EuroVelo routes: 18 journeys along Europe’s cycling network [2025]
EuroVelo is a network of 17 cycling routes that weave across Europe. From the North Cape in Norway to Gibraltar in the south, from Moscow to Cape Roca in Portugal - you can spot the sign of the European Union with a EuroVelo route number embedded in it just about anywhere. The development of these routes is overseen by the European Cyclists’ Federation, working closely with national and regional partners who implement cycling infrastructure in each of the countries the network crosses.
Cycling Partners
On our travels, we have often come across EuroVelo signs and sometimes followed them for many kilometers - in Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, the Netherlands and Poland. Quite often, the EuroVelo routes overlapped with regional cycling routes that guided our way. Here’s a overview of our longer adventures along EuroVelo routes - listed in order by route number.
EuroVelo routes featured on Cycling Thread:
- EuroVelo 4 - Central Europe Route - Main Cycle Route, Germany
- EuroVelo 4 - Central Europe Route - Vistula Cycle Route, Poland
- EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea (Francigena) - North-South Route, Switzerland
- EuroVelo 6 - Atlantic-Black Sea - Loire by bike, France
- EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Drava Cycle Route, Austria
- EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Alpe-Adria Cycle Route, Austria
- EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Havel Cycle Route, Germany
- EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Italy
- EuroVelo 9 - Baltic-Adriatic - Vistula Cycle Route, Poland
- EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Denmark
- EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Germany
- EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Latvia
- EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Pomorskie, Poland
- EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Velo Baltica, Poland
- EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route - the Netherlands
- EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail - Hesse Railway Cycle Route, Germany
- EuroVelo 14 - Waters of Central Europe - Enns Cycle Route, Austria
- EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Route - Switzerland
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All photos by Simon Thread, Cycling Thread.
EuroVelo 4 - Central Europe Route - Main Cycle Route, Germany
The section of EuroVelo 4 in Germany, stretching for over 500 kilometers along the Main-Radweg will stay with us for a long time as a source of good memories. Traveling through the Main Valley is a delightful mix of scenic, cultural, culinary, and of course, cycling experiences. It’s a perfect trip for a group of adult friends, offering the chance to appreciate the unique character of the region: one part of the Main Valley lies in what’s known as Wine Franconia, while another belongs to Beer Franconia. In the wine region, EuroVelo 4 takes you past endless vineyards that line the riverbanks. In the beer region, it tempts you with dozens of breweries.
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EuroVelo 4 - Central Europe Route - Vistula Cycle Route, Poland
In Małopolska in Poland, the Vistula Cycling Route - with the exception of Kraków and its surrounding areas - mostly steers clear of large towns and cities, running for long stretches through quiet, remote areas. That contrast inspired my own trip: instead of riding through this section of the Vistula Cycling Route in just a single day, I turned it into a more varied weekend adventure through western Małopolska. I split the two-day journey between the riverside Vistula route, the circular trail through the Carp Valley, and the Łączany Canal (also called the Łączany–Skawina Canal), which now features a brand-new cycling path.
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EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea (Francigena) - North-South Route, Switzerland
Switzerland’s North–South Route is among the country’s most iconic cycling routes. Labeled as Route 3, it begins in Basel, near the northern border, and finishes in Chiasso at the southern edge of Switzerland, taking cyclists across the central Alpine range via the legendary Gotthard Pass. Spanning more than 360 kilometers, the route promises an unforgettable adventure on two wheels - though it's worth noting that some stretches are tougher than those found on other routes from Switzerland’s Veloland, the national network of nine long-distance cycling routes built for touring enthusiasts.
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EuroVelo 6 - Atlantic-Black Sea - Loire by bike, France
While in France, we explored a stretch of the central Loire Valley - the part recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000. This most celebrated and culturally rich section of the river runs from Sully-sur-Loire, near Orléans, to Chalonnes-sur-Loire, close to Angers. To experience this roughly 280-kilometer-long segment, we rode about 380 kilometers along the Loire à Vélo route - Loire by bike. Our journey started in Sully-sur-Loire and took us through Orléans, Chambord, Blois, Amboise, Tours, Chinon and Saumur, eventually bringing us to Angers.
