In a European comparison, the Federal Republic has one of the best-developed bicycle networks. Many long-distance cycle paths lead along the major rivers through the whole of Germany – and in some cases even further into the neighboring countries. We present the most popular and beautiful:
1. The Elbradweg – from Cuxhaven to Bad Schandau
The republic's most popular cycle path leads over 860 kilometers from Cuxhaven to Bad Schandau on the Czech border. Most of it is flat, paved and car-free and is therefore particularly suitable for beginners and families with children.
The highlights along the way include not only the wonderful nature of the Elbe meadows, but also the cities of Dresden, Meißen, Dessau and Magdeburg. Anyone traveling with children should definitely make a little detour to Moritzburg Castle near Dresden, where the famous fairy tale film "Three Nuts for Cinderella" was filmed.
2. The Weser Cycle Path – from the Weser Uplands to the North Sea
From the Weser Uplands up to the North Sea: the route from Hann. Münden to Bremerhaven, one of the most beautiful river bike routes in the republic. It leads through historic cities such as Hannoversch Münden with its idyllic location on three rivers, Hameln, the cathedral city of Verden and Bremen with its pretty historic old town.
Another highlight on the route is Porta Westfalica, where the Weser breaks through the Weser and Wiehen Mountains. Above the breakthrough on the Wittekindsberg towers the more than 100-year-old Kaiser Wilhelm monument, the landmark of the entire region.
Special features: Some stages can also be covered by ship.
3. The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path – from Winterberg to Duisburg
Well signposted and mostly near the river, the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path extends from Winterberg to Duisburg for around 230 kilometers. The route leads through the cities of Menden, Iserlohn, Bochum and Essen.
Over 50 percent of the route runs on mostly flat and separate cycle and farm paths. Cyclists only have to pedal a little more at the beginning, because there are some inclines on the first 35 kilometers behind Winterberg.
4. Rhine cycle path – from Lake Constance to Emmerich
Once from south to north along one of the largest rivers in Europe: the Rhine Cycle Path stretches over 1000 kilometers from Constance on Lake Constance to Emmerich in northern Germany. Particularly beautiful: the picturesque Middle Rhine Valley with its rugged rock faces and the famous Loreley.
The stage from Cologne to Bad Honnef also offers a lot of culture: from Cologne Cathedral to Beethoven's birthplace in Bonn to the imposing castles of Augustusburg in Brühl and Drachenburg in Königswinter.
5. The Danube Cycle Path – from Donaueschingen to Passau
One of the most famous cycle paths in Europe begins in tranquil Donaueschingen in Baden-Württemberg and leads over 600 kilometers to Passau – and on via Austria to Budapest.
Highlights in German regions: The rugged rocky landscape of the Swabian Alb and the Danube breakthrough near Kehlheim.
6. The Baltic Sea Cycle Route – from Flensburg to Usedom
The route from Flensburg to Ahlbeck on the island of Usedom is almost 1,100 kilometers long. It leads past beaches, dikes and historical places. Cultural and scenic delicacies: The Unesco old towns of Wismar and Stralsund as well as Rügen and Usedom.
7. The Main Cycle Route – from Creußen to Mainz
Cyclists can start either in Bischofsgrün or in Creußen in Franconia, at the sources of the White and Red Main. Both flow together in Kulmbach. The 600-kilometer route continues via Bamberg, Würzburg and Frankfurt to Mainz.
8. The Moselle Cycle Path – from Koblenz to the French border
The Moselle cycle route actually begins in France, more precisely in Thionville. The route leads over 275 kilometers along the Moselle to the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz. The continuous cycle path is mostly located near the shore and is separated from car traffic over a long distance.
What makes it so special: Cyclists pass wineries, ancient sites and idyllic castles – and many cozy gas places where they can fortify themselves.
9. Lake Constance cycle path – once around the lake
In the very south of the republic, the 273 kilometer long Lake Constance cycle path leads once around the entire lake. On the German side, the route leads from Konstanz to the Austrian border in Bregenz: always very close to the lake. Leisure cyclists who also want to linger in beautiful places on the way need five to seven days for the entire tour around the lake.
10. Altmühltal cycle path – from Rothenburg to Kehlheim
The romantic Altmühl cycle path with a total length of around 190 kilometers begins in picturesque Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Cyclists can either choose the route into the headwaters of the Altmühl over the hills to Hornau or bypass the mountains via Neusitz to Geslau. From Colmberg a cycle path leads to the destination in Kehlheim, where the Altmühl flows into the Danube.
11. The Bodensee-Königsee cycle path – from Lindau to Königsee
The starting point for this 417 kilometer long cycle path is in Lindau on Lake Constance. The destination is the idyllic Königsee in Berchtesgadener Land. Experienced people need around 108 hours for this moderately difficult route, on which you cycle mainly on paved field paths and on roads with little traffic. A mountain or trekking bike is the right choice, as there are sometimes larger inclines and descents to be overcome.