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Rhine Cycle Route

With a total length of around 1,230 km, the Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe. The source of the Rhine is in the Swiss Alps. From Lake Toma in the Oberalp Pass, at 2,345 meters above sea level, the 'Rhein' flows eastwards as a small stream. The town of Tschamut is the first inhabited village to see the Rhine pass by. At Reichenau, the 'Rear Rhine' joins the river. After the town of Chur, the Rhine curves in a wide bend to Lake Constance and then flows westwards to Basel. Here the river begins a long journey through the border area between France and Germany before crossing Germany and finally crossing the border with the Netherlands on its way to the North Sea.

The mighty river enchants its visitors with its imperishable charm. Scenic, cultural and culinary highlights alternate during a cycling tour along the Rhine. Fascinating towns, hillsides with vineyards and beautiful castles make a "trip along the Rhine" an unforgettable holiday.

The possibilities for cycling are almost endless along the legendary Rhine. Nearly 1,320 km of cycle paths make up the EuroVelo 15 long-distance route through Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France and the Netherlands, you will learn to appreciate the area around the Rhine, the romantic landscape and the friendliness of the locals.

The route runs from the majestic Alps via Lake Constance, through the Rhine Valley and past the carnival city of Cologne to the Dutch coast, where the Rhine eventually flows into the North Sea near Rotterdam.

The most beautiful cycle routes along the Rhine

The Rhine offers an enormous variety of different stages and associated views. Are you going for nature, or looking for authentic cities and their cultural treasures? Do you like cycling through the wine regions and are you curious about the stories about the Loreley? Over the centuries, the Rhine has gathered an enormous history and you will be amazed at the beauty and stories that you will find everywhere.

Strasbourg to Mainz

The ideal cycling holiday on the Rhine Cycle Path! The Rhein-Radweg, between Strasbourg and Mainz, is particularly suitable for everyone. Simple route guidance without steep slopes, charming places to visit, and plenty of time for sightseeing and enjoyment.

Classic Lake Constance

A classic cycling destination in an idyllic region with castles and fruit orchards located in different countries with different names: Lake Constance, The Swabian Sea and the Dreiländersee. Hardly any other region receives as many cyclists every year as this one between Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

France / Germany

Rhine Cycle Path: Strasbourg to Mainz

Self-Guided | 8 Days

Austria / Germany / Switzerland

Classic Lake Constance

Self-Guided | 7 Days

Places on the Rhine Cycle Route

The Rhine Cycle Route, also known as the EuroVelo Route EV15, extends over 5 countries, namely Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The cycle path, which runs partly along both banks of the Rhine, is well developed and signposted and often runs directly along the bank and almost always with a direct view of the majestic river. There is still no uniform signage for the Rhine Cycle Route, but you can follow the logo of the EV15 each day.

Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a surprising piece of Germany with a Mediterranean atmosphere. With boulevards like the French Riviera, vineyards as if you are in Tuscany and colourful historic towns that make you forget that you are in Germany. Lake Constance has many faces and just as many names: for us Lake Constance, for German speakers Bodensee and known as Lake Konstanz. The lake is almost 265 kilometres long, lies on the border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is surrounded by hills with vineyards, picturesque villages and charming towns with the white peaks of the Alps in the background.

Basel

Welcome to Basel, the city that can count on 300 sunny days a year. Due to the pleasant temperatures that prevail here, life takes place outside almost all year round. The art and culture buffs among you will particularly appreciate Basel, as both are very important in Basel. The Rhine flows through Switzerland's third-largest city and is even used by residents for swimming in summer.

Strasbourg

The charming city of Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace in France. Strasbourg is known far beyond the borders of France for its medieval charm and for being the seat of some of the institutions of the European Union. The proximity to Germany can be felt in almost all situations and leaves its mark, especially in areas such as culture, architecture and gastronomy.

Mainz

The old half-timbered houses and marketplaces from bygone days give Mainz that very special charm that makes a city worth visiting. Be sure to visit the famous Gutenberg Museum, where you can admire two original copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Other highlights include Mainz Cathedral, St. Stephan's Catholic Church and the Museum of Ancient Navigation.

Koblenz

The Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet, has already attracted many visitors to the beautiful city of Koblenz. Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany and you become aware of this history with every step you take in this city. Visit the Electoral Palace, stroll the promenade, admire the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and take a ride on the spectacular funicular over the Rhine!

Cologne

Most of us know the metropolis of Cologne as a carnival city. For a week every year, the city turns into the centre of Carnival and is almost literally upside down during this time. But of course, Cologne has much more to offer than the silly goings-on during Carnival. The city on the Rhine also became world famous for its beautiful cathedral, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. But the beautiful old town, the chocolate museum or the Rheinpark are real magnets for visitors!

Rotterdam

The pleasant city of Rotterdam is home to the largest port in Europe and is the hub of European shipping. This is where the famous Rhine Cycle Path ends, as the Rhine flows into the North Sea near the North Sea. An extra day in Rotterdam is worth it. There is so much to see. on foot, by bike or by water taxi and you will discover what makes the city so special. Visit the market halls, and the cube houses or walk along the water with a view of the beautiful cruise ships that dock in the city.

Cruising and cycling along the Rhine

During the day, you cycle at your leisure along beautiful cities on the Rhine and in the evening, you enjoy life aboard a river cruise ship. This is a great way to combine the benefits of cycling holidays and cruising together. Don't feel like cycling? Then relax on the sundeck, and enjoy the comfort on board as the ship makes its way along the river as different panoramas pass by.

Strasbourg to Mainz

The huge Imperial Cathedrals in Speyer, Worms and Mainz are impressive witnesses of a 1000-year history along the famous river. The Rhine cathedral cities are joined by famous castles and former noble residences. Enjoy bike rides on this interesting route along the romantic Alt-Rhine, past many cultural highlights in the largest German wine regions of Rhein-Hesse and the Palatinate.

Mainz to Cologne

The Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site is a paradise for romantics. Follow the Rhine through a charming hilly landscape, where aristocrats built many palaces and castles and the lovingly designed half-timbered houses characterise the old city streets

Germany

Did you know?

... you can marvel at the largest wine barrel in the world in Bad Dürkheim?
... the mild climate on the Rhine is even good for kiwis and bananas? So don't be surprised if you see a kiwi tree in the Palatinate.
... you get a complete meal when you order "Weck, Worscht un Woi" (WWW) in Mainz? These are bread, sausage and wine.

... the University of Heidelberg had a student prison until 1914? Today it is only used for sightseeing tours.
... gold is also mined in the Rhine?
... a whale swam in the Rhine in 1966?! The white whale was called "Moby Dick". He swam up the Rhine to Bonn in Germany and then back to the North Sea.