Rail to trail: 10 great railway bicycle routes in Europe [2024]
Biking routes along disused railway lines are a significant attraction and convenience during cycling journeys. Among the key advantages of these post-rail biking routes is the ease with which gradients are managed, thanks to the specific nature of rail transport, where the maximum permissible incline of a railway line is just 3 percent. Meanwhile, depending on their age and fitness level, cyclists may find climbs with inclines of 5-7 percent challenging to conquer. Cyclists also appreciate the fact that these railway biking routes typically meander away from towns and busy roads, fostering a closer connection with the natural environment.
Cycling Partners
These are the best bike routes in Europe, where just a few decades ago trains ran, but today they serve cyclists:
- Alpe-Adria Bicycle Route (Alpe-Adria Radweg) - Austria, Italy
- Hessen Railway Cycle Route (Bahnradweg Hessen) - Hesse, Germany
- Brenner-Bolzano Bicycle Route - South Tyrol, Italy
- Ryszard Szurkowski Bike Path (Ścieżka rowerowa Ryszarda Szurkowskiego) - Lower Silesia, Poland
- Cycling Route around the Tatra Mountains (Szlak rowerowy wokół Tatr) - Poland, Slovakia
- Voie Verte - Burgundy, France
- Old Railway Bicycle Route (Stary Kolejowy Szlak) - Western Pomerania, Poland
- Val di Fiemme Bicycle Route - Trentino, Italy
- Iron Bicycle Route (Żelazny Szlak Rowerowy) - Cieszyn Silesia, Poland
- EuroVelo 10 - Pomerania, Poland
Alpe-Adria Bicycle Route (Alpe-Adria Radweg) - Austria, Italy
The Alpe-Adria Bike Route in Italy, approximately 60 kilometers long, traverses the former Pontebbana railway line. With the railway shifting to a new, double-track line between Tarvisio and Udine, the abandoned rail tracks were revitalized by removing old ties and laying down smooth, asphalt bike paths in their place. Cyclists flock to this route, reveling in one of the fundamental characteristics of railway lines - the gentle incline, not exceeding 2.2%, and marveling at the seclusion from vehicular traffic amidst the stunning river-Alpine scenery. Highlights of this section include impressive revitalized engineering structures, such as bridges and railway tunnels.
More: Alpe-Adria Bike Route in Italy
Hessen Railway Cycle Route (Bahnradweg Hessen) - Hesse, Germany
The Hessen Railway Cycle Route is the longest bike route in Europe set along railway lines, spanning nearly 300 kilometers. It consists of six shorter, former railway bike routes: Vulkanradweg (94 kilometers), Vogelsberger Südbahnradweg (33 kilometers), Milseburg-Radweg (27 kilometers), Ulsterradweg (58 kilometers), Kegelspielradweg (27 kilometers), and Solztalradweg (28 kilometers). A standout feature of the Milseburg-Radweg, part of the Hessen Railway Cycle Route, is a railway tunnel stretching a remarkable 1172 meters, illuminated by motion sensor-controlled lights for cyclists' convenience.
More: Hessen Railway Cycle Route in Germany
Brenner-Bolzano Bicycle Route - South Tyrol, Italy
The Brenner-Bolzano Bike Route in South Tyrol, Italy, is a nearly 100-kilometer bike path taking advantage of long stretches of an old railway line. In the 1990s, the Brenner Railway's route was modernized and replaced with a more contemporary one, leaving the old path for cyclists. Starting in Brenner, near the train station and a popular clothing outlet, and ending in the heart of Bolzano, where it connects with the city's bike path network, the route follows gently inclined former railway sections, interspersed with road segments in towns and stretches along the Brenner Motorway.
More: South Tyrol - Brenner-Bolzano Bike Route
Ryszard Szurkowski Bike Path (Ścieżka rowerowa Ryszarda Szurkowskiego) - Lower Silesia, Poland
The flagship of the Lower Silesian Cycling Land is the 23-kilometer Ryszard Szurkowski Bike Path, named after the famous cyclist and opened in 2012. Running from Grabownica through Milicz to Sułów Milicki and Gruszeczka, it utilizes the former route of the Żmigrodzko-Milicka County Railway. An extension of the Ryszard Szurkowski Bike Path follows another former railway route, leading through forests along the Barycz River and branching towards Żmigród and Prusice. The entire 43-kilometer bike path is completely separated from car traffic.