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EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Drava Cycle Route, Austria
The Drava Cycle Route stretches for about 510 kilometers in total. It begins in Toblach (Dobbiaco), nestled at the base of the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy. From there, it winds through East Tyrol and Carinthia in Austria, crosses Slovenia, and finally reaches Varaždin in Croatia. Depending on one’s pace and fitness level, the full route usually takes between five and seven days, offering plenty of opportunities to stop at local attractions and savor regional cuisine. Our journey along the Drava covered just under 300 kilometers. We wrapped up our ride just before crossing into Slovenia, finishing at the Aich/Dob train station.
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EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Alpe-Adria Cycle Route, Austria
The Alpe-Adria Cycle Route is widely regarded as one of Europe’s most scenic and popular cycling journeys. In Austria, it’s known as the Alpe-Adria Radweg, while in Italy it goes by Ciclovia Alpe-Adria - both names reflecting a transalpine journey from the northern Alps to the Adriatic Sea. What truly sets this route apart from others across Europe is a remarkable 60-kilometer segment that makes use of a disused railway line in the Alps. This stretch offers cyclists a unique experience - riding along a former rail corridor complete with tunnels now reserved exclusively for bikes, as well as historic bridges and old train stations.
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EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Havel Cycle Route, Germany
The Havel Cycle Route forms a scenic and historically rich segment of the trans-European EuroVelo 7 route, also known as the Sun Route. Stretching through northeastern Germany, it follows the course of the Havel River from the Mecklenburg Lake District to the outskirts of Berlin and beyond. This peaceful section of EuroVelo 7 combines charming river landscapes with cultural gems like Potsdam and its palaces, making it a perfect blend of nature and heritage. It’s a gentle, well-maintained route that suits both long-distance travelers and those looking for relaxed day rides.
More: EuroVelo 7 - Havel Cycle Route, Germany (coming soon) 👇
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EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route - Italy
The Italian section of the "sunny" EuroVelo 7 is easily one of the most fascinating cycling stretches in all of Europe. From the town of Bressanone to Bolzano, the route follows the path of a former railway line for several dozen kilometers - now transformed into a superb cycling track. Further south, it continues through South Tyrol into the Trentino province, running atop the embankments of the Adige River and keeping cyclists pleasantly separated from roads and car traffic.
More: EuroVelo 7 - Sun Route, Italy (coming soon) 👇
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EuroVelo 9 - Baltic-Adriatic - Vistula Cycle Route, Poland
The image of the Vistula Cycling Route in the Pomorskie region has been revitalized through its integration into the international EuroVelo 9 route, which stretches from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic. Supported by European Union funding, the route has seen the addition of new cycling infrastructure, including dedicated paths, rest spots and updated guide materials. In some sections, entirely new bike lanes have been constructed, while in others the route still utilizes existing public roads - typically with minimal traffic. As part of a broader overhaul of cycling signage in Poland, the Vistula Cycling Route received new fluorescent orange markers that feature the EuroVelo 9 logo.
More: EuroVelo 9 - Vistula Cycle Route, Poland
EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Denmark
What’s behind Copenhagen’s legendary cycling culture? Is cycling tourism across Denmark given the same exceptional attention as urban biking in the capital? What does the Danish Baltic coastline really offer? And could the dramatic sea cliffs of southern Denmark truly be considered the Baltic’s crown jewels? These were the questions on my mind as I rode along the Danish section of EuroVelo 10 - the Baltic Sea Cycle Route, one of Europe’s most popular long-distance cycling adventures. The answers turned out to be surprising at times, but overall they strongly reaffirmed one thing: Copenhagen and Denmark are nothing short of a paradise for cyclists.
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EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Germany
Among all the sections of the EuroVelo 10 route circling the Baltic Sea, northern Germany arguably offers the most appealing stretch. Several factors contribute to this: a geographically diverse and picturesque coastline, a rich cultural and historical backdrop shaped by the legacy of the Hanseatic League and a well-developed cycling and accommodation infrastructure that enhances the overall comfort of the journey. That’s why I always recommend the German segment of EuroVelo 10 as the perfect starting point for anyone embarking on their first pannier-equipped cycling adventure.
