Germany is one of the best places in Europe for active holidays as the country has a vast range of diverse landscapes that range from the Alps in the south to the coastlines of the Baltic and North Seas. Hiking and cycling are popular pastimes in Germany and with over 200,000 km of hiking trails and 70,000 km of bike trails, it is no wonder that both cycling and walking holidays are so popular.
We have active holidays in various parts of the country in northern, central and southern Germany for you to get to know the capital of active travel.
The major rivers and waterways are one of the main reasons why an active holiday by bike or on foot is one of the best ways to explore Germany. The famous cycle paths follow the major rivers including the Danube, Rhine, Elbe and Weser and there are also walking trail options along the upper forests and riverbanks such as the Rheinsteig or Altmuehltal.
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Northern Germany
Get on your bike and discover the north of Germany! Start your tour in the edgy port city of Hamburg and head up to the North Sea coast following cycle paths alongside the major shipping routes as you head closer to the sea. You can also follow the trail of the Hanseatic League to Bremen or get to know the small, yet popular islands off the North Sea or Baltic coasts. The mighty rivers of the Elbe and Weser lead you along well-maintained cycle paths and nature reserves whilst the beach resorts of the Baltic Sea will impress you with their pristine white sands and lively resort towns.
Central Germany
Cycle through Saxon Switzerland with its bizarre rock formations or opt for tours to Cottbus and along the Elbe to the city of Dresden. You can also visit Berlin and cycle around a city that represents both urban renewal, reunification and a view of Germany’s past.
Central Germany is especially attractive for cyclists as its beautiful rivers are home to several log-distance cycle routes such as the Rhine Cycle Path, Moselle Cycle Route, and the Main Cycle Route. You’ll cycle past picturesque vineyards, historic castles, traditional villages and towns. You can also walk along most of the routes too. There really is something for everyone in this part of Germany with both excellent walking and cycling trails to follow.
Southern Germany
Beautiful landscapes, fantastic bike paths, German dishes on the menu, great beer, and lakes make southern Germany one of the best all-around active holiday destinations. This part of Germany is ideal for a cycling holiday. Discover the beautiful lakes on our Bavarian Lakes cycling holiday from Munich. Ride around neighbouring Switzerland and Austria on the Lake Constance cycle tour and start your Danube Cycle Path cycling holiday at the river city of Passau.
Each part of Germany has its own traditions, culture, and different reasons to visit. You’ll quickly find that German cycling and walking routes are outstanding with fantastic signage and the dedicated trails are easy to follow.
With a focus on delivering well-organised self-guided cycling holidays, walking holidays, active family holidays and Bike and Boat tours throughout Europe, we can offer a wide range of active holidays to suit all abilities.
All of our active holidays include luggage transfers and local support. You can contact us by telephone by calling our UK-based booking line on 0044(0)1706 618155 and we are available from Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:30.
Our website is continually updated and we will be able to answer any questions that you may have about specific tours and general availability.
Find out more about Active on Holiday here.