Best cycling guides, top European routes: highlights, maps and tips [2025]
Looking for well-tested cycling routes and reliable travel tips? This selection of detailed cycling guides covers some of the most scenic and accessible bike routes across Europe. Each article is based on first-hand experience, with a focus on surface quality, infrastructure, must-see highlights and practical details that help plan your ride with confidence.
Join us on our new 🟢 Komoot account!
Cycling Partners
Whether you're dreaming of a relaxed lakeside loop, a multi-day journey through river valleys, or a coast-to-coast adventure, these guides offer more than just maps. They highlight the character of each region, show what to expect on the road, and point out the best stops for food, rest and discovery. All routes are easily accessible by train and carefully documented to help you choose the trip that fits your style.
The best guides and top routes of Europe:
Don't forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!
All photos by Simon Thread, Cycling Thread.
Alpe-Adria Bicycle Route - Austria, Italy
The Alpe-Adria guide presents a route full of contrasts yet remarkably consistent in quality, leading from the Austrian Alps to the Adriatic Sea. Readers will find descriptions of well-known cities like Salzburg, Villach and Udine, alongside less obvious stops - alpine spa towns, former railway stations and quiet Italian villages. The text focuses on practical insights - route layout, surface types, recommended direction of travel and suggested places for overnight stays or scenic breaks.
The visual side is just as well curated. High-quality photos capture the changing landscape - from mountain tunnels and panoramic bridges to sunlit coastal towns - while also providing helpful visual context. They show route signs, path conditions, the surroundings and the character of each stop. The guide goes beyond logistics, giving readers a clear sense of what to expect, where to pause and how to enjoy one of Europe’s most rewarding long-distance cycling routes.
More: Alpe-Adria Bicycle Route - Austria, Italy
Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route - Germany
The Baltic Sea Coast guide focuses on one of Germany's most picturesque cycling experiences - the EuroVelo 10 route running from Flensburg through LĂĽbeck to Stralsund. The text introduces a variety of locations - sandy beaches, white cliffs, Hanseatic towns like Wismar and LĂĽbeck, and peaceful island villages on RĂĽgen and Usedom. It highlights seaside resorts known for their iconic striped beach chairs, historic brick Gothic architecture and quiet forested peninsulas. Readers will find practical suggestions for scenic stops - from seaside cafes in KĂĽhlungsborn to panoramic viewpoints on the DarĂź peninsula - along with tips on bike-friendly stays and cultural detours.
The guide is visually rich and full of detail. The photos are crisp and natural - showing dune-backed paths, wooden promenades, historic old towns and the ever-changing coastline. They also document route conditions, surface types and signage that help cyclists navigate confidently. With suggestions ranging from nature reserve detours to ferry-connected island loops, this guide helps you plan relaxed, coastal cycling days while discovering one of Germany's most scenic bike routes.
More: Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route - Germany
Berlin Wall Trail - Germany
The Berlin Wall Trail guide takes you along roughly 160 km of historic terrain, circling what used to be West Berlin. You’ll read about navigating urban neighborhoods and green belts alike, passing both iconic landmarks (Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, Potsdamer Platz) and serene outskirts filled with lakes, forests and former border zones. The text offers practical details - route segmentation over 3-5 days, surface types (mostly asphalted patrol paths), signage and public transport stops to break up longer stretches.
The photography is crisp and purposeful - showing old wall remnants, orange memorial steles, cherry‑blossom bike tracks and post‑industrial green corridors - giving visual cues for riders at key markers. Images also reveal the character of each segment - from crowded city squares to tranquil nature paths and lakeside promenades. Suggestions guide you to explore urban museums, hidden memorials and peaceful nature detours, helping to plan a ride that combines history, cycling comfort and cultural depth.
