7 Breathtaking Cycling Routes in Europe

European cycling routes offer travelers something valuable: a chance to see several destinations in one trip without relying on a car.

Instead of racing between Europe's busiest attractions, a cycling holiday encourages a slower, low-carbon approach. Stopping in small towns, buying food from local markets, and spending nights at family-run guesthouses, vineyard inns, or agrotourism farms are all part of the experience.

EuroVelo Connects Europe's Best Cycling Routes

EuroVelo is Europe's official cycling network. It is indeed not a single trail, but a network of 17 bike routes spanning more than 55,000 miles (90,000 kms) across 41 countries. Routes with odd numbers generally run north–south, while even numbers run east–west or form circuits.

The network is still expanding. EuroVelo 16 is the proposed Iberian Cycle Route, linking Portugal and Spain, while EuroVelo 18 is the proposed Sava Cycle Route and EuroVelo 21 is a north–south route from Belgrade through Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro to Shkodër, Albania.

Being part of EuroVelo does not automatically mean every section has the same quality. Some stretches are fully separated, paved cycleways, while others may use quiet roads or less-developed trails. If you want to bike on the highest-quality terrain, look for the Certified EuroVelo Route status.

La Vélodyssée, France

La Vélodyssée is a more than 800-mile (1,300-km) long section of the EuroVelo 1 (Atlantic Coast Route) from Roscoff in Brittany to Hendaye on the Spanish border. It crosses three French regions and is divided into 38 stages. In October 2024, it became a Certified EuroVelo Route.

La Vélodyssée is one of Europe's most varied coastal cycling routes, where 80% of the journey is traffic-free.

Riders follow the Nantes-Brest Canal, cross Breton and Vendée marshlands, cycle through the vast Landes forest and pass the Arcachon Basin and Dune du Pilat before eventually reaching the Basque coast, with views toward both the Atlantic and Pyrenees.

Accommodation is also easy to plan. Over 420 hotels, campsites and B&Bs display the Accueil Vélo label. To qualify, properties must be within 3 miles (5 km) of the route and offer cyclist-specific services such as secure bike storage, repair equipment, and, in some cases, luggage transfer.

Ciclovia Alpe Adria, Austria and Italy

The Ciclovia Alpe Adria links Salzburg in Austria with Grado in Italy over 250 miles (415 kms). The official itinerary divides the journey into 8 stages, including Austria's Alpine valleys and lagoons at Friuli-Venezia Giulia on the Adriatic coast.

Few routes offer such a dramatic change of scenery. Cyclists first cycle across Alpine mountains, valleys and old railway tunnels, then descend toward vineyards, historic Italian towns and eventually reach the lagoons around Grado.

While the entire journey includes more than 17,700 feet (5,400 m) of elevation gain and around 19,000 feet (5,804 m) of descent, crossing the Alps doesn't mean the route is only for experienced cyclists.

During summer (July and August), cyclists can also use the seasonal BiciBus service, which runs between Udine, Palmanova, Aquileia and Grado. Since it operates daily, it is an easy connection to trains departing for Villach and other destinations.

Kattegattleden, Sweden

Kattegattleden runs 242 miles (390 kms) from Helsingborg to Gothenburg, following the Swedish west coast in eight stages.

It was also Sweden's first national tourist cycle route and can be ridden in full or broken into shorter sections, with train connections available along the way.

The route stays close to the sea, passing beaches, fishing villages, farmland and nature reserves, including the dramatic Kullahalvön peninsula.

Accommodation is plentiful, but the route's official website recommends booking ahead between June and August, when rooms can fill up fast.

Danube Cycle Path, Germany and Austria

The classic Passau-to-Vienna section of the Danube Cycle Path covers roughly 200 miles (320 kms). It follows the River Danube from the German-Austrian border through Upper and Lower Austria to Vienna.

Cycle paths run along both sides of the river for much of the journey, allowing riders to choose between different stages and river crossings.

Highlights include the dramatic Schlögen Bend, where the Danube doubles back through forested hills. Cyclists can visit the Melk Abbey or stop at vineyards, historic towns and riverside villages.

This is also one of Europe's busiest cycling routes. The guide notes that many riders leave Passau on Saturdays and Sundays, so those who want to avoid the crowds may prefer summer weekday departures.

Infrastructure is excellent, and accommodation is easy to find. Numerous cyclist-friendly hotels, inns, and guesthouses line the route, although reservations are advisable in peak summer.

The Hebridean Way, Scotland

The Hebridean Way covers 185 miles (297 kms) across 10 islands in Scotland's Outer Hebrides. The route starts on Vatersay and finishes at the Butt of Lewis.

Unlike many European long-distance trails, it is primarily an on-road route. Cyclists should ride six causeways and take two ferries to hop from one island to the next.

Riders pass white-shell beaches, turquoise water, flower-covered machair, ancient standing stones and rugged hills, with opportunities to spot eagles along the way.

Traffic is generally light, but wind and rapidly changing weather can make the route challenging. Visit Outer Hebrides recommends allowing at least six days to complete the full route, while stopping at Pit Stops. They offer accommodations, cafés, shops, and other businesses with facilities such as bike storage and drying rooms.

The Vennbahn, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg

The Vennbahn runs about 80 miles (125 kms) from Aachen in Germany through eastern Belgium to Troisvierges in Luxembourg. It follows a former railway line and is divided into six stages.

Vennbahn is one of Europe's shorter and easier multi-day cycling routes, following former railway lines through the forests and rolling hills of the Eifel and Ardennes. Cyclists should cross the High Fens, Belgium's largest nature reserve, before reaching the historic towns in Luxembourg.

It is fully asphalted and reserved for non-motorized traffic. The official route also lists numerous hotels, apartments and campsites along the way, including accommodation carrying Germany's Bett+Bike label.

The Parenzana Trail, Italy, Slovenia and Croatia

The Parenzana follows a former 76-mile (123-km) narrow-gauge railway between Trieste and Poreč, crossing Italy, Slovenia and Croatia. The original railway linked 33 towns along a corridor that has been restored and signposted for cyclists and walkers.

The most spectacular stretches wind through the Istrian countryside between vineyards, olive groves and hilltop villages. Cyclists pass stone viaducts and illuminated railway tunnels. The highlight of the route is the section around Grožnjan and Livade that includes six tunnels and four viaducts, with views across the Mirna Valley.

While the Slovenian section is asphalted, some parts in Croatia use gravel and rougher tracks. Cycling infrastructure has continued to improve, with repair stations and rest areas added along the Croatian section in recent years. The official Parenzana site lists bike-friendly hostels and hotels in towns such as Buje, Motovun and Poreč.