If you are trying to decide where and how to spend this summer, we have a suggestion for you: biking in Europe. Not only does it connects you to beautiful European surroundings, but it’s great for your health!
Europe boasts so many bike-friendly countries that it’s nearly impossible to cover them all in just one cycling holiday. Take your time and give each one the chance to be explored thoroughly. You will be amazed at how many charming, hidden places you will stumble upon.
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore a new part of the world, to challenge yourself and have an adventure whilst also enjoying the local culture. You will come back feeling more energetic, positive and happier than when you left!
Sophie Radcliffe, Challenge Sophie
Denmark
Denmark is undoubtedly one of Europe’s best countries to visit on your two-wheeler. Biking through Denmark’s cities in summer 2018 means never having to share the road with other vehicles, as all cycling routes – national, regional or local – are separated from the main roads. Should you come across a junction while biking, the priority belongs to you, not to the person sitting behind the wheel.
Urban wanderers can easily bike their way through the beautiful Copenhagen, while nature lovers can explore the Danish wilderness in the Jutland peninsula.
Netherlands
As one would expect, the Netherlands is a European destination where bikes are a day-to-day commodity. It has an amazing cycling network with countless paths and an unspoken courtesy among drivers or pedestrians towards bikers. Free guarded bicycle parking can be found all over the country, so it’s unnecessary to try to convince you why this destination is heaven for any bike lover.
Apart from the breathtaking scenery, the 20km stretch of Lange Linschoten will feed your eyes with fairytale willows and Dutch farms. If you are a cheese lover, you can taste the authentic Dutch Gouda cheese at one of the farms around here.
Italy
Italy’s delightful food and its diverse landscape make for a perfect combination for anyone who wants to take a cycling holiday around Europe in summer 2018. A biker needs good food to keep their energy levels up, just as they need a good challenge ahead. Italy has them both.
All that delicious pizza, pasta and ice cream is going to come in handy when you find yourself cycling through Tuscany’s whimsical rolling hills, the majestic Dolomites or the romantic lake areas in Lombardia and Piedmont.
The best place we suggest to go biking next summer is the region we come from: Trentino-Alto Adige, Northern Italy. Here you can find itineraries for everyone, from amateurs to pros. More than 800km of bicycle paths and great passes to climb await. What makes this region different from the others is the landscape: the amazing peaks of the Dolomites are unique and the views are unbelievable. The best time to visit it is in the autumn: September with its vivid colors, clear skies and cool temperatures is perfect for bicycle touring! – Leo & Vero, Life in Travel
France
Imagine passing by endless fields of lavender or charming vineyards; witnessing them up close, not from a car, but from your own two-wheeler. France has many options to offer its travellers, of which these are only a few.
Explore Burgundy with its quiet countryside and small villages; start in Beaune and head 44 km northwest to the medieval castle of Châteauneuf. If you have a weak spot for vineyards and old small towns, a cycling holiday through Alsace might just be the thing for you. Should you be looking for something off the beaten track, Ile de Ré with its ancient Route du Sel will do the trick.
Germany
The perfect destination for a cycling holiday in summer 2018? With respect to the other amazing European destinations, it’s Germany, hands down. It has over 700 cycle routes, most of them with signed cycle paths making it a very comfortable destination to bike in.
There are several routes with very interesting themes like the Rheine Radweg. This one follows the Rhine River alongside vineyards, medieval castles and towns. You can stop in any little town for a beer and just enjoy the beautiful scenery all around. There are several opportunities to set up your tent, especially in campgrounds with showers and all the commodities available for a reasonable price. The cycle network in the country is perfectly designed to tour it, especially if it is your first time.
Although summer days are long and can be really sunny, heavy rain and cold are always a possibility. We recommend taking your rain gear. Water is potable all over Germany, so no need to take the water filter. A bottle opener is also very handy as there are so many breweries and vineyards to visit. A portable kitchen would be handy, so you can save money by cooking your food and spending the rest in museums or other activities. – Annika & Roberto, Tasting Travels