More: Berlin Wall Trail - Germany
Drava Cycle Route - Austria
The Drava Cycle Route guide explores a tranquil and scenic stretch of Austria’s Carinthian region, following the Drava River from the Alps toward the Italian border. Readers will encounter a variety of locations - alpine valleys, quiet riverbanks, historical towns like Villach and Klagenfurt, and serene lakeside villages. The text highlights practical aspects - surface types (mostly asphalt and well-compacted gravel), gentle gradients ideal for most riders, plus guidance on river crossings and convenient train stations for easy access or escape routes.
The visual presentation is engaging and informative - photos depict crystal-clear lakes, riverside cycling paths flanked by fields and forests, charming town squares and historic bridges. They capture the mood of each stage - from the green serenity of Carinthian valleys to colourful market towns and alpine backdrop views. The guide includes recommendations ranging from scenic detours to lakes like Ossiach or Wörthersee, lakeside cafés, local eats and hidden nature viewpoints - ideal for slow-paced exploration and memorable day rides.
More: Drava Cycle Route - Austria
Elbe Cycle Route - Germany
The Dresden to Magdeburg guide presents one of the most scenic and culturally vibrant sections of the Elbe Cycle Route - completely flat, well‑waymarked and ideal for relaxed long‑distance riding. The route threads through historic cities like Dresden, Meissen, Wittenberg, Dessau and Magdeburg, and passes vineyard‑draped hills, peaceful floodplains and UNESCO heritage sites. The guide covers surface types - smooth asphalt, compact gravel and separated cycle paths - as well as stage divisions, ferry crossings, train access and clear signage. It includes practical tips on overnight stays, meal spots and service facilities to ensure a seamless journey.
Photos throughout the guide portray a rich mix of urban landmarks and natural serenity - from Dresden’s architectural icons to riverside forests and rural villages under the Elbe skies. Images highlight wayfinding signs, bridge crossings, vineyard backdrops and reflections on calm floodplain waters. The guide recommends scenic detours - such as Wörlitz Palace gardens, hilltop views in Meissen, local markets in Wittenberg or riverside cafés - offering a blend of culture, comfort and nature along each stage. It helps riders plan their ride day by day while soaking in history and the soft beauty of Germany’s river cycle routes.
More: Elbe Cycle Route - Germany
Havel Cycle Route - Germany
The Havel Cycle Route guide follows the gentle rhythm of the river from its source in the Mecklenburg Lake District to where it meets the Elbe. The route leads through a peaceful landscape of interconnected lakes, canals, pine forests and small towns like FĂĽrstenberg, Brandenburg an der Havel and Potsdam. The guide covers surface types - mostly smooth asphalt and compact gravel - as well as signage, ferry connections and rail access for flexible planning. It highlights quiet nature reserves, lakefront beaches, town harbours and calm riverside paths ideal for relaxed touring.
Photos in the guide show the variety of scenery along the route - wide water views, historic bridges, shaded forest sections and colourful old towns. The images document the infrastructure that makes the ride comfortable - clearly marked routes, cycling-friendly surfaces and practical spots to rest or explore. Suggestions include palace parks in Potsdam, cafés by the water in Werder, swimming spots on the lakes and scenic viewpoints along the river. The guide invites riders to slow down, enjoy the calm and discover the natural and cultural charm of northeastern Germany by bike.
More: Havel Cycle Route - Germany (coming soon) 👇
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to be notified!
Lakes Route - Switzerland
The Lakes Route guide takes riders across postcard-perfect Switzerland, connecting ten stunning lakes from Lake Geneva to Lake Constance. The text highlights a wide range of places - vineyard-covered terraces in the Lavaux region, alpine valleys near Lakes Thun and Brienz, and charming towns like Lucerne and Zug. It provides practical insights into elevation profiles, surface types - asphalt, fine gravel, lakeside promenades - and tips on where to split the journey into manageable stages with help from the Swiss train and ferry network.
