A popular way to explore Europe is by bike, especially if you like a bit of adventure and fitness on your travels. When cycling across Europe, you’ll certainly have variety. You can pedal through alpine valleys beneath snow-capped peaks, glide towards sparkling coastlines, or follow a peaceful riverside path that’s lined with vineyards. Best of all, cycling holidays allow you to plan leisurely stays or multi-day, adrenaline-inducing adventures - the choice is yours!
1. Alpe Adria Cycle Route, Austria and Italy
Many cyclists recommend the Alpe Adria Cycle Route for those who have a sense of adventure and enjoy long-distance routes. If you opt for this route, prepare to cycle around 400 km from Salzburg in Austria to Grado on the Adriatic coast in Italy. You’ll soar from dramatic Alpine scenery to Mediterranean beaches, but not without passing through mountain villages, rivers, forests, and historic towns along your way. Part of the trail follows an old railway line that takes cyclists through tunnels and viaducts.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Approximately 400 km
Highlights: Salzburg, Bad Gastein, the former Pontebbana railway, Tarvisio, Udine and Grado.
2. Danube Cycle Path, Austria
The Danube Cycle Path is all about the scenery. The route runs between Passau in Germany and Vienna in Austria. You’ll pass through the Wachau Valley, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site where you can experience medieval castles, terraced vineyards, charming villages, and the winding Danube River. You don’t have to be an expert cyclist for this path because the route is mostly flat and well-maintained, so great for all experience levels.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Around 320 km between Passau and Vienna
Highlights: Melk Abbey, the Wachau Valley, riverside vineyards, medieval towns and castle ruins.
3. Loire à Vélo, France
If you enjoy combining cycling with history, food and beautiful countryside, Loire à Vélo is hard to beat. This famous route follows the Loire River through central France, linking elegant châteaux, peaceful riverside paths and picturesque vineyards. With quiet roads and dedicated cycle paths making up much of the journey, it offers a relaxed experience that encourages plenty of stops for local wine, fresh pastries and leisurely lunches.
Difficulty: Easy
Length: Approximately 900 km
Highlights: Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, vineyards, historic villages and the Loire Valley’s rolling countryside.
4. Parenzana Trail, Croatia and Slovenia
The Parenzana Trail follows the route of a former narrow-gauge railway that once connected Trieste with Poreč. It presents a unique cycling experience through Croatia and Slovenia, weaving between vineyards, olive groves, tunnels and stone viaducts while providing regular views across the Adriatic Sea. Although some sections are gravel rather than tarmac, the scenery is well worth the extra effort, especially during spring and early autumn when temperatures are ideal for riding.
Difficulty: Moderate
Length: Approximately 130 km
Highlights: Coastal panoramas, historic railway tunnels, hilltop villages, vineyards and olive groves.
5. Rhine Cycle Route (EuroVelo 15), Switzerland, Germany and the Netherlands
Rather than tackling the entire Rhine Cycle Route, many visitors head straight for Germany’s Upper Middle Rhine Valley. This UNESCO-listed section won’t disappoint. You can expect the kind of scenery that’s worth a strop, vineyard slopes, half-timbered villages, and castles that used to guard the busy trading routes. Trains run along most of the river, so it’s a great area to explore over a long weekend.
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Length: Approximately 1,320 km in total
Highlights: The Rhine Gorge, Lorelei Rock, riverside vineyards, historic castles and charming German towns.
Tips for Planning Your European Cycling Adventure
While a cycling holiday requires you and your bike, a little more prep may help you avoid potential setbacks and discomforts.
Before arrival, check if you’ll need to book spots for bikes on trains if part of your route includes rail travel.
Consider getting an eSIM for Europe to ensure you can access GPS, weather forecasts, book accommodation, or contact family and friends without having to find a local SIM card.
Download offline maps just in case you pass through areas where mobile coverage is limited.
Don’t pack too light because you’ll find yourself caught out if you don’t have a basic repair kit, waterproof layers, water, and a portable charger for your devices.
Most importantly, allow yourself time to enjoy the places between the major landmarks. Some of the best memories come from enjoying a languid lunch in a riverside village, discovering a quaint vineyard or stopping to admire a mountain view you hadn’t expected.
