If you dream of a German bike tour but can't make the trip, the ROUVY cycling app can bring these routes to you so you can cycle and explore almost anywhere in the world without a plane ticket! The video recorded route segments give you an immersive and realistic riding experience so you can ride some of the most popular and beautiful routes as if you were there. With many virtual routes, ROUVY is a great way to travel while keeping your cycling routine, achieving your fitness goals, training for an event or a cycling holiday.
This article presents 12 of Germany's best cycling routes, giving you an insight into their appeal, difficulty and suitability for those who want to experience the history, nature and culture of Germany's charming villages, medieval castles, vineyards and all you can see in a cycling adventure up close.
Real-World Popular Cycling Routes in Germany
Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg)
The Berlin Wall Trail in Eastern Germany is a 163 km cycling route along the former Berlin Wall. This interesting loop around the city takes you to famous landmarks like Brandenburg Gate, Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall Memorial as well as to lesser-known but important sites like watchtowers, border crossings and memorials for those who tried to escape from East to West. Explore Berlin on an educational journey through its museums and exhibitions of the Cold War era. Learn the stories and struggles of the city and reflect on the human spirit through its objects.
The mostly flat terrain in Eastern Germany makes the trail suitable for all levels of cyclists, whether you ride the whole loop or just parts of it. You'll ride through urban streets, parks, and quiet country roads, some of which are along the former "death strip", now rebuilt into greenways and bike paths. With history, culture and scenic cycling, the Berlin Wall Trail is a unique way to experience Berlin's past and present on two wheels.
Elbe Cycle Route along historical sites
The Elbe Cycle Route is a 1,220 km long bike tour from the Krkonoše Mountains in Czechia to the North Sea in Germany. One of the longest river routes in Europe, it offers a varied landscape from mountains to village riversides. The bike path is well-maintained and flat, so it's perfect for long-distance touring and family-friendly rides. The top highlights are cities like Dresden, which has Baroque architecture, and Hamburg, which has a maritime heritage. During the bike tour, you'll pass Magdeburg's Gothic cathedral, the Reformation landmarks in Wittenberg and the scenic beauty of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.
Nature lovers, birdwatchers, and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the Elbe Biosphere Reserve, with its peaceful riverside meadows along most of the route. Many bike-friendly accommodations, ferry crossings, and good train connections make these routes customizable.
Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg)
The Danube Cycle Path is a bucket list route that attracts cyclists to its 600 km iconic bike path, which leads eastwards along one of Europe's great rivers. Beginning in Donaueschingen, where the Danube originates, the route winds through scenic river valleys, historic towns, and tranquil countryside. The bike path, which is well-paved and primarily flat, with a few short ramps here and there, is suitable for both beginners and experienced long-distance cyclists. One can enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Swabian Alb, explore charming, quaint villages along the way, and stop at fairy-tale-like medieval castles that overlook the river.
Interesting cultural highlights along the route include the city of Ulm, which has the world's tallest church steeple, and Regensburg, a UNESCO-listed town with well-preserved medieval architecture. Along the way, one can also visit historic monasteries, such as Weltenburg Abbey, which is one of Bavaria's oldest and most well-known breweries. One can choose to ride short sections or finish the entire distance of the Danube Cycle Path and still enjoy a taste of nature, no matter the distance managed; a splash of culture and good cycling-friendly infrastructure make it one of Germany's most rewarding long-distance routes.
Rhine Cycle Route (Rheinradweg)
If you are fit and chasing a long-distance type goal, you can take on the 1,320 km of the spectacular Rhine Cycle Route or Rheinradweg or break it up into bite-sized manageable stretches. You'll ride along one of Europe's most iconic rivers - the Rhine River. This route immerses you in postcard views of vineyards, medieval castles, and charming riverside towns. The German section is particularly scenic, with dramatic cliffs of the Lorelei Valley, where legend speaks of a siren luring sailors to their fate. Picturesque wine regions lead one over rolling hills, historic villages, and past characteristic half-timbered houses that line the riverbanks.
This bike path has mostly gentle gradients and is well-suited for relaxed riding while exploring and experiencing world-famous wineries, ancient Roman ruins in cities like Mainz, and the striking Gothic architecture of Cologne's cathedral. The route is well-marked and supported by superb cycling infrastructure, ensuring an easy and manageable journey of the senses through some of Germany's most culturally and naturally rich landscapes.
Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Ostseeküstenradweg)
If you love riding along the ocean, then this coastal bike meander route is for you! The Baltic Sea Cycle bike tour Route in Northern Germany stretches over 1,100 km along Germany's northern shoreline. This scenic coastal cycling route follows the Baltic coast, presenting stunning sea and coastal views, sandy beaches, and historic seaside towns. On the ride, you'll pass through small fishing villages, busy harbour cities like Lübeck and Rostock, and scenic peninsulas with unspoiled wilderness. The route also passes through several nature reserves, where one can spot coastal wildlife. The terrain in northern Germany varies from flat profiles, which are ideal for easy riding, to gently rolling hills that offer a challenge without being too demanding. Well-paved paths and dedicated cycling infrastructure make it suitable for all fitness abilities and families. There are many opportunities to sample fresh seafood, visit historic lighthouses, and relax at sandy beaches.
Black Forest Panorama Route
One of Germany's most popular wilderness locations in the southwest, and a beautiful place to explore on a bike, is the Black Forest Panorama Route. This mountainous region contains many fun trails with challenging climbs, steep descents, dense forests, peaceful valleys, and quaint villages. Expect significant elevation changes that provide an excellent opportunity to test and build endurance. As you ride into the Black Forest, the panoramic views become even more beautiful, with sweeping vistas of the forest canopy and surrounding hills. The route's changing landscape and profiles, from thick forests to open fields, demanding ascents, and fast descents, keep the ride varied in a location best suited for experienced and fit cyclists. It combines a physical challenge with the wildness and serenity of nature, and arguably one of the most exciting bike courses for the fit and adventurous cyclist.
Main Cycle Path
If you are keen to take on a flat distance of 600km, then the Main Cycle Route is perfect, starting at the source in the Franconian Forest and ending at its confluence with the River Rhine in Mainz. You'll see historic towns such as Bamberg along the picturesque route. It is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its medieval architecture and famous smoked beer. And Würzburg is home to the stunning Würzburg Residence. The cycle path also winds through lush wine regions, where you can pause to sample Franconian wines in traditional vineyards.
With its ever-changing scenery—from rolling hills and dense forests to peaceful riverbanks and bustling cityscapes—the Main Cycle Route is one of the most bike-friendly. It is well-signposted and supported by good cycling infrastructure, including dedicated bike lanes, ferry crossings, and train connections for easy planning. This Main Cycle path is perfect for a multi-day tour or for just sampling a shorter segment; the Main Cycle Path combines nature, history, and regional flavours, making it one of Germany's most popular long-distance cycling trips.