The visual material is vibrant and atmospheric. The photos capture still waters with mountain reflections, forested lake shores, historical piers and well-maintained cycling paths weaving through nature and towns. They show a route where natural beauty meets Swiss infrastructure, making it both scenic and highly accessible. The guide also includes suggestions for lakeside restaurants, scenic detours and optional climbs, helping cyclists find their own pace while discovering one of the most elegant long-distance routes in Europe.
More: Lakes Route - Switzerland
Loire by Bike - France
The Loire by Bike guide invites riders on a scenic journey through France's storied Loire Valley - a route rich in history, châteaux and gentle river landscapes. The text introduces a variety of places - majestic castles like Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, historic market towns and peaceful vineyards. It emphasises practical details - stage lengths of around 40‑70 km, mostly flat tarmac or compact gravel, clear waymarking and easy access via regional trains and buses. Readers get advice on planning pit stops at wine estates, riverside lunch spots and charming local markets.
Visually the guide is both elegant and informative. Photos show architectural grandeur of châteaux, views across vineyard terraces, riverside cycling lanes and quaint village streets. They also illustrate route conditions, natural highlights and local atmosphere at different stages of the journey. Recommendations cover guided tours in castles, boat rides on the Loire, leisurely café stops and picnic spots under centuries‑old trees - offering a balanced mix of culture, cuisine and cycling pace tailored to diverse interests.
More: Loire by Bike - France
Main Cycle Route - Germany
The Franconia Main Cycle Route guide charts a romantic journey through Germany’s scenic valleys, rolling vineyards, historic towns, and river landscapes along the Main River. It weaves through places such as Würzburg, Bamberg and Nuremberg, alongside idyllic riverside villages and stretches of wooded countryside. The text focuses on essential details - daily stage distances, surface types (tarmac lanes, gravel paths and occasional quiet country roads), signage clarity, and suggestions for refreshment breaks in traditional beer gardens or local wineries.
The visual design of the guide is atmospheric and engaging. High-quality photos depict centuries‑old townscapes, river bends framed by foliage, peaceful vineyard trails and cycling signs that guide the way. The images capture the changing character of the region - from medieval architecture to pastoral scenery. Recommended suggestions include guided cellar tours, riverside picnics in vineyard settings, detours to hilltop castles and cultural stops in UNESCO‑listed Bamberg - all combining the relaxing pace of leisure cycling with regional charm.
More: Main Cycle Route - Germany
Rhine Cycle Route - Switzerland
The Switzerland and Rhine Cycle Route guide charts one of Europe’s most breathtaking journeys, leading from alpine springs through majestic valleys to the Rhine River. The narrative covers a rich range of locations - frosty mountain origins, vine-clad hills around Zurich and Basel, historic castles perched above river bends, and tranquil floodplain landscapes downstream. The text offers solid practical tips - daily stage suggestions, surface details (asphalt lanes, riverside gravel paths, occasional ferry crossings), route signage, and guidance on train connections or scenic exit options.
Visually the guide is vivid and immersive. High-resolution photos reveal pristine lakes and snowcapped peaks, riverside cycling lanes, medieval fortifications and sunlit vineyards. The imagery also documents wayfinding signs, surface quality and changing atmospheres at different points along the route. Readers get a variety of suggestions - spa towns for a relaxing pause, vineyard cellar visits, castle lookouts and riverbank cafés - all to customise a multi-day ride that blends nature, history and Swiss-German cycling elegance.
More: Rhine Cycle Route - Switzerland
Back to top
Have a safe ride! đź’š
Simon Thread
(Szymon Nitka)
I'm a passionate cycling traveler and the voice behind Cycling Thread. I explore Europe on two wheels, documenting the most scenic routes, inspiring places, and cyclist-friendly practices. My writing blends personal experience with practical insights and a deep love of travel. I'm also a contributor to National Geographic Traveler magazine.
Bicycle inspirations
Find us on Bikemap, Komoot, Outdooractive, Ride with GPS and Veloplanner!