Cycling Germany: 15 best long-distance cycle routes [2026]
Cycling through Germany, it's easy to appreciate the comfort and quality of the country's cycle routes. For years, the Elbe Cycle Route (Elberadweg) topped the ranking of Germany's most popular cycling routes, according to surveys by the German National Cyclists' Association (ADFC). Although it briefly lost first place to the Weser Route, the Elbe has recently reclaimed the top spot. Every region in Germany offers dozens of well-marked cycling routes - Brandenburg alone boasts over 7,000 kilometers of bike paths, including the country's longest cycling route. Below, we highlight the German routes that impressed us the most.
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Some of these routes are well known, while others remain hidden gems even for many cyclists from Germany. What they all have in common is excellent infrastructure, clear signage and a wide variety of landscapes - from river valleys and forests to lakes, historic towns and quiet countryside. Germany may not always offer the highest mountains or the most dramatic scenery, but it is one of the easiest and most enjoyable countries in Europe to explore by bike.
The most attractive cycle routes in Germany:
- Moselle Cycle Route (Mosel-Radweg) - Rhineland-Palatinate
- Main Cycle Route (Main-Radweg) - Franconia
- Ruhr Valley Cycle Route (Ruhrtalradweg) - North Rhine-Westphalia
- Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route (Ostseeküsten-Radweg) - Northern Germany
- Altmühl Valley Cycle Route (Altmühltal-Radweg) - Franconia
- Havel Cycle Route (Havel-Radweg) - Brandenburg
- Tour Brandenburg - Brandenburg
- Elbe Cycle Route (Elberadweg) - Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt
- Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg) - Berlin
- Historic Town Centres (Historische Stadtkerne) - Brandenburg
- GeoRoute Altmühl Valley (GeoRadweg Altmühltal) - Franconia
- Hessen Railway Cycle Route (BahnRadweg Hessen) - Hesse
- Szczecin Lagoon Cycle Route (Stettiner Haff-Rundweg) - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
- Oder-Spree-Tour - Brandenburg
- Lower Lusatia Mining Route (Niederlausitzer Bergbautour) - Brandenburg
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All photos by Simon Thread, Cycling Thread.
Moselle Cycle Route (Mosel-Radweg) - Rhineland-Palatinate
The Moselle Cycle Route follows the river through one of Germany's most beautiful cycling landscapes, with vineyards covering steep hillsides and historic towns appearing regularly along the way. Much of the route runs on comfortable, well-maintained cycle paths, usually separated from traffic, making the journey safe and pleasantly relaxed. Between Trier and Koblenz, the Moselle winds through famous wine-growing areas, passing places such as Bernkastel-Kues, Traben-Trarbach and Cochem. The sightseeing is exceptionally rich, from castles and traditional wine villages to impressive traces of Roman history, especially in Trier, once one of the most important cities of the Roman Empire.
More: Moselle Cycle Route in Germany (coming soon) 👇
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Main Cycle Route (Main-Radweg) - Franconia
The Main River and its accompanying 600-kilometer bicycle route take the top spot on our list of the best cycling routes in Germany, being the first in the country to be awarded 5 ADFC quality stars. The route's scenic and natural experiences are shaped by the river valley's topography, typically surrounded by forests or picturesque vineyards for which Franconia is renowned. Along the Main, there's no shortage of cultural and historical attractions - cities like Bayreuth, Bamberg, Würzburg or Aschaffenburg are worth a longer stay, not just a brief stop.
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Ruhr Valley Cycle Route (Ruhrtalradweg) - North Rhine-Westphalia
The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route follows the Ruhr for around 240 kilometres from Winterberg to Duisburg, and the character of the journey changes almost completely along the way. At first, the route crosses the green hills of the Sauerland, with forests, small towns and a distinctly rural atmosphere. Further west, former mines, steelworks and railway infrastructure begin to dominate the story as the route enters the Ruhr region. Arnsberg, Essen and Duisburg, together with reservoirs and long riverside sections, keep the ride varied from day to day. What makes this route especially interesting is the transition from natural landscapes to the industrial heritage of western Germany.
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Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route (Ostseeküsten-Radweg) - Northern Germany
The cycle route along the German part of the Baltic Sea coast starts in Flensburg at the border with Denmark and stretches for 800 kilometers to end in Ahlbeck at the border with Poland. We cycled its middle section - from Lübeck through Wismar, Rostock to Stralsund - enjoying the beloved seaside landscapes, harbor atmospheres, the history of the medieval Hanseatic League and the culinary delights dominated by Baltic seafood and... marzipan, for which Lübeck is the European capital. The Baltic Sea cycle route, a part of the EuroVelo network, is an excellent proposal for a family-friendly, safe cycling summer.
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Altmühl Valley Cycle Route (Altmühltal-Radweg) - Franconia
The Tauber-Altmühl Cycle Route combines two rivers into a seamless cycling experience. The journey begins in Wertheim, where the Tauber merges with the Main River, and follows the Tauber upstream to the enchanting Rothenburg ob der Tauber. This picturesque Franconian town is often hailed as the most beatiful German city. From Rothenburg, the trail crosses the nearby European Watershed, connecting cyclists to the Altmühl River. The Altmühl guides cycling tourists to the route’s conclusion in Kelheim, where it meets the Danube. The Altmühl Valley Cycle Route showcases the best of southern Germany’s landscapes.
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Havel Cycle Route (Havel-Radweg) - Brandenburg
The Havel Cycle Route offers a scenic journey following the Havel River from its source in Mecklenburg to its confluence with the Elbe. This well-marked route takes cyclists through the diverse landscapes of cycling Brandenburg, including the vibrant cities of Potsdam and Berlin. With its predominantly flat terrain, the route is suitable for cycling tourists of all skill levels. It features a mix of paved and unpaved sections, all maintained to a high standard. From tranquil lakeshores to bustling urban centers, the Havel Cycle Route is a top choice for those eager to explore the rich natural and cultural heritage of northeastern Germany.
