Europe from the saddle – three highlights and an insider tip

Summer is waiting, your bike is cleaned and ready to go! Let's set off on your first beautiful tour – but where should the journey take you? With “bikepacking,” the whole of Europe is on your doorstep.

Whether you prefer coastlines, forests, or mountains, Europe offers the right route for every type of cyclist – with scenic landscapes and cultural highlights.

In this article, I'll take you on four extraordinary bike tours through Europe that have something for everyone: a leisurely, maritime route through charming Denmark, a shady forest route through the southern Black Forest, a spectacular tour of the Dolomites – and finally, my insider tip in the middle of Germany. A bike packing trip that combines nature, history, and cycling pleasure in a surprising way – the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route!

Get on your bike and join me on four unforgettable stages through Europe!

Bike tour 1: From Sønderborg to Holbæk – discover Denmark's Baltic Sea coast

Distance: approx. 330 km across the islands of Als, Funen, and Zealand → route

Duration: five to seven days, depending on pace and breaks

Level: easy to moderate, mostly flat, ideal for beginners and leisure cyclists

The tour leads through the heart of the Danish archipelago and is one of the most beautiful cycle routes in Denmark. It connects maritime landscapes, charming towns and cultural highlights over a distance of around 330 kilometers.

Denmark is one of the countries in Europe that is made for cycling. With well-signposted roads and numerous places to stay and eat, every cyclist will find something to suit them. The start in Sønderborg, a lively port town on the island of Als, shows us Denmark at its best: typical, colorful houses, relaxed people, and the cries of seagulls. The route leads over rolling hills, past wide fields, old estates, and idyllic fjords to the island of Funen, known as Denmark's “green island” with its apple orchards and Andersen romance. Culture fans will get their money's worth in Odense and Roskilde, while technology enthusiasts will marvel at the crossing of the Great Belt Bridge.

Our destination is the picturesque harbor town of Holbæk, with many restaurants on the waterfront and good connections back to the south or directly to Copenhagen.

Tip: Plan an extra day on Funen—the small villages, thatched roofs, and apple orchards make the island a real hidden gem for anyone who wants to experience authentic Denmark.

Tour 2: Pure Nature – The Black Forest Panorama Trail

Distance: 280 km from Pforzheim to Waldshut → route

Duration: 4 to 6 days recommended in stages

Level: Moderate to challenging – lots of climbs, for experienced or e-bike riders

For those who don’t mind the climbs, the Black Forest Panorama Trail offers sweeping views and deep green landscapes. From northern Pforzheim to Waldshut near the Swiss border, this 280 km tour takes you through fir forests, traditional farms and storybook villages.

You'll look down over the Rhine Valley and up toward the distant Vosges Mountains. Highlights include the Titisee, Enz Valley and the Feldberg – plus cultural gems like the St. Blasien monastery or the Black Forest Open Air Museum.

Tip: Treat yourself at the end of the day – many stops along the way offer thermal spas, hearty cuisine, and of course, an authentic slice of Black Forest cake!

Tour 3: Alpine Adventure – The Sella Ronda: Short, Intense, Unforgettable

Distance: 58 km loop over four Dolomite passes → route

Duration: One day, riding time approx. 4–6 hours

Level: Demanding – 1,800 meters of elevation, for trained cyclists or with e-assist

The Sella Ronda is the shortest route in this article at 58 kilometers, but with 1,800 meters of elevation gain, it is also the most challenging! Cycling here takes you over four spectacular Alpine passes with majestic peaks in view, making it one of the most impressive bike tours in Europe.

This route is something very special, not only in terms of scenery but also in terms of sporting history. The passes of the Sella Ronda have been part of the Giro d'Italia for decades, which is why this circuit has always been something of a pilgrimage for cycling enthusiasts.

Admittedly, this tour is not for the unfit. The pass ascents require endurance, riding technique, and good preparation. However, the Sella Ronda can also be completed on an e-road bike or as an MTB variant with lift assistance—in summer, the lifts are open especially for this purpose.

Tip: Plan plenty of breaks—not only because of the effort, but also because of the many photo opportunities. Und vergessen Sie nicht: Auf über 2.000 Metern schmeckt ein Cappuccino in einer Berghütte einfach unvergleichlich gut.

Hidden Gem: The RuhrtalRadweg – Between Steel, Silence and Surprises

Distance: 240 km from Winterberg to Duisburg → route

Duration: 4 to 5 days in relaxed stages

Level: Easy to moderate, ideal for beginners, leisure cyclists, and families

Now we come to what is probably the most surprising cycle route in this article – my insider tip in Germany – the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route in North Rhine-Westphalia. Where blast furnaces once glowed and coal was transported, we now experience one of the most varied and underrated cycle routes in Germany!

From the source of the Ruhr, we follow the river for about 240 kilometers until we reach Duisburg at the mouth of the Rhine. What follows is an interplay of idyllic nature and industrial culture that is rarely found in such density: picturesque river meadows, historic locks, former railway lines, quiet lakes – and in between, world culture you can touch.

The highlight of this cycle route is that it is never just a line from A to B. Rather, it tells a story – of coal and change, of hard work and new perspectives. There are quiet, almost meditative sections through wooded river valleys and riverside paths – and lively city passages with urban flair, street art, and trendy cafés.

Despite the urban surroundings, the cycle path is mostly car-free, well signposted, and very family-friendly. Many sections are also ideal for weekend or stage tours, thanks to good rail connections and numerous bike-friendly accommodations.

That's the appeal of this route: it doesn't require stamina or weeks of planning. It expects nothing and gives us everything. History, exercise, and surprises. The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is not like any other cycle route; it's not a compromise, but an experience with rough edges and lots of character.

Conclusion: cycling trips with character

Four tours, four characters. You have now discovered Denmark's gentle coastline, crossed the Black Forest in its mountain ranges, mastered alpine passes in the Dolomites – and perhaps finally let yourself be surprised by the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route. What connects all these routes? They tell stories – of nature and culture, of exercise and encounters.

Whether you are looking for relaxation, a sporting challenge or simply a change of perspective, Europe can be experienced particularly intensively on two wheels. Every tour you embark on will not only give you miles, but also memories, encounters and moments of pause.

Ready for your own tour? Fancy getting on your bike yourself? Then take a look at the BOBSHOP: whether you're looking for breathable jerseys, waterproof bike-bags or well-designed equipment for multi-day tours, you'll find everything you need to make your next cycling trip even better. With the right equipment, you'll not only start safely, but also in style.

Maybe your next tour is already in the starting blocks. Or maybe you've just discovered the joy of cycling. Perhaps you even have a secret tip that definitely belongs in the next issue?

Then feel free to share it in the comments.
Because the most beautiful paths are those you discover together!