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10 Most Beautiful Cycle Routes in Europe

Europe boasts some of the world’s most beautiful cycle routes, through stunning natural landscapes, magnificent cities and places of cultural significance. The following list of routes and cycle paths journey past wonders of the world, through mountainous regions and along peaceful, leisurely roads so whether you’re new to cycling holidays and tours, or an experienced cyclist in search of a new path, take a look at our list of the ten most beautiful cycle routes in Europe.

 

Danube Cycle Path

 

Recognised as one of Europe’s first cycle paths, the popular Danube Cycle Path is a great introduction to cycle touring due to its safe route, flat, cared-for paths and beautiful scenery.

 

The cycle path follows the meandering Danube river from Germany to the Black Sea, passing through ten European countries including Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia and Romania. There’s plenty of things to do and places to explore along the way from the natural wonder of the Danube Loop in Austria to the Baroque palaces of Vienna and the natural spas of Budapest.

 

Romantic Road, Germany

The Romantic Road is a beautiful route through rural countryside and the enchanting walled medieval towns of Nördlingen and Rothenburg ob der Tauber. The route is around 440km, mostly flat and although the route it does go into the breath-taking Alps the altitude increase is under 600 metres.

 

Cyclists can also visit the historical town of Augsburg along the way before ending the ride with a view of the fairy-tale like Neuschwanstein castle.

 

Via Francigena, Italy

 

A 1,000-year-old pilgrimage route, the Via Francigena route is based on the 1,800km journey Archbishop Sigeric walked from Canterbury to Rome in AD990. When returning, he recorded 80 overnight stops which now make up the beautiful cycling route.

 

This part of the cycling route Great St Bernard Pass on the Switzerland border, through Tuscan landscapes and visits Medieval towns like San Gimignano before reaching St Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The longest signposted route in Italy, the journey allows cyclists to experience stunning views, although please note that it involves crossing both the Alps and the Apennines at high altitude.

 

Elbe Cycle Path

 

Consistently voted as the most popular cycle route in Germany, the Elbe Cycle Path boasts dramatic mountain scenery following the country’s second longest river. Cyclists can ride from Prague to Dresden experiencing beautiful views and visiting bohemian towns before ending the journey in the city of Dresden.

 

The path is integrated into a system of 37 river cycling routes in Germany allowing cyclists to further explore the land visiting reserves and vineyards before reaching the North Sea coast.  

 

Camino Frances

 

The Camino Frances route is around 490 miles long passing through cities such as Pamplona and Leon before ending in Santiago de Compostela. Also known as the ‘French Way’ it is the most popular part of the famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route and cyclists are often alongside pilgrims making the epic journey.

 

The route takes you past the snow-dusted Pyrenees mountains, the beautiful vineyards of Rioja,  charming Spanish villages, the beautiful green hills of Galicia and the vibrant city of Ponferrada.

 

Tauern Cycle Trail, Austria

 

Starting at Gerlos Pass and ending in Salzburg, the Tauern Cycle Trail in Austria is an amazing experience. Over 150 miles long and at times over several thousand feet in altitude, the route is best suited to more experienced cyclists and can be a difficult yet well-worth it ride. 

 

Experience natural beauty and stunning views throughout the route including Grossglockner Mountain, The Hohe Tauern National Park, Lake Zell and Krimml waterfall, which is one of the highest in Europe.

 

Iron Curtain Trail, Bulgaria

 

Through mountains and spa towns, the Bulgarian section of the Iron Curtain Trail begins in one of the oldest and picturesque winemaking regions in the world, Thracian Valley. 

Cyclists can then head east along pinewood lined paths into the mountains bordering Greece, passing through Gotse Delchev and Devin before experiencing the natural beauty of the Rhodope Mountains.

 

Baltic Sea Cycle

 

The Baltic Sea Cycle, also known as the EuroVelo 10 route, follows the Baltic Sea coastline experience a range of beautiful cultures and views.  From the white, sandy beaches of the German Riviera to dramatic cliffs, National Parks, and thousands of islands, there’s plenty to take in.

 

As well as idyllic coastline scenes there’s also a wealth of culture to explore as the cycle route also passes through five charming capital cities, majestic Saint Petersburg and Hanseatic towns like Gdansk and Lübeck.

 

Holland Junction Network

 

Holland is an ideal country to ride in for cyclists of all abilities and experience due to its impressive cycling infrastructure and flat routes. The Holland Junction Network consists of 32,000km of well sign-posted cycle routes, with plenty of destinations and places to rest along the way.

 

The Network allows cyclists to explore the idyllic coastline of Hollands North Sea Coast as well as the beautiful countryside and bustling city of Amsterdam at a leisurely pace.  

 

Cornish Coastal Way, England

 

With various cycle routes to choose from, the Cornish Coastal Way can range from a 30 to 100-mile journey passing through stunning seaside towns such as St Ives and along romantic smugglers paths.

 

On the doorstep for British cyclists, the route runs from Minehead in Somerset through Devon and Cornwall to Poole Harbour in Dorset and holds its own amongst Europe’s most beautiful cycle routes past sandy coves, enticing waters and attractions such as the Eden Project.

 

For more information about our services or to start your claim, call 0808 100 9995 and speak to one of our specialist solicitors. We’re here to help. You can email us or schedule a callback.

