Germany is one of the best countries in Europe for cycling tourism when it comes to route preparation. A dense network of marked and well-maintained paths, diverse landscapes – from mountains to coasts – and excellent infrastructure for cyclists make cycling a pure pleasure. Many routes run along rivers, through national parks, picturesque villages, and cities with rich history.

It's important to note that cyclists are taken seriously here – they have their own lanes, parking spaces, charging stations for e-bikes, and special services. Bicycle culture is excellently developed in Germany. The bicycle is a popular means of transport to work or school. In large cities, you often see parents taking their children to school and kindergarten with specially adapted cargo bikes. Year by year, the popularity of e-bikes is also growing, allowing older people or beginners to cover longer distances.

The cycling paths are excellently marked, safe, and comfortable. It can be said with certainty that Germany is an ideal destination for a cycling tour, and thanks to its proximity to Poland, we can quickly reach our dream route via highway or train. Below, we present an overview of the 10 most interesting cycling routes in Germany, as well as the most important information for cyclists who want to spend time across our western border.

Bivouacking and wild camping – freedom with limitations

Unfortunately, wild camping in Germany is generally prohibited – both with tents and motorhomes. Federal law, as well as state and local regulations, control this very strictly, especially in national parks, nature reserves, and private forests. Sometimes so-called "emergency bivouac" is possible – setting up a tent for just one night, without fire and waste, far away from the paths – but this is a balancing act on the edge of legality. It's better to use the numerous campsites, many of which are located directly on cycling routes and offer amenities for cyclists, such as places to dry clothes, lockable bike boxes, or outlets for charging e-bikes.

Law and cyclists in Germany

In general, road traffic law for cyclists is uniform throughout Germany – it's regulated by the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). But how strictly the regulations are enforced can vary locally. For example, in Bavaria, known for its love of order, you may actually more frequently face penalties for riding without lights, ignoring traffic lights, or riding on the sidewalk. In practice, you should stick to basic rules: use lights, follow traffic signs, don't cross pedestrian crossings on your bike, and don't ride under the influence of alcohol (the limit is 1.6 per mille, but already from 0.3 you can have problems in case of an accident).

How to get to Germany with a bicycle?

The most comfortable option is the train – both regional connections from Poland to Germany (e.g., from Wrocław to Dresden, from Gdynia via Poznań to Berlin) and international intercity trains. However, it's worth checking in advance whether bicycle spaces need to be reserved – this is usually required on long-distance trains.

An alternative is the car with a bicycle rack or a bus that transports bicycles (there are also companies specialized in transporting bicycles to Germany, especially for larger groups). International buses usually don't transport bicycles or do so for an additional fee and to a limited extent.

Bring your own bike or rent one?

If you can't bring your own bicycle, bike rental stations in Germany are a good option – they're modern and well-equipped. They offer not only classic trekking and mountain bikes but also e-bikes, cargo bikes, or trailers for children. Many of them also rent panniers, helmets, tools, or child seats. Prices start at about 10–15 euros per day for a regular city bike, an e-bike costs about 25–35 euros daily. You'll find bike rental stations in large cities, on main cycling routes, and even at train stations (e.g., the DB Rad+ or Nextbike network).

ADFC: German Bicycle Club

It's also good to know what the ADFC is – the General German Bicycle Club. This is the largest bicycle organization in Germany, which has been working for years to improve infrastructure and safety and promote cycling tourism. The ADFC publishes an annual analysis of the most popular cycling routes (ADFC-Radreiseanalyse), creates detailed maps, guides, and certifies routes according to quality criteria. If you're planning a tour through Germany, following the ADFC recommendations guarantees that you'll encounter well-prepared, tested, and bicycle-friendly paths – with the appropriate surface, signage, and infrastructure.

What does a one-week cycling tour through Germany cost?

The cost of the trip depends on the travel style. For a budget tour:

• Transport: Train from Poland to Germany and back with bicycle – approx. 300–400 PLN, depending on the departure location
• Accommodation: Tent sites or campsites – from as little as 10–20 euros/night
• Food: Self-catering and occasional local restaurants – 20-30 euros daily
• Other: possible admission fees, ferries, bicycle service – approx. 50 euros per week

If you want to minimize costs and can bring a camping stove, you can complete the entire one-week trip for approx. 1500–2000 PLN. A comfortable version (hotels, restaurants, bike rental) already costs 3000–4000 PLN and more, depending on your preferred standard.

The 10 best cycling routes in Germany

If you dream of a bicycle adventure through a country of castles, rivers, and wine hills – Germany has everything you need. On a cycling trip through Germany, you can enjoy the excellently developed bicycle infrastructure and admire a true palette of landscapes: from the rushing waters of the North Sea to the alpine views of Bavaria. The paths are excellently marked, maintained, and often lead through places you can't reach by car, thus promoting cycling tourism.

