No other continent has better cycling trails than Europe, especially if we are talking about long distance tours. It doesn’t matter whether you are a beginner or a veteran cyclist, there are more than enough trails here to keep cyclists across all skill levels happy. Focusing only on long-distance trails for this post, here are three of the best options to choose from.
The Danube Cycle Path (1,260km)
Stretching across multiple European nations, this 1,260km trail along the banks of the Danube is simultaneously one of the most beautiful and accessible long-distance cycling trails in all of Europe. You will start cycling from the Danube river’s source itself in Donaueschingen, Germany and find your way to Budapest, Hungary. A large section of your journey will be made through Austria after leaving Southern Germany, but by the time you reach Budapest, you will have travelled through some of the most scenic parts of Slovakia, Croatia, and Romania along the way.
Although 1,260 kilometres is a long distance to cycle through for a beginner, the gorgeous sceneries alone are worth the effort. The Danube Cycle Path is a picturesque and unique crisscross that mingles history, nature, and modern Europe almost seamlessly. Moreover, even beginners should be able to complete the flat tour, provided that the cyclists are adequately prepared and equipped for the trip. To optimise your experience and level the learning curve a bit, check out this beginner’s guide to cycle touring before getting started.
The North Sea Cycle Path (5,942km)
The North Sea Cycle Path runs for approximately 5,942 kilometres and that’s pretty much as long-distance as cycling trails get. The world’s longest cycling trail is not a trail that newbies can take on and complete on their first go. Due to the sheer diversity of the terrain, as well as the distance, it’s a trail best suited for intermediate and experienced cyclists.
As for its appeal, there is quite literally everything that you could possibly ask for from a cycling path and that’s not an exaggeration by any means. Just consider the fact that the North Sea Cycling trail will take you across at least nine different nations, if not more. Start from Shetland in Scotland and then make your way to and through England, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden. After you reach Hemstad, Sweden, the last leg of your journey will take you up and into the Nordic heartland, aka Bergen, Norway.
The Heckmair TransAlp Cycling Trail (398km)
Named after the legendary Andi Heckmair, the Heckmair TransAlp is certainly not a trail for beginners. The beautiful, scenic views are typically and gorgeously Alpine, and there is no better way to enjoy them than to go on a cycle tour through the Alps. The entire terrain is mountainous, so you will need both stamina and strength to complete this stunning but testing mountain bike tour through Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, and Italy.
If this is going to be your first long-distance cycle tour in Europe, it is recommended that you start off slow. Don’t be shy about sticking to one of the easier trails for now. It will allow you the leeway that every beginner needs to get themselves acquainted with the experience. As for those who already know what to expect, none of the tours here are off limits to you.