cycle route (423 km)

The Havel Cycle Route runs along the Havel River, connecting Berlin with Potsdam and further towards Mecklenburg.

• Potsdam – Sanssouci Palace and beautiful parks.
• Havelland – picturesque lakes and nature reserves.
• Historic towns such as Werder – ideal for rest and sightseeing.

9. L'Avenue Verte London-Paris

This iconic route connects London and Paris, leading through the picturesque landscapes of England and France.

• London – exploring the British capital before starting.
• English Channel – ferry crossing to France.
• Normandy and Rouen – picturesque French landscapes.
• Paris – ending the route at the Eiffel Tower.

Cycling regulations in Europe

Traveling around Europe by bike involves various regulations that are worth knowing:

• Obligation to use cycling infrastructure: In many countries, such as Poland, cyclists are required to use designated bike paths if available.
• Riding on sidewalks: In some cities, cycling on sidewalks is forbidden and may result in a fine. For example, in Luxembourg, the penalty is 175 euros, and in Paris, 135 euros.
• Running red lights: Cycling through red lights is severely punished. In Athens, the fine is 700 euros, in Rome 600 euros, and in Berlin 60 euros.
• Using mobile phones while riding: Using a phone without a hands-free set is forbidden and punishable. In Madrid, the fine is 200 euros, in Rome 161 euros, in Amsterdam 140 euros, and in Berlin 55 euros.
• Mandatory bike equipment: In many countries, a bicycle must be equipped with working front and rear lights, a bell, and reflectors. Lack of proper lighting can result in a fine, for example in Madrid and Brussels amounting to 200 euros.
• Helmet requirement: In some countries, such as Spain, wearing a helmet is mandatory outside urban areas, while in other countries it's a recommendation but not an obligation.
• Permissible blood alcohol level: Alcohol limits for cyclists differ depending on the country. In some countries, there is zero tolerance, while in others small amounts of alcohol in the blood are permissible.
• Speed limits: Although cyclists rarely reach high speeds, some countries have speed limits for cyclists, especially in residential areas and on sidewalks.
• Daytime lights requirement: In some countries, cyclists are required to use daytime lights while riding, regardless of the time of day.
• Transporting children: Many countries have regulations regarding transporting children on bicycles, specifying the child's age, type of seat, and the obligation for the child to wear a helmet.

Accommodation, transport, and logistics for cyclists in Europe

When traveling by bike, it's worth planning accommodation and transport:

• Accommodation – hostels, campgrounds, and "bike-friendly" hotels are popular in Europe. Along many popular routes, you'll find lodging prepared for cyclists, where hosts provide separate garages or storage for bikes.
• Transport – most trains (e.g., in Poland, Germany, Austria, and France) allow bicycle transport, though sometimes a reservation is required. Traveling with a bike on a bus often requires disassembling the bike to fit in the luggage compartment. For flights, there are two options: the easiest is to check in sports equipment, which can be added to a regular ticket. A cheaper but more labor-intensive option is to use oversized baggage. This second possibility involves checking in the bike as larger-sized baggage, but you'll need to disassemble it (remove pedals, wheels, handlebars) and properly secure it in a hard cardboard box.
• Ferries – ferries are available on many cycling routes, e.g., in Scandinavia or the Baltic Sea, as well as on routes leading across rivers, e.g., across the Elbe.

Food to try in Europe

One of the undoubted advantages of traveling under your own power is the fact that we gain plenty of room in our stomachs for local specialties. When traveling around Europe, it's worth trying local delicacies – they'll provide fuel for further travel and let you experience the culture and history of the region through another sense. Here's a list of the most interesting and well-known dishes worth tasting along the way:

Best food in Western Europe

• France – Bouillabaisse (Provençal fish soup), coq au vin (rooster in wine), croissant, ratatouille.
• Spain – paella (rice with seafood or meat), jamón ibérico (cured ham), churros con chocolate (a type of pastry with chocolate).
• Italy – Pasta carbonara, pizza napoletana, ossobuco (braised veal shank), Gelato (Italian ice cream).
• Portugal – Bacalhau à brás (cod with egg and potatoes), pastel de nata (custard tart).
• Belgium – Moules-frites (mussels with fries), gaufres (Belgian waffles), Belgian chocolate.
• Netherlands – Stroopwafels (caramel waffles), bitterballen (meat croquettes), haring (pickled herring).

Top culinary experiences in Central Europe

• Germany – Currywurst (sausage in curry sauce), Sauerkraut (sauerkraut), Bretzel (pretzel).
• Austria – Wiener Schnitzel (Viennese schnitzel), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel).
• Switzerland – Cheese fondue, raclette (cheese with potatoes and cold cuts).
• Poland – Pierogi, bigos (hunter's stew), oscypek (smoked sheep cheese).
• Czech Republic – Svíčková (sirloin in cream sauce), trdelník (sweet yeast pastry), vepřo knedlo zelo (pork with dumplings and cabbage).
• Hungary – Goulash, lángos (fried dough), tokaji (famous dessert wine).

The most exceptional food in Northern Europe

• Sweden – Köttbullar (meatballs), gravlax (marinated salmon), kanelbullar (cinnamon buns).
• Denmark – Smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches on rye bread), Æbleskiver (pancake puffs).
• Norway – Rakfisk (fermented trout), lefse (potato flatbread).
• Finland – Karjalanpiirakka (Karelian pasty), ruisleipä (rye bread).
• Iceland – Hákarl (fermented shark), skyr (Icelandic yogurt).

Food to try in Eastern Europe and the Balkans

• Ukraine – Salo (cured pork fat), deruny (potato pancakes), holubtsi (cabbage rolls).
• Lithuania – Cepelinai (potato dumplings), Šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup).
• Romania – Mici (grilled sausages), sarmale (cabbage rolls).
• Bulgaria – Banitsa (cheese pastry), shopska salad (salad with feta cheese).
• Greece – Moussaka, souvlaki (skewers), baklava (filo pastry with honey and nuts).
• Turkey – Kebab, menemen (eggs in tomatoes), lokum (Turkish delight).