Road bike tours in Germany: these routes are worthwhile
Road bike tours in Germany can be very varied. All parts of the country are suitable for road bike holidays - TOUR shows you which routes are particularly worthwhile for road cyclists with different fitness levels.
We show you the best road bike tours from the Lüneburg Heath to the foothills of the Bavarian Alps, from the Eifel to the Black Forest. In addition to the most rewarding routes, we also provide tips on places to stop for refreshments, recommendations for overnight stays and GPS data so that you can follow the tours yourself in a relaxed manner.
Challenges of the Eifel road bike region
The Eifel is a classic tip for racing cyclists. Over the last few years, the region has become a destination for numerous racing cyclists. Nevertheless, it rarely seems overcrowded here. The routes in the Eifel are varied. If you fancy picturesque landscapes mixed with (sometimes quite challenging) climbs, you should concentrate on the low mountain range. The Moselle region in particular is a must for many passionate racing cyclists.
It is also practical that the Eifel offers many shorter, but also "crisp" circular routes. An ideal terrain for preparing for mountain stages, for example. Riders looking for a special challenge should head for the famous "Hohe Acht".
Due to its popularity and impressive natural surroundings, the area is also home to many Cycling events are held. Depending on the event, you can "just" watch or take part directly. Additional tip: If you decide in favour of the Eifel - whether in NRW or Rhineland-Palatinate - you should definitely plan your routes in advance and not drive "into the blue". This way you can enjoy the region in a more personalised way.
What is so special about road cycling in the Sauerland?
The Sauerland also has a wonderful mix of landscape and mountains to offer. Due to its location, it doesn't just attract German racing cyclists either. Many people from France, Belgium and the Netherlands are also always looking for new challenges here. The Sauerland can, but does not necessarily have to be mountainous. If you fancy a particularly high altitude, you should add cycling on the Kahler Asten to your bucket list. This famous peak is more than 840 metres high. No other point within the federal state of NRW that can be ridden on a road bike is higher. So if you fancy a little personal record, you've come to the right place.
The list of road bike tours that can be completed here is long and varied. Many passionate riders also use the Sauerland to combine different routes individually over several days. There are few regions that so obviously invite you to combine "sightseeing", the enjoyment of an impressive landscape and - of course - a great deal of fun. Fitness with each other.
Road bike tours in the Taunus
The climbs in the Taunus should not be underestimated either. The basic rule is: the closer bikers get to the Großer Feldberg, the more challenging the whole thing becomes. This mountain is not only popular among amateur cyclists, but also among professional cyclists due to the Traditional Eschborn-Frankfurt race known. Especially when he is involved in more extensive Tours it proves to be a real challenge for fitness and strength.
However, fewer and fewer amateurs are now being put off by the special characteristics of the Taunus. Many dare to tackle large loops in the Taunus as a road bike tour and are looking for new challenges in the region.
However, there is one small drawback: due to its popularity and the attractive route conditions, which make it possible, among other things, to drive relatively carefully, there is a lot going on on the roads in the Taunus - especially at weekends. This means that, depending on the weather and time of year, the roads can get quite crowded. If you don't have a problem with this, the Taunus is of course a wonderful road bike region that is second to none.
And of course, when looking for mountainous terrain in the Taunus, it is not necessary to limit yourself exclusively to the Großer Feldberg. Another popular "hill" is the Ruppertshainer Berg.
Why is road cycling so popular in the Bay of Lübeck region?
When people think of the Bay of Lübeck, they often think of a classic beach holiday. And indeed, the region is very popular with summer holidaymakers when it comes to having fun in and on the water. But don't worry! Road cyclists will definitely get their money's worth here too.
Many use the varied conditions on the roads to prepare for various events. As the mountains and climbs here definitely have fewer metres in altitude than in the Taunus or Sauerland, for example, the Bay of Lübeck is also ideal for beginners to tackle.