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Tour Brandenburg - Brandenburg
Tour Brandenburg is the longest signposted regional cycling route in Germany, covering 1,111 kilometres and leading through some of Brandenburg’s most interesting landscapes. The described section from Cottbus to Eberswalde shows a region full of forests, lakes, quiet towns and excellent cycling infrastructure, making the journey especially comfortable. Along the way, highlights include the new Cottbus See lake, the unique ship lifts in Niederfinow and one of the longest bicycle bridges in Europe across the Oder.
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Elbe Cycle Route (Elberadweg) - Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt
The Elberadweg between Dresden and Magdeburg is one of Germany’s most popular cycle routes. The route passes through scenic landscapes such as the Elbland wine region near Meissen, as well as historic towns like Torgau, Lutherstadt Wittenberg, Dessau-Roßlau and Magdeburg. A significant part of the route runs through the UNESCO-listed Middle Elbe Biosphere Reserve, home to a remarkable diversity of birds, bees, and dragonflies. The surface is a mosaic of tarmac, concrete, gravel, and cobbles - reminding riders that this legendary route has been welcoming cyclists for over 30 years.
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Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg) - Berlin
The Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg) stands out as one of the most remarkable bike routes in Europe. It traces the boundaries of what used to be West Berlin, separating it from the territory of former East Germany for decades. From the vantage point of a bicycle saddle, riders have the opportunity to see one of Europe's largest cities, passing through both Berlin's bustling center and its more peripheral districts. Along the Berlin Wall Trail, you'll find not only historical sites but also many modern attractions that showcase the capital of Germany in a more contemporary light.
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Historic Town Centres (Historische Stadtkerne) - Brandenburg
The Historic Town Centres route connects some of the most attractive small towns in Brandenburg, offering a journey through the history and architecture of eastern Germany. Instead of major tourist cities, cyclists discover old market squares, medieval walls, churches and carefully restored historic centres. Between the towns, the route leads through forests, fields, lakes and the quiet countryside typical of the region. Comfortable cycling infrastructure and mostly gentle terrain make it suitable for a relaxed multi-day trip. It is a particularly interesting choice for cyclists who enjoy combining peaceful riding with regular stops in places shaped by centuries of local history.
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GeoRoute Altmühl Valley (GeoRadweg Altmühltal) - Franconia
The GeoRoute Altmühl Valley crosses a fascinating geological landscape in Franconia, following millions of years of Earth's history through southern Germany. Starting in Nördlingen, cyclists first discover the Ries crater, created by a meteorite impact around 15 million years ago. The route then continues through the Altmühl Valley, where limestone formations, fossils and museums tell the story of an ancient tropical sea and the famous Archaeopteryx. Historic towns such as Eichstätt add architecture and culture to a journey focused strongly on geology and natural history. Ending near the Danube, the GeoRoute combines pleasant cycling with one of the most educational themes we have encountered on a European cycle route.
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Hessen Railway Cycle Route (BahnRadweg Hessen) - Hesse
The Hessen Railway Cycle Route (BahnRadweg Hessen) holds the title as the longest bike route in Germany and is likely the longest route in Europe, tracing the paths of former railway lines. The entire route of the Hessen Railway Cycle Route consists of several shorter post-railway bike trails. This bike route, lying close to Frankfurt (Main), is famed for its surrounding natural landscapes. The two small post-volcanic mountain ranges, Vogelsberg and Rhön, not only add to the scenic beauty but also provide varied cycling activities. The longest ascent is over 20 kilometers long, yet thanks to the very slight, railway-grade incline, it is easy to cycle.
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Szczecin Lagoon Cycle Route (Stettiner Haff-Rundweg) - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
The full cycling loop around Szczecin Lagoon and Lake Dąbie covers 296 kilometers, with about 100 kilometers on the German side. This section highlights Germany's practical and well-developed approach to cycling tourism. The remaining 200 kilometers lie in West Pomerania - one of three Polish regions actively building a cohesive network of long-distance cycling routes. Together, both parts form a rewarding option for a multi-day tour across West Pomerania and neighboring Mecklenburg. With good train connections to many points on the Polish side, the route also works well for one-day rides or cycling weekends.
More: Szczecin Lagoon Cycle Route - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Oder-Spree-Tour - Brandenburg
The Oder-Spree-Tour left a more significant impression on me than the famous Oder-Neisse bike path. The nearly 300-kilometer loop winds through forests, between lakes, and along the canals of the Oder-Spree Lakeland in Brandenburg, which should enchant cyclists looking for close contact with nature. The nearest major cities are Frankfurt (Oder) and Berlin, precisely between which the bike paths of the Oder-Spree-Tour run. Smaller towns along the route include, among others, Beeskow, Storkow and Fürstenwalde (Spree), known for their well-preserved medieval urban layouts.
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Lower Lusatia Mining Route (Niederlausitzer Bergbautour) - Brandenburg
The Niederlausitzer Bergbautour, or Lower Lusatia Mining Route, is a cycling route through the southern part of Brandenburg. This trail offers a unique journey through more than 150 years of lignite (brown coal) mining history, showcasing a blend of industrial heritage, picturesque towns, active and former open-cast mines, and newly created landscapes. Cyclists can explore various attractions along the way, including the F60 overburden conveyor bridge in Lichterfeld, often referred to as the "lying Eiffel Tower" due to its impressive size. This former industrial giant now serves as a visitor mine and can be toured to gain insights into the region's mining past.
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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.
