10 Best Cycling Routes in Europe

Whether you are interested in completing the entire 1,200 km of the Danube Cycle Path or just one section, the Danube River is your companion throughout the journey. The route stretches across Germany, Austria and Hungary and is welcoming to everyone from solo cyclists to adventurous families.  

The Danube Cycle Path begins in Donaueschingen, Germany, and ends in Budapest, Hungary. The path also takes you through the capital cities of Vienna, Bratislava and Belgrade. There are abundant rest stops throughout, as you ride along tended bike paths, tow paths, and village streets. The whole trip could take 40–50 days, but you can also cycle smaller sections. For the best time to ride, visit during summer, from May to September. 

The Camino Francés, also known as the Camino de Santiago, has been a well-travelled route since Medieval times. The entire 790 km journey consists of a network of routes rather than a single path. The start of the route is St. Jean Piedmont Port in France and it ends in Santiago de Compostela in Spain.  

You can do the entire route, including some serious elevation through the Pyrenees Mountains, or take on a section better suited to your comfort and ability level. You’ll be sharing the route with lots of walkers; many make the journey as a spiritual pilgrimage. One of the best times to ride is from May to June, when you will be delighted by endless wildflowers.  

The Via Francigena is a 3,200 km route that takes travellers across 7 countries and 21 UNESCO sites. The entire route begins in Canterbury, UK, and ends in Rome, Italy. Many choose to tackle the trail in smaller sections. The route also crosses through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany and Switzerland.  

Highlights of the epic journey include a stop in Strasbourg, France, a cyclist’s nirvana. You’ll find hilly terrain and stunning mountain scenes throughout the Swiss Alps. Wine lovers will enjoy the Alsatian Wine Route. The hills of Tuscany are challenging, but you’ll wind your way through vineyards and fields of sunflowers. Plus you’ll have the chance to carbo-load with authentic Italian cuisine.  

The Cornish Way is a great cycling route if you are looking to stay in the UK. The 288 km route is a series of connected trails that form part of the National Cycle Network. The route starts at Land’s End and ends in Bude, winding its way through Cornwall’s countryside.  

There are two main popular routes, each hugging a coastline. The northern route passes through Padstow, while the southern route passes through St. Austell. Along the way, you’ll get fantastic views of the dramatic cliffs and coastlines. You’ll also ride through gardens and nature preserves. The trails follow mostly quiet roads and traffic-free trails.  

The Romantic Road cycling route is about 440 km in length, all relatively flat. There are some steep climbs in Rothenburg ob der Tauber and Pfaffenwinkel, but the overall elevation change is about 600 metres. The Romantic Road starts in Würzburg, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and ends in Füssen.  

Throughout the journey, you’ll be greeted by charming medieval villages. You’ll also pass through the gorgeous Tauber Valley. One special spot is the Nördlinger Ries, which is a stunning sight; it’s an impact crater from a fallen meteor from millions of years ago. Your journey ends at picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle.  

The Julian Alps cycle route is circular in nature and takes you on a winding path through the Slovenian Alps. There are multiple routes to choose from, but most start and end along the turquoise glacial waters of Lake Bled. The entire trip is about 324 km, depending on the path you follow.  

Along the way, you’ll ride through the Bohinj Valley on paved roads, gravel paths and groomed bike trails. The scenery is stunning and varied, from high mountain vistas of jagged peaks to forests and meadows. Most of the trip is through quiet roads, and you’ll pass more than one glacial lake.  

The N2 Road is an epic journey, 738 km in length with nearly 10,000 metres of elevation gain. It’s one of the longest roads in Portugal and the world. It starts off in the mountainous northern region of the country in Trás-os-Montes and ends in the southern valleys of Barrocal Algarve.  

Cycling the N2 Road is relatively quiet. Even though it is a road tour, the route has minimal vehicle traffic. Along the way, you’ll get gorgeous mountain views that you’ll have to work for. You’ll also travel through some charming Portuguese towns where you can take in the local culture.   

One of the most picturesque cycling trails in Europe is the Wild Atlantic Way, along Ireland’s western coast. At 2,600 km, it’s one of the longest-defined coastal routes in the world and follows nearly the entire length of Ireland’s serpentine west coast. 

You will not tire of the gorgeous ocean views along the way. If you start in the south and head north, the trek starts in Kinsale and ends in Derry on the Inishowen Peninsula. The route follows the curvy coastline and passes through peaceful pastures filled with sheep as well as charming coastal towns.  

The Flanders cycle loop is really a series of different routes that make a circuit through the northern half of Belgium. There are many different routes to choose from, but they all have significant uphill climbs. The entire loop is about 800 km, depending on the path you choose.  

The starting point is on the coast at Koksijde and the entire loop takes you through 5 Flemish regions including the famed Flanders Fields. You’ll pass through heathland, charming villages, forests and the historic cities of Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp along the way.  

The Kungsleden cycle route will take you through the vast wilderness of the Swedish mountains. The 450 km trip starts in the small village of Hemavan and ends in the far north at Abisko. This cycle route is considered an expert level journey with significant elevation change.  

Preparation for this trip is key.  You’ll require a lot of endurance, but the sights along the way are worth the work. You’ll pass through Vindelfjällen Nature Reserve as well as the Laponia World Heritage site. You’ll also experience four national parks, teeming with wildlife and peaceful wilderness, marshes, lakes and the vibrant headwaters of several rivers.