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.

Cycling routes in Germany

If you dream of a cycling adventure through a country of castles, rivers, and wine hills – Germany has everything you need. Traveling by bicycle through Germany, you can enjoy excellently developed cycling infrastructure and admire a true range of landscapes: from the rushing waves of the North Sea to the Alpine views of Bavaria. The trails are well-marked, well-maintained, and often lead through places you can't reach by car, promoting cycling tourism.

Most popular cycling routes in Germany

In this section, you'll find routes that the German Cycling Club (ADFC) recognized as the most popular in 2024. The Elberadweg route is in second place in the ADFC poll - but due to its proximity to the Polish border, we've placed it in the list below, among routes near Poland. Most of these routes have been at the top of the ADFC poll for many years. It's worth finding out for yourself what attracts cycling enthusiasts there!

1. Weser-Radweg: River, Bicycle, and Reset

The Weser-Radweg is the most popular long-distance cycling route in Germany according to the 2024 ADFC poll – and for good reason. The route begins in the picturesque Weserbergland and leads through the vast plains of Lower Saxony, ending at the unique Wadden Sea. Along the way, you'll pass baroque Bad Karlshafen, the UNESCO-listed Corvey Castle, and the spectacular Porta Westfalica gorge. It's worth stopping at Baumpark near Erbhof Palace or in Bremen – for coffee by the river at the iconic Café Sand. For nature lovers, visiting Cuxhaven and exploring the coastal salt marshes, dunes, and meadows will be a unique experience. The route is paved, gently slopes northward, and is accessible from both sides of the river – facilitated by numerous ferries. An additional plus? Over 90 e-bike charging stations located near tourist attractions and restaurants.

For whom? Families, E-bikers, classical tourists.
Length: approx. 520 km
Riding style: Mostly flat, with a slight decline – ideal for a relaxed pace.

2. Ostseeküsten-Radweg / D-Rounte 2: Along the Baltic Sea with Wind in Your Hair

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

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

3. Donau-Radweg: Cycling Along the Great River

Even if you decide to ride only the German section of the famous Danube Cycle Path, 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 Depression, makes the Danube a unique river with two mouths – flowing to the Black Sea and 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 world's tallest church tower, and further on – at Weltenburg Monastery and the Danube Gorge – pilgrims and beer lovers meet.

Regensburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines medieval atmosphere with a modern Bavarian history museum, and the further east you go, the closer you get to the gentle hills of the Bavarian Forest. In Passau, just before the Austrian border, the Danube joins with the Inn and Ilz rivers. The route is gentle, well-marked, and runs mainly right by the river, often along former towpaths where horses once pulled barges upstream.

For whom? Nature and monument enthusiasts.
Length: approx. 600 km (German section)
Riding style: Mostly flat, very well-marked route.

4. Rheinradweg / 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 starts at the country's borders, many cyclists set off from Schaffhausen in Switzerland to see the spectacular Rhine Falls.

Further on, the route leads through the tranquil Rhine Valley areas with extensive floodplains and quiet riparian forests. The real magic begins in the middle course of the river – it's here that romantic castles, ruins, and the legendary Loreley rock await. And when you add excellent wines from towns like Rüdesheim, Bacharach, or Eltville, the ride turns into pure pleasure.

For the finale: Düsseldorf and Cologne with its impressive cathedral, vibrant old town, and world-class museums. The route is well-maintained, paved, and largely 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 proposal for everyone, regardless of fitness level.

For whom? Anyone who wants to get to know Germany from the inside.
Length: approx. 1,230 km (German section)
Riding style: Mostly paved, often car-free.

5. Main-Radweg: From Franconia to Frankfurt

Main-Radweg is the perfect proposition for those who want to combine a cycling adventure with cultural discovery, and along the way: tasting beer and wine. The Main River only forms in Kulmbach, where the White and Red Main join – and it's up to you which of the two routes you'll start with.

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

Both versions lead to Bamberg – a city of cathedrals, breweries, and beer gardens. Further on, among the vineyards near Würzburg, we visit the historic Hofkeller. It's worth leaving your bike and climbing up to the ruins of Karlsburg before reaching Frankfurt, where a beautifully reconstructed old town awaits us. The route is almost entirely paved, runs mainly along the banks of the Main, away from main roads, and has few climbs – making it also great for families with children.

For whom? Those who love exploring "from the kitchen."
Length: approx. 600 km
Riding style: Light and pleasant route, also suitable for families.

6. Ruhrtal-Radweg: Where Industrial Past Meets Wild Nature

If you love contrasts, this route is gold. Ruhrtal-Radweg is an extremely interesting route that combines industrial heritage, wild nature, and rich culture in a relatively small area. The trail begins in Winterberg, at the source of the Ruhr River, and leads through medieval Arnsberg with its narrow streets and castle ruins. Along the way, you'll immerse yourself in the green forests of the Elbschebach valley, offering picturesque views of the Ruhrhöhen hills. Make sure to stop in Essen and visit the famous Zollverein mine – a symbol of the region's transformation from the industrial heart of Germany to a cultural center. And if you dream of sand under your feet, visit Seaside Beach Baldeney – a beach by 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 mostly runs downhill or on flat terrain, often away from street traffic, partly on forest and local roads – ideal for a weekend cycling adventure.

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

7. Bodensee-Königssee-Radweg: Fairytale Bavaria

Bodensee-Königssee-Radweg is a route that leads through nine Bavarian counties, offering breathtaking views of the Alps on the right side. At the very beginning, it's worth visiting picturesque Lindau with its lighthouse and statue of the Bavarian lion guarding the entrance to the port.

From Füssen, positioned at the highest elevation in all of Bavaria, you can take a trip to the famous castles – Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau. Further on, the trail leads through Murnau am Staffelsee, home to the Gabriele-Münter-Haus museum – full of the artist's works and mementos of Wassily Kandinsky. If you have time, it's worth taking a detour to circle Lake Chiemsee – the "Bavarian Sea" – in one day, stopping for a swim and something delicious. On Herrenchiemsee Island awaits Ludwig II's last castle, and the final stage at Königssee, resembling Norwegian fjords, is a true cherry on top of this majestic route.

For whom? Training cyclists and E-bikers.
Length: approx. 450 km
Riding style: Challenging – plenty of climbs, but the views make up for everything.

8. Mosel-Radweg: Vineyards and Fairytale Castles

Mosel-Radweg is a route that – like the river itself – connects France and Germany, and at the same time delights everyone who appreciates taste, history, and scenic beauty. Right at the start, in the town of Perl, three countries meet: Germany, France, and Luxembourg.

Next, a journey awaits you through vineyards on both sides of the Moselle, situated on some of Europe's steepest wine slopes. In Trier, the Roman Porta Nigra welcomes you, and in Neumagen-Dhron – Germany's oldest 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 charming Cochem with its royal castle towering over the river.

The route is paved, car-free, and almost completely flat – making it suitable even for less experienced cyclists. Perfect for a relaxing, wine-filled holiday on two wheels.

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

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

Each route is carefully mapped using current OpenStreetMap data, allowing you to confidently explore Germany's diverse landscapes. Use our interactive map to discover routes, find accommodations, and plan your perfect cycling adventure through Germany's beautiful regions.