Road bike holiday in the Lüneburg Heath
Nature lovers among racing cyclists will get their money's worth here. The Lüneburg Heath definitely offers something not only for the pedals, but also for the eyes. Here, too, the number of challenging climbs is very manageable. Instead, it is dominated by rather flat tracks, which are great for speed cycling, among other things.
However, anyone who decides to complete longer and more extensive routes here should definitely familiarise themselves with the exact conditions beforehand. This is because many popular routes, which are tackled by both amateur and experienced racing cyclists, are characterised by paths that are not always 100 percent paved. However, the region boasts other highlights. And on a tour through the countryside at the latest, it becomes clear that it's a shame to just whizz past the landscape.
Where can you ride a road bike in the Harz Mountains?
The Harz extends across three federal states - Thuringia, Lower Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt. Accordingly, its catchment area is also very large. It attracts many people - especially in spring and summer - who want to challenge themselves and their bikes again and again on a wide variety of racing bike routes.
When looking for particularly mountainous terrain, many people come across the Brocken. This is more than 1100 metres high and is the highest mountain in northern Germany. There are several ways to reach it. It is worth comparing the individual routes. This is because, depending on the route, numerous metres in altitude have to be covered over a comparatively short distance.
Although the Harz has such a large catchment area with the three federal states already mentioned, it is so extensive that it rarely gets really "crowded" on the individual road bike routes. However, anyone who decides to ride here should be aware that the climbs here can definitely be challenging - especially for beginners.
But of course, the Harz Mountains and its road bike tours are not just about mountains. Those who are in the mood for a varied landscape will definitely get their money's worth here. The region around Goslar in particular offers the opportunity to gather a variety of impressions.
What should you bear in mind when riding a road bike in the Mecklenburg Lake District region?
Fancy long distances? In this case, it is definitely worth adding the Mecklenburg Lake District to your list of road bike route destinations. Provided you have the right level of fitness, you can cover hundreds of kilometres in one day here. Among other things, this is a "detail" that is also included in the professional cycling is appreciated.
It should therefore be clear that the area is characterised less by hills and mountains than by flat land with a few hills. Riders who are aware of this and perhaps also fancy a bit of "road bike sightseeing" are in good hands here.
Additional tip: If you're in the Mecklenburg Lake District anyway and fancy some more mountainous terrain, you should plan a few extra days and visit Mecklenburg Switzerland.
Spreewald: Highlights for road bike holidays
Even in Brandenburg, you don't have to do without road bike tours in the neighbourhood. Many first-time visitors are surprised by the fact that - despite the varied landscape and comparatively large catchment area - there is very little going on here.
Over the course of time, the facilities for racing cyclists have also been continuously improved and expanded. This is particularly evident in the well-developed routes and the signposting, which has increased over time.
Another advantage: the various tours offer plenty of variety not only on the side, but also ON the route. This can be seen from the fact that many popular routes also lead over gravel. But here too, the Spreewald is definitely dominated by the appealing and well-maintained overall impression. Beginners who are just starting to get to grips with gravel tracks should feel at home here.
What should you bear in mind when cycling in the Black Forest?
Many of the tours that can be tackled here are considered particularly challenging, even among keen cyclists. There are steep mountains and somewhat easier hills. If you fancy particularly strenuous stages, you should take a look around the north of the Black Forest in particular. The forest mountains here are definitely worth mentioning in connection with the most beautiful cycle routes for cyclists. Racing bikes to be recognised in Germany.
But even those who don't just want to cycle long distances straight ahead will get their money's worth in the Black Forest. In this case, however, it is worth opting for a route in the south. There are a number of winding roads here that not only require fitness, but also concentration and coordination. Riders who have been travelling for years, or those who are very ambitious, should definitely take a look at the Kandel mountain.
Combining road bike tours in Germany into a road bike tour
Road cycling and holidays in Germany go hand in hand for many athletes. For many passionate riders, nothing is more obvious than combining routes, altitude metres and the like with the "most beautiful weeks of the year".