In this section, you'll find 10 of the most spectacular and recommended routes that both German and foreign cyclists love. Each has its own character – there are flat and family-friendly routes, but also challenging climbs for the ambitious. The common denominator? Adventure, nature, culture, and unforgettable impressions. You'll surely find something for yourself – both for a weekend trip to Germany and for a multi-day tour.

1. Berlin – Usedom: From the city to the beach

You start in the heart of Berlin, and just a few kilometers further, you're riding through the green meadows and lakes of Brandenburg. Along the way, you pass by the artistic KunstgARTen in Pasewalk and the atmospheric Ueckermünde, from where you take the ferry to Usedom Island. This route is full of tranquility and ideal for a bicycle reset. Cyclists can use many campsites and other accommodation options along the way.

For whom? Beginners and slow travel enthusiasts.
Length: approx. 330 km
Riding style: Calm, mainly on forest and field paths, without major inclines.

2. Elbe Cycle Route: From Czech Republic to the North Sea

One of the most traveled cycling routes in Germany. You ride along the Elbe – from the picturesque Elbe Sandstone Mountains, through baroque gems like Dresden, to the Hamburg port and further to Cuxhaven on the North Sea. Along the way: vineyards, castles, and even spectacular locks. When planning the route, you should consider that the wind often blows from the northwest direction. The path is often unprotected due to its proximity to the river, so if you don't like riding against the wind – plan the route from north to south, against the river flow.

For whom? Everyone will find something for themselves.
Length: approx. 1,300 km
Riding style: Gentle and flat, ideal for a longer tour.

3. Baltic Coast Cycle Route / D-Route 2: Along the Baltic Sea with wind in your hair

Imagine: chalk cliffs of Rügen, medieval Hanseatic cities like Wismar, and 19th-century seaside resorts. This route is a coastal fairy tale that begins in Flensburg and leads through charming ports, beaches, and old fishing villages.

For whom? Advanced riders who love the sea.
Length: approx. 1,100 km
Riding style: Sometimes flat, sometimes hilly – but always with a view of the Baltic Sea.

4. Ruhr Valley Cycle Route: When industrial past meets wild nature

If you love contrasts, this route is worth its weight in gold. The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is an extremely interesting route that combines industrial heritage, wild nature, and rich culture in a relatively small area. The path begins in Winterberg, at the source of the Ruhr, and leads through medieval Arnsberg with its narrow alleys and castle ruins. Along the way, you dive into the green forests of the Elbschebachtal, from where picturesque views of the Ruhr Heights stretch out. Be sure to make a stop in Essen and visit the famous Zollverein Coal Mine – a symbol of the region's transformation from Germany's industrial heart to a cultural center. And if you dream of sand under your feet, visit Seaside Beach Baldeney – a beach on the lake that no one expects in the heart of the Ruhr area. The route ends spectacularly in Duisburg, at the Rheinorange sculpture – a red colossus marking the confluence of the Ruhr with the Rhine. The route runs mostly downhill or on flat terrain, often away from road traffic, partly on forest and local paths – ideal for a weekend bicycle adventure.

For whom? Those open to new experiences.
Length: approx. 240 km
Riding style: Downhill, on forest paths and through urban corners.

5. Weser Cycle Route: River, bicycle, and reset

The Weser Cycle Route is the most popular long-distance cycling route in Germany according to the ADFC survey 2023 – and not without reason. The route begins in the picturesque Weser Uplands and leads through the wide plains of Lower Saxony to end in the unique Wadden Sea. Along the way, you pass through the baroque Bad Karlshafen, the UNESCO World Heritage Corvey Castle, and the spectacular Porta Westfalica gorge. It's worth stopping at the tree park at Erbhof Castle or in Bremen – for a coffee by the river at the iconic Café Sand. For nature lovers, a visit to Cuxhaven and exploring the coastal marshes, dunes, and meadows is a unique experience. The route is paved, gently sloping down to the north, and accessible from both sides of the river – facilitated by numerous ferries. An additional plus? Over 90 e-bike charging stations distributed among tourist attractions and restaurants.

For whom? Families, e-bikers, classic tourists.
Length: approx. 520 km
Riding style: Predominantly flat, with a slight downward slope – ideal for a relaxed pace.

6. Rhine Cycle Route / D-Route 8: From waterfalls to vineyards

Embark on a cycling journey along one of Europe's most famous rivers. Although the German section officially begins at the country border, many cyclists start already in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, to see the spectacular Rhine Falls.

Further, the route leads through the quiet areas of the Rhine Valley with extensive floodplain meadows and silent alluvial forests. The real magic begins in the middle course of the river – here romantic castles, ruins, and the legendary Lorelei rock await. And if we add excellent wines from towns like Rüdesheim, Bacharach, or Eltville, riding becomes pure pleasure.

To finish: Düsseldorf and Cologne with an impressive cathedral, lively old town, and world-class museums. The route is well-maintained, paved, and mostly free from car traffic. In many places, you can choose whether to ride on the left or right bank of the Rhine – both options tempt with views and atmosphere. An ideal suggestion for everyone, regardless of fitness level.