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EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Latvia
EuroVelo 10 is a fantastic foundation for planning a bike tour through western Latvia. The route showcases a mix of scenery: sweeping coastal views with expansive beaches, tranquil seaside and inland forests and stretches of wetlands. Along the way, you’ll roll through peaceful fishing villages as well as larger urban hubs like Liepāja, the third-largest city in Latvia, and Ventspils, home to the country’s second-busiest port. Although Latvia’s cycling infrastructure is gradually evolving, much of this segment still follows regular public roads - some of which can get busy, especially in peak tourist season.
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EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Pomorskie, Poland
The cycling route along the Baltic Sea coast in the Pomorskie, previously marked as R10, has now officially become part of EuroVelo 10. A number of upgrades and improvements are being introduced to enhance the overall experience along the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. Several sections have been resurfaced with smoother, more comfortable pavement, and in some areas, the official course of EuroVelo 10 has been adjusted. Routes that once passed through scenic but difficult terrain have been replaced with segments that may be less dramatic but are far more accessible.
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EuroVelo 10 - Baltic Sea Cycle Route - Velo Baltica, Poland
The coastal cycling route in West Pomerania currently goes by three different names. The oldest one - perhaps more accurately, a symbol deeply ingrained in the minds of Polish cycling tourists - is R10, which can still be found on signs in a few places along the Baltic coast. The new, official name for the entire Polish section of the route, including the stretch in the Pomorskie, is EuroVelo 10. This reflects its inclusion in the EuroVelo network of cycling routes. And then there’s the third and most recent name: Velo Baltica - a name that sounds elegant, speaks for itself, and fits perfectly into the growing trend of using the “velo” prefix in naming bike routes.
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EuroVelo 12 - North Sea Cycle Route - the Netherlands
During our summer ride through the Netherlands, part of our loop through historic Friesland followed the course of EuroVelo 12 - the cycling route that circles the North Sea basin. While the Dutch coastline offers fascinating views of the Wadden Sea, it doesn’t boast a high concentration of tourist attractions. Instead, the charm lies in the former fishing villages now tucked away behind massive flood protection dikes. The Dutch section of EuroVelo 12 can also serve as a kind of “spine” or main axis for a cycling trip, from which you can plan side excursions to nearby highlights - like the unique West Frisian Islands.
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EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail - Hesse Railway Cycle Route, Germany
Along the Hesse Railway Cycle Route, somewhere past the town of Hilders, yellow and blue EuroVelo 13 signs begin to appear, marking the European Iron Curtain Route. This was once the border between the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany. The areas once crossed by the inner German border are now part of an initiative called the Green Belt Germany (Grünes Band Deutschland), which stretches nearly 1,400 kilometers from north to south. It is intended as an ecological corridor, serving primarily as a natural refuge for flora and fauna, but also as an excellent destination for tourism - including cycling.
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EuroVelo 14 - Waters of Central Europe - Enns Cycle Route, Austria
We explored the opening section of EuroVelo 14 during a week-long cycling trip along the Enns Cycle Route, the bike path following the Enns River through the Austrian Alps. The route winds through an alpine valley, combining smooth asphalt cycle paths with stretches of quiet local roads, which typically serve only nearby farms and residents. True to its name, EuroVelo 14 connects a variety of water landscapes along the way - from mountain rivers in the high Alps, to lowland waterways, all the way to Lake Balaton in Hungary, where the route comes to an end.
More: EuroVelo 14 - Ennsradweg, Austria (coming soon) 👇
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EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Route - Switzerland
The Swiss section of the Rhine Route marks the starting point of EuroVelo 15 - a trans-European cycling journey that stretches for over 1,200 kilometers, ending where the Rhine flows into the North Sea. The route begins in the alpine resort town of Andermatt, winding its way up to the Oberalp Pass. From near the river’s source, the path follows the upper reaches of the Rhine descending toward the city of Chur. Beyond Chur, in the canton of Graubünden, the river widens and slows, flowing gently through a spacious valley toward Lake Constance. The ride continues along the lively southern shore of the lake, through charming towns like Stein am Rhein, and past Europe’s largest waterfall - the Rhine Falls - before arriving in Basel.
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