11 Best Cycling Tours & Destinations in Germany

Germany, a European country, boasts a rich combination of modern tourist attractions and gorgeous landscapes. German cities, topped with rich history, offer a wide variety of outdoor explorations.

A cycling trip around the cities gives the advantage of exploring everything the destination has to offer up close. Moreover, with sustainable travel gaining popularity lately in Germany, cycling is one of the ideal ways to have an adventure.

So, if you want to learn more about cycling in Germany, continue reading!

The following is the list of some of the best cycling destinations in Germany that every cyclist must check out.

1. Berlin

Berlin, the capital city of Germany, houses a wide range of famous landmarks and cultural sites. Although covering a long distance, this trail has 14 short sections making it a favourable route for all cyclists, both novices and professionals.

This route will take you across several beautiful landscapes and historical sites on your way, starting from the scenic Tegeler Fließ stream to Berlin Mitte.

• Distance: 150-160 km
• Route: Berlin Wall Trail
• Activities: Walking and sightseeing
• Best Time: September and October

2. Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the major tourist destinations in Germany. People visit this city to explore its modern attractions and be reminded of the past. The roads are of good quality, dotted with greenery and lavish mansions on their sides.

The tracks, connecting all major sites, will take you through Teetzpark, City Hall and the picturesque bridge crossings of Feenteichbrücke and Krugkoppelbrücke.

• Distance: 19 km
• Route: Alster Trail, starting from Poppenbüttel and ending at Alster Pavilion
• Activities: Shopping, forest exploration, hiking, boating or having a picnic on the waterside lake
• Best Time: June to August

3. Dortmund

One of the largest cities of North Rhine-Westphalia, Dortmund is another famous cycling holiday destination in Germany. The cycling tracks are easily accessible, served by both Alperbeck train and bus stations. It has a unique terrain, running along the River Ruhr, which offers a combination of flat lanes with hilly landscapes.

On this tour, you will discover the artificial lake Möhne Reservoir, Arnsberg Forest Nature Park and some idyllic villages settled on the southern side.

• Distance: 113.8 km
• Route: Aplerbeck, Möhnesee, and Hüsten Trail, starting from Dortmund and ending in North Rhine-Westphalia
• Activities: Hiking and having a picnic in Arnsberg Forest Nature Park
• Best Time: May to September

4. Stuttgart

Filled with greenspaces, Stuttgart is one of the metropolitan cities of Germany. The city has one of Europe's largest zoos and botanical gardens, attracting tourists worldwide. This city brings out a fun gathering of cyclists and is suitable for all.

You can explore all the attractions while cycling in the backdrop of surrounding green meadows and the castle gardens. Also, keep cycling down or walk along the Carl Zeiss Planetarium and Kunstmuseum Stuttgart.

• Distance: 6.8 km
• Route: Downtown Stuttgart Trail, a circular route starting from and ending at Stuttgart main station
• Activities: Road biking, running and walking
• Best Time: May to September

5. Cologne

Cologne is situated in North Rhine-Westphalia, a Western German state. People visit this city to explore some magnificent European cathedrals and other Gothic sites, showcasing ancient forms of art and architecture.

A cycling trip here in this city is perfect for those looking for solitude, away from its hustle. Be it exploring the outskirts of Cologne or cycling along the River Rhine, the roads here offer an excellent route for everyone.

• Distance: 219.4 km
• Route: Rhine Cycle Path Stage 6, starting from Cologne and ending in Arnhem, Netherlands
• Activities: Sightseeing, walking or having a picnic
• Best Time: May to September

6. Dusseldorf

A western German city, Dusseldorf is one of the go-to destinations for many cyclists. While cycling along the vast stretches of the Rhine Promenade, you can explore the panoramic views of the city.

On a cycling tour, you will come across Rhine Park, Königsallee, Oberkassel Bridge and Medienhafen before you hit the outskirts. Several restaurants and cafes are lining the cycling routes so that cyclists can take short breaks between their adventurous rides.

• Distance: 11.5 km
• Route: Rhine Promenade Tourist Route, starting from and circling back to Apollo-Platz
• Activities: Shopping at Königsallee and sightseeing
• Best Time: May to June and September to December

7. Munster

The bicycle capital of Germany, Munster, is internationally renowned as a trendsetter for promoting the use of cycles as a common transportation mode. The Peace Route, offering the cityscape views of this city, is yet another addition to the list of best cycling routes in Germany.

You can take in the beautiful sights of the Telgte, Tecklenburg and Osnabrück villages by riding around the outskirts at your own pace.

• Distance: 163 km
• Route: Peace Route, a cycling trail linking Münster and Osnabrück
• Activities: Sightseeing and walking
• Best Time: June to September

8. Bremen

Bremen is a small city in Northern Germany with a lesser population, unlike other German states. The roads and pathways of the city allow you to explore a wide variety of hilly and coastline regions in a minimum of time.

You can visit Bürgerpark, Universum Science Centre and Technology Park, the River Kuh Graben, the Church of St. Jürgen and Semkenfahrt while cycling around the city.

• Distance: 26.3 km
• Route: Blockland tour, a cycling loop starting from and circling back to Bremen
• Activities: Walking, sightseeing and wildlife exploration
• Best Time: May-June and September-October

9. Frankfurt

From pedalling down its mountain ranges to riding steep up to River Main, cycling in Frankfurt will be the best highlight of your trip. While cycling in the city, you can pedal your way through famous regional places like Paulskirche, Kleinmarkthalle, Grüneburgpark and Palmengarten.

Beyond the city, the car-free roads will take you past Kelsterbar and Taunus-Odenwald mountains before you finally get on a detour.

• Distance: 14 km
• Route: Main-Frankfurt Route, a cycling trail starting from the southern side of River Main
• Activities: Mountain climbing, trekking and hiking
• Best Time: April to September

10. Leipzig

Leipzig is a hidden treasure for being a busy urban city yet having an idyllic countryside. The roads of this city make a perfect track along pretty villages and dreamy meadows. There are several fun cycling routes in Germany, and Leipzig-Elbe Track is one of them.

On a tour, you will mostly cover forests, rivers and wetlands in Leipzig. While cycling around, you can witness the views of Saxon Village churches and the landscape park of Machern Palace.

• Distance: 83.94 km
• Route: Leipzig-Elbe Track from Leipzig to Schirmenitz
• Activities: Sightseeing, swimming and village exploration
• Best Time: April to October

11. Aachen

Aachen and its surroundings offer several roads and paths suitable for everyone, from expert riders to leisure cyclists. Roads are well-connected, helping tourists to cycle around the city in the shadows of different attractions and landscapes.

Some other highlights of this cycling adventure will be the beautiful town of Soers, Pauline Woods, Obelisk Square and the farmlands in Herzogenrath.

• Distance: 23.7 km
• Route: White Trail, starting from the Lousberg in Aachen to the Nullander Berg in Kerkrade
• Activities: Sightseeing, hiking and wildlife exploration
• Best Time: May to September