Whether you're tackling the rugged coastlines of northern Norway or the vertiginous climbs of the Alps, cycling through this diverse continent is arguably the best way to immerse yourself in its breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cultures, and historical treasures.
Sure, walking holidays in Europe are great, but if you embrace two-wheeled travel, you can see a whole lot more in a short space of time. Europe is home to several of the best long distance cycle routes in the world, and while the old continent might feel familiar, the potential for epic adventures is endless.
Why Choose a Cycling Holiday in Europe?
Europe increasingly feels like it's being built with bikes in mind, which is excellent news. Whatever your ride of choice, be it gravel bike, road bike, mountain bike, e-bike or simply a cruisey hybrid, you'll find well signposted cycle paths and easy-to-follow itineraries scattered throughout the continent.
"Pros can pick from any of the legendary stages which make up the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España"
There are cycling holiday options for all ability levels in Europe too. Professional cyclists can pick from any of the legendary stages which make up the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España; beginners on their first cycling holiday can follow flat, winding paths along the continent's great rivers; and people looking to venture off-piste on mountain biking or bikepacking trips? Well, even though we've not covered any in this list, they are spoiled for options in the continent's great mountain ranges: the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Carpathians and the Appennines.
Long distance bike rides of the kind we've picked below can be tackled in their entirety—but people often choose to take on a particularly scenic section.
The Benefits of Europe's Cycling History
As home to all three Grand Tours, Europe obviously has a long history of cycling. This means that the infrastructure is well-established, with bike friendly hotels to stay in. You'll often find that drivers are more considerate of cyclists, as a rule, than they are in the US, Canada, and the UK too.
In short, Europe is one of the best places in the world for cycling holidays. And while we couldn't possibly create an exhaustive list of the continent's best bike routes here, we hope that these five, long-distance, multi-day cycle routes will spark your wanderlust—and help you in planning your next adventure.
EuroVelo 6: The Rivers Route
One of the most famous long-distance cycling routes in Europe, EuroVelo 6 stretches from the Atlantic coast in France to the Black Sea in Romania. Covering over 3,600 kilometres, this route follows six major rivers, including the Loire, Rhine, and Danube.
Cyclists will journey through ten countries, enjoying diverse landscapes ranging from the Loire Valley's châteaux to the scenic banks of the Danube. The route is well-marked and offers numerous accommodation options, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cyclists.
Riding the entire length of the route would take weeks, but cycling tours which tackle short sections are increasingly popular.
The Danube Cycle Path: Germany to Hungary
The Danube Cycle Path is one of Europe’s most popular cycling routes, spanning approximately 1,800 kilometres from Donaueschingen in Germany to Budapest, Hungary. This route offers a relatively flat and smooth ride, suitable for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Along the way, riders can explore charming towns, historic cities, and beautiful countryside. Highlights include the Wachau Valley in Austria, known for its vineyards and medieval castles, and the vibrant city of Vienna
The Via Claudia Augusta: Germany to Italy
A historic Roman road, the Via Claudia Augusta is now a popular cycling route that spans about 700 kilometres from Donauwörth in Germany to Venice, Italy. This route takes cyclists through the heart of the Alps, offering breathtaking mountain views, picturesque valleys, and historic towns—as well as several famous climbs that feature on the Giro d'Italia.
Arguably the best thing about this long distance cycle route is the range of cultural experiences on offer—you'll be scoffing sausages in German beer gardens at one end, and snacking on seafood in Italian trattorias at the other.
With well-maintained paths and plenty of accommodation options, this is one of the best cycling trips for those looking to combine cycling with cultural exploration.
The Ciclovia del Sole: Italy from North to South
Yes, the Tour de France is more prestigious than the Giro d'Italia, but we'd argue Italy offers the best cycling holidays in Europe. For an epic cycling journey, they don't come much better than the Ciclovia del Sole, or "cycling route of the sun" which offers a spectacular ride from the north to the south of the country.
Stretching over 2,600 kilometers, this route takes cyclists along the spine of the Apennine mountains, from the rolling hills of Emilia-Romagna to the rugged landscapes of Calabria. The route traverses picturesque villages, historic towns, and scenic national parks, offering a true taste of Italy's diverse natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Cyclists will enjoy challenging climbs, breathtaking descents, and the opportunity to explore lesser-known regions of the country. Highlights include the medieval city of Bologna, the stunning Gran Sasso National Park, and the charming villages of the Basilicata region. With well-marked paths and a variety of accommodations, from agriturismos to cosy bed and breakfasts, the Ciclovia del Sole is the ultimate introduction to the Italian bike-riding experience.
The North Sea Cycle Route: Norway to Scotland
For those seeking coastal scenery, the North Sea Cycle Route is a spectacular choice. This 6,000-kilometre route starts in Bergen, Norway, and travels through Sweden, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Scotland.
Unlike France, Italy or Spain, none of these are "classic" cycling nations, and yet they're increasingly well set up for by bike-lovers, with dedicated cycle paths and top-level infrastructure. (While the weather may be less reliable, the best long distance bike rides in the UK bear comparison their southern European counterparts.)
"The route crosses nine countries, taking in spectacular coastline much of the way"
The scenery in this epic, nine-country cycling tour takes in rugged coastlines, sandy beaches, and charming seaside towns across eight wildly different, and distinct cultures. The route is well-signposted and offers a variety of accommodation options, from campsites to cozy bed and breakfasts.
Of course, not many people would tackle the whole thing (even professional cyclists riding 200km a day would take a month to finish it) but pick a section that tickles your fancy and you'll have one of the best cycling holidays you could hope to have anywhere in Europe.
