Germany

Germany is a premier destination for cyclists, offering a diverse range of routes that cater to all skill levels and cycling styles, from scenic leisure rides to challenging climbs. Each Bundesland (federal state) in Germany boasts unique terrain, historical landmarks, and well-maintained cycling paths, making it a cycling paradise. This guide provides an overview of some of the best regions for cycling within Germany, organized by Bundesländer, including notable climbs, mountain ranges (Gebirge), and recommended routes.

Baden-Württemberg[]

Black Forest (Schwarzwald):
- Description: A dense, mountainous region famous for its natural beauty, dense forests, and steep valleys.
- Routes:
  - Black Forest High Road (Schwarzwaldhochstraße): A scenic 60 km route from Baden-Baden to Freudenstadt, featuring breathtaking views and moderate climbs.
  - Panorama Route: A challenging loop through Freiburg, Triberg, and Titisee-Neustadt, passing through dense forests and traditional German villages.
- Famous Climbs:
  - Kandel: A popular 12 km climb from Waldkirch with gradients up to 13%.
  - Schauinsland: Known as the “local mountain” of Freiburg, offering a challenging ascent with scenic views.
Swabian Jura (Schwäbische Alb):
- Description: A mountainous area with rugged landscapes, limestone cliffs, and historical castles.
- Routes:
  - Alb-Cross: A multi-day route crossing the entire Swabian Jura, covering approximately 370 km with challenging climbs.
- Notable Climbs:
  - Ochsenwang: A short, steep climb that’s popular among local cyclists for its views and tough gradients.

Bavaria (Bayern)[]

Alps and Allgäu:
- Description: Home to Germany’s only Alpine range, Bavaria offers dramatic landscapes, challenging climbs, and proximity to famous cycling routes like the Munich to Venice route.
- Routes:
  - Lake Constance to Königssee (Bodensee-Königssee): A 418 km scenic route through Bavarian countryside, passing castles, mountains, and lakes.
  - German Alpine Road (Deutsche Alpenstraße): A 450 km stretch from Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden, known for its spectacular Alpine views.
- Famous Climbs:
  - Rossfeld Panoramastraße: A 15 km climb with stunning views, popular with experienced cyclists.
  - Grosse Alpenstraße: Known for its breathtaking ascents and proximity to Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak.
Franconian Switzerland (Fränkische Schweiz):
- Description: A picturesque region of rocky cliffs, narrow valleys, and charming villages.
- Routes:
  - Franconian Switzerland Loop: A 70 km loop passing through Bamberg, Ebermannstadt, and Pottenstein, ideal for moderate cyclists.

Brandenburg[]

Spreewald:
- Description: Known for its network of rivers and canals, this flat region offers scenic and relaxing rides.
- Routes:
  - Gurkenradweg (Pickle Route): A 250 km loop around Spreewald, with gentle terrain perfect for leisure cycling and family trips.
- Notable Routes:
  - Berlin-Copenhagen Route: This 650 km international route starts in Berlin and passes through scenic Brandenburg countryside.

Hesse (Hessen)[]

Taunus Mountains:
- Description: A low mountain range known for its medieval castles and historic sites.
- Routes:
  - Taunus Hills Loop: A 100 km route around Königstein and Bad Homburg, offering forested climbs and scenic views.
- Famous Climbs:
  - Großer Feldberg: The highest point in the Taunus with a steep 11 km climb popular among cyclists.
Rhine Valley (Rheingau):
- Description: Famous for vineyards, castles, and picturesque river views.
- Routes:
  - Rheingau Riesling Route: This 120 km scenic route follows the Rhine, offering mild climbs and beautiful riverside paths.

Lower Saxony (Niedersachsen)[]

Harz Mountains:
- Description: Known for its forested hills, medieval towns, and Germany’s highest northern peak.
- Routes:
  - Harz Mountain Route: A 95 km loop that includes the Brocken, the highest point in northern Germany.
- Famous Climbs:
  - Brocken Climb: A challenging 12 km ascent with gradients up to 10%, ending at the Brocken summit.
Lüneburg Heath (Lüneburger Heide):
- Description: A picturesque region with flat, heathland terrain ideal for relaxed cycling.
- Routes:
  - Heathland Route: A gentle 60 km route through scenic heather fields and quaint villages.

North Rhine-Westphalia (Nordrhein-Westfalen)[]

Eifel Mountains:
- Description: A volcanic region known for rolling hills, dense forests, and small lakes.
- Routes:
  - Vennbahn Trail: One of Europe’s longest railway cycle paths, spanning 125 km through the Eifel and Ardennes.
- Famous Climbs:
  - Monschau Climb: A scenic, gradual climb near the medieval town of Monschau.
Bergisches Land:
- Description: Rolling hills and forests near Cologne, ideal for challenging rides.
- Routes:
  - Bergisches Land Loop: A 60 km loop with a mix of climbs and scenic descents.

Saxony (Sachsen)[]

Elbe River Route (Elberadweg):
- Description: One of Germany’s most famous routes, following the Elbe River from Dresden to Hamburg.
- Route:
  - Elberadweg: A mostly flat 1,220 km route, popular for its historic towns and scenic river views.
Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge):
- Description: A mountainous region along the German-Czech border, with challenging routes and beautiful landscapes.
- Famous Climbs:
  - Fichtelberg Climb: A 10 km climb to the highest point in Saxony, offering panoramic views.

Schleswig-Holstein[]

Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Ostseeküstenradweg):
- Description: A coastal route along the Baltic Sea, known for its sandy beaches and sea views.
- Route:
  - Ostseeküstenradweg: A 430 km route along the coast, perfect for relaxed, scenic rides.
Holstein Switzerland (Holsteinische Schweiz):
- Description: A region of gentle hills, lakes, and charming villages.
- Routes:
  - Holstein Switzerland Loop: A 70 km route with mild elevation changes, ideal for all levels of cyclists.

Thuringia (Thüringen)[]

Thuringian Forest (Thüringer Wald):
- Description: Known for its dense forests, historic trails, and mountain views.
- Routes:
  - Rennsteig Trail: A historic trail spanning 168 km through the Thuringian Forest, popular with both hikers and cyclists.
Weimarer Land:
- Description: A cultural region with gentle hills and historic towns.
- Routes:
  - Weimar-Erfurt Loop: A 50 km route linking cultural landmarks with rolling landscapes.