Eurovelo 15 cycling guides and maps
EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route
EuroVelo 15, or the Rhine Cycle Route, runs along one of Europe’s longest rivers for nearly 1,500 km. This perfectly designed route crosses Switzerland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, connecting the Alps to the North Sea. Passing through Alsatian vineyards, historic towns, and spectacular river scenery, it appeals to both seasoned cycle tourists and families.
EuroVelo 15: a 1,500 km cycle route along the Rhine
The Rhine Cycle Route begins in Andermatt, in the heart of the Swiss Alps, where the Rhine has its source. It then follows the river through Basel, Strasbourg, Mainz, Cologne, and Utrecht, before reaching the North Sea at Hook of Holland, near Rotterdam.
The most common direction runs from south to north, following the natural flow of the Rhine and benefiting from a slight downhill gradient. The route is very well signposted in all the countries it passes through, particularly in Alsace, Germany, and the Netherlands, where cycling infrastructure is exemplary.
Main sections of EuroVelo 15:
- Andermatt – Basel in Switzerland : Alpine section and spectacular passage through the Rhine Falls
- Basel – Strasbourg – Lauterbourg in France : a bucolic cycle route through Alsace
- Rhineland Germany : Mainz, Bonn, Cologne – culturally rich river cities
- Netherlands : Utrecht, Rotterdam, and arrival on the North Sea coast
EuroVelo 15, difficulty and condition of the route
Here is an overview of the quality of the markings and the types of routes according to the countries crossed:
- Switzerland: Alpine and river landscapes, very well-maintained route, national Route 2 signage.
- France in Alsace : excellent signage in both directions, route often on greenways or shared roads with little traffic.
- Germany : Completed route, perfectly marked, with numerous “Bett+Bike” services for cyclists.
- Netherlands : model cycle network, map of junctions (knooppunten), independent paths, impeccable signage.
What to see on EuroVelo 15? The must-sees
In addition to majestic river landscapes, EuroVelo 15 offers an exceptional cultural journey through regions steeped in history.
- The Rhine Falls at Schaffhausen : the most powerful in Europe
- Lake Constance : between Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, a crystal-clear lake surrounded by cycle paths, with the flower-filled island of Mainau and breathtaking views of the Alps. If you wish, La Bicyclette Verte organizes cycling trips to this area.
- Strasbourg : European capital, UNESCO heritage site, old town and canals
- Alsatian villages : Riquewihr, Eguisheim, Ribeauvillé, among vineyards and half-timbered houses
- Cologne : famous for its Gothic cathedral
- Mainz and Bonn : cultural and dynamic Rhine cities
- Rhine Delta in the Netherlands : gentle navigation between lakes, dunes, and the North Sea
Routes connected to EuroVelo 15
The Rhine cycle route crosses or runs alongside several other major European cycle routes, perfect for creating route combinations:
- EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic to Black Sea : Joins EV15 in Basel and follows the Danube to the Black Sea.
- The Rhône-Rhine Canal : Connection in southern Alsace, a quiet, natural route.
- EuroVelo 5 – Via Romea Francigena : Trans-European route intersecting EV15 in Strasbourg.
- EuroVelo 12 – North Sea Tour : Accessible via the Dutch coast at Hook of Holland.
If you want to discover other parts of Europe, we invite you to visit our EuroVelo guides and maps.