Road bike holidays are becoming increasingly popular in this context. This type of holiday can either be planned independently or booked with a provider. Especially those who decide to put together their "own package" should take enough time for planning. Questions such as "What is the best way to transport my racing bike?" and "Which regions are of particular interest to me?" play an important role in this context.
However, it is definitely worthwhile - both for beginners and advanced cyclists - to consider the advantages of a road bike tour as an alternative to the classic, day-long ride. After all, it gives you the opportunity to enjoy your hobby over several days in impressive landscapes that are otherwise comparatively far away. In contrast to a short "detour", it is then possible to get to know the specific characteristics of a region even better. Whether the road bike tour in question is then undertaken alone or in a group naturally depends on individual taste.
Are road bike tours in the Alps only suitable for professionals?
Many beginners and amateur road cyclists have probably already considered this question. When you think of the Alps, you often think of steep climbs, but also of the possibility of travelling between different countries. Crossing the Alps is particularly popular in this context. However, there is also a lot to discover within Germany itself in the Alpine region.
What's more, the various routes in the Alpine region are by no means only aimed at professionals. The range of road bike tours in Germany's Alps has changed more and more over time and also adapted to the needs of those amateur road cyclists looking for new challenges. Popular regions in this context are the area around Garmisch, Mittenwald and Lake Tegernsee.
Exciting road bike tours in the Allgäu
The Allgäu is also very popular when it comes to travelling by road bike. Regardless of whether the focus is on a sporting challenge or a largely relaxed cycling experience: In the Allgäu in particular, it is often difficult to decide on just one favourite route. The choice is huge and offers suitable routes for both professionals and beginners.
Where are the most varied routes in the Allgäu?
Fancy a variety of routes that are always challenging in the most diverse areas? In this case, it makes sense to head for the Allgäu-West region. The town of Wangen in particular is a popular place to go when it comes to finding a starting point. From here, various trails lead off into challenging terrain. One of the most classic circular routes leads through Siggen, Kißlegg, Rohrbach, Seibranz, Maierhöfen and back to Wangen. The individual details of each route can be customised as far as possible.
If you want to take a more leisurely (yet varied) route, you should take a look at the so-called Kemptner Runde. This circles the Kempten region and is characterised by a beautiful natural panorama, among other things. In a way, it summarises everything that makes up road cycling in the Allgäu on a hilly route: well-developed cycle paths, roller passages and a mix of alpine pastures, rivers and lakes. Those who are in the mood for picturesque surroundings are in the right place here.
How do I find the right road bike tour in Germany?
The large selection of tours available in Germany alone means that it can be difficult to decide on a favourite. With the answers to the following questions, it is often a little easier to make a kind of "pre-selection".
- Am I particularly interested in a region?
- What is my personal fitness level?
- Would I prefer to ride mountain stages or preferably flat routes?
- Do I want to plan all the stages of my tour on my own or would I prefer to use the services of a tour operator?
- How far am I prepared to travel on my road bike?
These and other considerations should definitely be taken into account when looking for the "perfect cycle route" within Germany. If you are unsure whether your own fitness level is sufficient to undertake a road bike tour in the Eifel or Sauerland, for example, you are generally well advised to feel your way slowly and keep improving.
However, the popular road bike regions in Germany in particular are characterised by the fact that there are few regions that are aimed exclusively at professionals. Instead, most regions offer routes of varying levels of difficulty - and are therefore also attractive for beginners.
Conclusion
When looking for challenging road bike routes, it is often not necessary to "wander far afield". There are routes in almost every federal state in Germany that are aimed at both beginners and die-hard pros.
Conveniently, it is not necessarily necessary to organise the routes yourself. Instead, there are many organisers who have explicitly focused on offering racing cyclists what they expect. However, the rider is responsible for ensuring that their own bike is ready for use on the "big day". However, it is often the individual steps of preparation that increase the anticipation of the upcoming road bike tour in Germany.
