Cycling guides and maps in Germany
Cycling in Germany
With thousands of kilometers of cycle paths, Germany is a must-see destination for cycling enthusiasts. With expert guides and detailed maps, you can plan your route, explore the country’s most beautiful corners, and fully enjoy your cycling experience in Germany.
Discover Germany by bike
Cycling in Germany means exploring a rich and diverse region. From the beaches of the North Sea to the deep forests of Bavaria, from the medieval villages of Franconia to the romantic banks of the Rhine, each region offers a unique palette of landscapes and atmospheres. Cycling in Germany also means discovering dynamic cities like Berlin, Hamburg, and Munich, all with exemplary cycling infrastructure. Along the routes, you can savor generous regional cuisine, visit hilltop castles, and abbeys nestled between two valleys. And for nature lovers, the national parks (Bayerischer Wald, Harz, etc.) and the peaceful banks of the rivers are all invitations to contemplation.
Great cycling routes in Germany
With 10 EuroVelo routes crossing its territory, Germany is the hub of the European cycling network. Here is a selection of great routes to explore with guides and maps:
- EuroVelo 6 – Germany : From Donaueschingen to Passau, this section follows the course of the Danube. Perfect for lovers of river routes, it crosses the Black Forest, Ulm, Regensburg… a concentration of culture, history and bucolic landscapes.
- EuroVelo 15 – The Rhine Cycle Route : One of Europe’s most iconic routes, it crosses western Germany, running along the Rhine between Basel and the North Sea. It features vineyards, castles, Hanseatic cities, and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- EuroVelo 13 – The Iron Curtain Route : A route of great historical interest, which runs along the former border between East and West. You cycle through regions that are still relatively untouristy, such as Saxony and Thuringia.
- EuroVelo 10 – Baltic Sea Tour : Explore the beaches of the Baltic Sea, from the white cliffs of Rügen to the seaside towns of the north.
In addition, there are numerous national routes such as the Danube Route, the German Alpine Route, and the Berlin-Copenhagen route, which links the German and Scandinavian capitals.
Essential guides and maps for your trip Germany
Here are some essential references like the Bikeline brand for traveling with peace of mind:
- Bikeline – EuroVelo 6 Germany (Donaueschingen – Passau) : Ultra-precise mapping, practical information, accommodation, elevation changes.
- Kompass – North Germany Cycling Map : Kompass 723 cycling and hiking map set on the North Sea Cycle Route between Germany and Denmark.
- The Banks of the Rhine and the Danube, from Basel to Ulm : The guide published by our Cartovélo team, 410km of cycle travel mapped at 1:70,000 with lots of maps
A dense, modern and well-marked cycle network
Germany has over 80,000 km of developed cycle routes, including over 12,000 km of long-distance roads. This network is recognized as one of the safest and best-signposted in Europe.
The country maintains over 320 national and regional cycle routes, with a wide variety of surfaces (greenways, shared roads with low traffic, waterways). The main routes are well-marked, equipped with directional signs, and regularly maintained.
The infrastructure is designed for the comfort of cycle travelers: “Bett+Bike” accommodation, repair stations, clear signage, stations with authorized bicycle transport, etc.
Furthermore, the Länder (German regions) have invested in ambitious cycling plans since the 2000s, making Germany a model in terms of cycle mobility. Some regions such as Bavaria, Brandenburg or Saxony-Anhalt have websites dedicated to planning cycling routes with GPX export, suggested stages, and lists of suitable accommodation.
Due to its central location in Europe, cycling in Germany is an ideal destination for all types of cyclists. Whether you’re planning a long journey like EuroVelo 6 Germany, or a weekend along the Elbe or Main rivers, the guidebook or map you choose makes all the difference.