For whom? Anyone who wants to know Germany from the inside.
Length: approx. 1,230 km (German part)
Riding style: Predominantly asphalt, often without cars.

7. Lake Constance-Lake Königssee Cycle Route: Fairy-tale Bavaria

The Lake Constance-Lake Königssee Cycle Route is a route that leads through nine Bavarian districts and offers a breathtaking view of the Alps to the right. Right at the start, it's worth visiting the picturesque Lindau with its lighthouse and the Bavarian lion statue guarding the entrance to the harbor.

From Bavaria's highest town, Füssen, you can take a trip to the famous Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau castles. Further, the path leads through Murnau am Staffelsee, where the Gabriele Münter House Museum is located – full of the artist's works and memories of Wassily Kandinsky. If you have time, it's worth taking a detour and circling Lake Chiemsee – the "Bavarian Sea" – in a day, with stops for swimming and eating. On Herrenchiemsee Island, Ludwig II's last castle awaits, and the final stage at Lake Königssee, reminiscent of the fjords of Norway, is the true cherry on top to conclude this majestic route.

For whom? Those who train and e-bikers.
Length: approx. 450 km
Riding style: Challenging – many climbs, but the views make up for everything.

8. Moselle Cycle Route: Vineyards and castles like from a fairy tale

The Moselle Cycle Route is a route that – similar to the river itself – connects France and Germany while captivating everyone who appreciates taste, history, and scenic beauty. Right at the start, in the town of Perl, three countries meet: Germany, France, and Luxembourg.

Further on, a journey through vineyards on both sides of the Moselle awaits you, located on some of Europe's steepest wine slopes. In Trier, the Roman Porta Nigra greets you, and in Neumagen-Dhron – the oldest German wine village – you'll see a replica of a Roman wine transport ship on the water. Along the way, you'll also pass majestic castles like Eltz and Ehrenburg, as well as picturesque, medieval towns – including the charming Cochem with its royal castle towering over the river.

The route is paved, free from cars, and almost completely flat – making it excellent for less experienced cyclists as well. Ideal for a relaxing, wine-soaked holiday on two wheels.

For whom? Romantics and wine lovers.
Length: approx. 310 km
Riding style: Gentle, paved route, ideal for relaxing.

9. Danube Cycle Route: Cycling along the great river

Even if you decide to ride only the German section of the famous Danube Cycle Route, unforgettable views await you. Right at the beginning, you can observe a fascinating natural phenomenon: the young Danube disappears underground. This geological wonder, also known as the Danube Sink or Danube Disappearance, makes the Danube a unique river with two mouths – into the Black Sea and into the North Sea.

In the Upper Danube Nature Park, the river squeezes through narrow limestone gorges, and in Blaubeuren, it takes on a magical, blue color at the Blautopf spring. In Ulm, you can't miss the highest church tower in the world, and further – at Weltenburg Monastery and the Danube Breakthrough – pilgrims and... beer lovers meet.

Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines medieval flair with a modern museum of Bavarian history, and the further east you go, the closer you get to the gentle hills of the Bavarian Forest. In Passau, shortly before the border with Austria, the Danube unites with the Inn and Ilz rivers. The route is gentle, well-signposted, and runs mainly directly along the river, often on former towpaths where horses once pulled barges upstream.

For whom? Lovers of nature and sights.
Length: approx. 600 km (German part)
Riding style: Predominantly flat, very well-signposted route.

10. Main Cycle Route: From Franconia to Frankfurt

The Main Cycle Route is an ideal suggestion for those who want to combine a bicycle adventure with the discovery of culture and along the way: taste beer and wine. The Main only forms in Kulmbach, where the White and Red Main rivers unite – and it's up to you which of the two routes you want to start.

If you choose the one through the Fichtelgebirge, along the way you'll visit Bayreuth – the city of the baroque Margravine Wilhelmine with its impressive opera house (UNESCO) and the famous Festspielhaus, where Wagner's works resound every year.

Both variants lead to Bamberg – a city of cathedrals, breweries, and beer gardens. Further, between the vineyards at Würzburg, we visit the historic court cellar. It's worth leaving the bike behind and climbing the ruins of the Karlsburg before we reach Frankfurt, where a superbly reconstructed old town awaits us. The route is almost continuously paved, runs mainly along the banks of the Main, away from main roads, and has few inclines – making it also excellent for families with children.

For whom? Lovers of "firsthand" sightseeing.
Length: approx. 600 km
Riding style: Easy and pleasant route, also for families.

Our interactive map presents well-marked cycling paths throughout the country, from the famous Danube Cycle Route and the picturesque Elbe Cycle Route to beautiful routes along the Baltic Sea. Whether you're planning a multi-day tour or a day trip, along these paths you'll find necessary public facilities, including campsites, hotels, bicycle repair shops, and rest areas.

Each path is carefully mapped with current OpenStreetMap data, allowing you to safely explore the various landscapes of Germany. Use our interactive map to get to know the paths, find accommodations, and plan your perfect cycling adventure through the beautiful regions of Germany.