Written By:

Emily Pheysey

Litigation Executive

Emily has over 7 years of experience in the legal sector, handling road traffic accident claims to recover compensation and support her clients. Her focus is to ensure all clients feel comfortable and at ease with the claims process so that they can focus on their recovery.

Emily considers rapport to be an essential part of the role and strives to always provide excellent client care.

Away from work, Emily enjoys spending time with her family and friends and travelling as much possible.

Diane Holderness

Litigation Executive

Diane is a Ministry of Justice (TOJ) Team Leader within our Cycle Department. She has 11 years’ experience managing road traffic accident claims, and 6 years’ experience managing MOJ claims.

Diane enjoys a challenge and always strives for the very best results for her customers; something that is clear in the way her team continually adapts its strategies in order to secure the most desired outcome. Diane has worked her way through the legal ranks here, and is proud to now have a strong, specialist team that is committed to customer satisfaction.

Diane believes that happy clients make a happy working environment, and it is this that ensures a productive and efficient workforce.

Nina Haddock

Chartered Legal Executive

Nina has over 30 years’ experience in the legal sector. She specialises in recovering compensation for injury claimants as a result of road traffic accidents. Her focus for each and every claim is to help her clients secure the funding that they need to pay for ongoing treatment and support.

Nina became a CILEX Fellow in 2006 and now helps her clients and their families at a time when they have been through a traumatic experience, and everything they hold dear to them appears to be changing.

One case Nina is particularly proud of is supporting a client who had successfully sought asylum in the UK, following a road traffic accident. The claim was successfully pursued through the MIB and the client was left with significant injuries. Her client was able to use the compensation to aid family members with their applications to seek asylum in the UK.

Julian Fox

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Julian qualified as a Solicitor in 2005 and has worked in all areas of personal injury since 2000. Julian has a well-rounded understanding of personal injury law, having represented both claimants and defendants.

Julian always aims for maximum damages to meet his clients’ needs for injury and rehabilitation expenses, and can often secure interim payments to help meet clients’ financial needs. Julian is highly proactive in ensuring cases are progressed, ensuring a timely conclusion.

When not at the office, Julian is a keen cyclist, both on roads and virtually -he will often do an hour of ‘Zwifting’ in the mornings before starting work.

Richard Atherton

Cycling Accident Solicitor

Richard has 12 years of legal experience and qualified as a Solicitor in February 2014. He has been a Team Manager with us since 2019. Throughout his career, Richard has specialised in personal injury, handling an array of Road Traffic Accident cases, in addition to employer and public liability.

Richard prides himself on his very strong strategic and planning skills, which come into their own in complex injury cases where more technical arguments are involved. On every case, he is committed to ensuring that his clients receive full compensation for their injuries.

Away from work, Richard enjoys sport; he is a season ticket holder at St Helens Rugby Club and a Liverpool FC fan. Not only a spectator, Richard also likes going to play golf as often as he can.

Dave Gardner

Litigation Executive

Dave has over 20 years of experience in the legal sector. His specialism is personal injury and he has dealt with hundreds of cycling injury claims during his career. Excellent client care and communication is paramount to Dave. He prides himself on being accessible and available, attending court hearings where damages are in dispute to ensure the best outcome for his clients. One case Dave is particularly proud of is when he supported an elderly client who suffered serious injuries following a road traffic incident. The police had not taken any action against the defendant, so Dave had to be proactive and act within a 24-hour window. The case proceeded and the client was in receipt of £30,000 in damages, which he would not have been entitled to had the client not approached Dave. He is also an avid supporter of Glasgow Rangers and travelled abroad on many occasions to see them play in European competitions.

Gerard Horton

Partner

Gerard is a Senior Solicitor at Cycle SOS. In his 13 years of experience, Gerard has built a national reputation in the catastrophic injury sector, dealing with high value and complex cases. Alongside his legal role, Gerard supports several charities including Headway Central Lancashire, Northwest Regional Spinal Injuries Centre and spinal injury charity, Back Up.

Julia Eyton

Partner

Julia brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Cycle SOS team.

Specialising in representing those who have had life changing injuries, Julia handles some of the most serious and complex personal injury cases both within Cycle SOS and nationally.

She often works on high value claims and is skilled in winning complex liability cases.

NADIA KERR

Partner

Nadia has over 30 years of legal expertise and has represented hundreds of vulnerable road users. With a focus on ensuring timely rehabilitation, speedy repair or replacement of bikes and kit, and securing fair compensation, Nadia is committed to advocating for justice and client rights. Alongside her legal career, Nadia actively participates in national campaigns to benefit vulnerable road users and acts as a Trustee/Director for the national cycling charity, Cycling UK. Nadia was named in Cycling UK’s ‘100 women’ and was a founding member, now running a women’s cycling group, TeamGlow in South Manchester. Among her many achievements, Nadia takes pride in her spot on BBC Breakfast, where she provided expert commentary on long term government funding for pothole repairs.

Caroline Morris

DIRECTOR OF SERIOUS INJURY

Caroline has specialised in personal injury for over 25 years, recovering more than £56 million in damages during that time, to help clients rebuild their lives after injury.

Caroline is committed to achieving rehabilitation options early, meaning her clients benefits from the best care and treatment at the earliest stage possible.