More: Lower Silesian Cycling Land - Ryszard Szurkowski Path
Cycling Route around the Tatra Mountains (Szlak rowerowy wokół Tatr) - Poland, Slovakia
The first section of the Cycling Route around the Tatra Mountains leads from Nowy Targ to Trzciana in Slovakia, guiding cyclists over 40 kilometers along the footprint of a railway line closed in 1989. Once, trains even carrying sheep departed from these stations to the Bieszczady mountains, but today, the remnants of the "suchogórska" railway infrastructure are mostly explored by cycling tourists. For the Bike Route Around the Tatras, two beautiful steel railway bridges over Wielki Rogoźnik and Czarny Dunajec were renovated, becoming symbols of the new route. Along the former railway path, cyclist stops with stylish shelters, benches, bike racks, maps, and information boards were also introduced.
More: Cycling Route around the Tatra Mountains
Voie Verte - Burgundy, France
The bicycle route from Chalon-sur-Saône to Mâcon, known as a "voie verte," traverses the picturesque landscapes of Burgundy, France, along a former railway line. This serene path invites cyclists to immerse themselves in the heart of French wine country, with its gentle slopes and panoramic vineyard views. Stretching over a distance that marries ease with the natural beauty of rolling hills and historic towns, this route is a testament to sustainable tourism and local heritage preservation. Riders can delight in the tranquility away from motor traffic, making it a perfect journey for both leisurely rides and those seeking a more immersive cycling experience through one of France's most celebrated regions.
More: Voie Verte in Burgundy, France
Old Railway Bicycle Route (Stary Kolejowy Szlak) - Western Pomerania, Poland
On the Old Railway Bike Route in West Pomerania, cyclists can enjoy two long sections of bike paths created on the site of a dismantled railway line. The first leads from Karlino to Zieleniewo near Kołobrzeg (with a small gap in Gościno), and the second from Złocieniec to Połczyn-Zdrój. A third section, expected to be added in 2022-2023, will extend from Wierzchowo under Złocieniec to Wałcz. Roughly 90 kilometers of the main route between Wałcz and Kołobrzeg will soon be beautiful former railway bike paths, currently stretching about 65 kilometers. The total length of the Old Railway Bike Route is approximately 250 kilometers.
More: Old Railway Bike Route in West Pomerania
Val di Fiemme Bicycle Route - Trentino, Italy
The Val di Fiemme Bike Route largely follows the footprint of a former railway line, closed in 1963, that connected, among others, Predazzo and Cavalese with the Adige Valley. This exceptional bike path, with a gravel surface, runs from Ora to San Lugano, offering the most delightful way to cycle out of the Adige Valley towards the east. With gentle gradients of around 2-4%, serpentine turns winding up the valley side, breathtaking views, and several old railway tunnels equipped with automatic lighting, it's a cyclist's dream.
More: Trentino - Val di Fiemme Bike Route
Iron Bicycle Route (Żelazny Szlak Rowerowy) - Cieszyn Silesia, Poland
To create the Iron Bike Route in the Silesian voivodeship, sections of disused Silesian railway lines were utilized. Totaling 15 kilometers of bike path, interrupted only by a few crossings over public roads, mainly around Jastrzębie-Zdrój, its greatest assets are the slight incline and separation from buildings and other communication routes, including car traffic. This arrangement ensures wide accessibility, safety, and riding comfort. The Iron Bike Route has joined the select few routes in Poland that similarly leverage the railway heritage.
More: Iron Bike Route in Silesia
EuroVelo 10 - Pomerania, Poland
The railway bike route from Swarzewo to Krokowa, passing by several Pomeranian manors and palaces, is undoubtedly one of the best sections in the entire Pomeranian voivodeship. The former railway bike path, with its gentle curves and modest elevations, significantly facilitates the ride from Krokowa to Puck, passing estates in Kłanino, Sławoszyno, Starzyński Dwór, and Łebcz. This route is a favorite among cyclists from around the world traveling the new course of the EuroVelo 10 European cycling route along the Baltic Sea coast, marking it as one of the most attractive seaside sections in Poland.
More: EuroVelo 10 Route in Pomerania
Back to top
