Cycling Through Europe: Scenic Routes You Can Do Without Training Like a Pro
5 beginner-friendly biking adventures with postcard views, cozy stops, and zero Lycra required
💭 Who Said You Need to Be a Pro Cyclist?
Cycling through Europe sounds dreamy — until you're scrolling through ultra-fit cyclists conquering the Alps in head-to-toe gear with legs carved from granite.
Good news: You don’t need a Tour de France résumé (or thighs of steel) to bike across some of Europe’s most scenic routes.
With flat paths, short daily distances, charming villages, and beautiful views, these routes are perfect for casual riders, weekend explorers, or anyone looking to slow down and soak up Europe from the saddle.
Whether you’re renting a bike for the day or planning a slow, 3-day trip — this guide is for you.
✍️ Ethan · June 13, 2025
🚲 Route 1: Danube Cycle Path (Austria) — Passau to Vienna
🌍 Country: Germany ➝ Austria
🚴 Distance: ~320 km total (but breakable into ~50 km/day)
⏱ Ideal Trip Time: 5–6 days or just a 1-day segment
You’ll ride through fairytale river towns, vineyard-draped valleys, and historic castles along one of Europe’s most beloved bike routes. It’s mostly flat, extremely well-signposted, and perfect for first-time long-distance cyclists.
⭐ Highlights:
Melk Abbey (unreal architecture)
Wachau Valley wine tastings
Sleepy riverside towns like Grein and Spitz
🛏 Stay in gasthofs (local B&Bs), many of which welcome cyclists and offer storage + hearty breakfasts.
🚲 Route 2: La Loire à Vélo (France)
🌍 Country: France
🚴 Distance: ~270 km from Tours to Angers
⏱ Ideal Trip Time: 3–4 days
Rolling vineyards, châteaux galore, and endless riverside views. This UNESCO-backed cycling route in the Loire Valley is like pedaling through a painting — with the occasional wine stop.
⭐ Highlights:
Château de Chambord & Château de Chenonceau
Riverbank picnics with fresh baguettes and camembert
Bike-friendly towns like Amboise and Saumur
🚲 Rent bikes in Tours or Orléans — many train stations support easy bike transport if you want to skip segments.
🚲 Route 3: Alentejo Backroads (Portugal)
🌍 Country: Portugal
🚴 Distance: Customizable (~30–40 km/day)
⏱ Ideal Trip Time: 2–5 days
For those craving sunny landscapes, olive groves, and quiet village life, Alentejo is Portugal’s best-kept cycling secret. No insane hills, no tourist buses — just warm light, old stone towns, and soulful silence.
⭐ Highlights:
Whitewashed towns like Évora and Monsaraz
Sleepy countryside cafés with fresh cheese and olives
Poppies and cork trees lining the backroads in spring/summer
🧳 Stay in rural guesthouses (turismo rural) and don’t miss the region’s iconic red wine.
🚲 Route 4: The Netherlands’ Tulip & Windmill Loop (Haarlem to Leiden)
🌍 Country: The Netherlands
🚴 Distance: ~40–60 km (flat, loop or one-way)
⏱ Ideal Trip Time: 1–2 days (ideal in spring but great year-round)
Imagine pedaling past flower fields, postcard windmills, and canals lined with willows. This short route between Haarlem and Leiden is ideal for a slow day ride — and you’ll barely break a sweat.
⭐ Highlights:
Keukenhof Gardens (in bloom March–May)
Historic towns with perfect Dutch bakeries
Windmill photo ops that make people think you biked for days
🚲 Rent a bike in Haarlem or Amsterdam. The cycle lanes here are legendary.
🚲 Route 5: Lake Constance Loop (Germany, Austria, Switzerland)
🌍 Countries: Germany + Austria + Switzerland
🚴 Distance: ~260 km total (loop around the lake)
⏱ Ideal Trip Time: 4–6 days
Three countries. One loop. Zero climbing.
Lake Constance (Bodensee) is a shimmering blue playground surrounded by vineyards and waterfront promenades. The path is smooth and flat — perfect for first-timers or families. Swim stops encouraged.
⭐ Highlights:
Medieval town of Meersburg
Lindau’s waterfront old town
Swiss views with chocolate on the side
🚲 Bikes can be rented or brought across borders with ease. Most signage supports English and German.
🧠 Beginner Tips for Cycling in Europe
E-bike rentals are available on most routes if you want a boost.
Use panniers or bike bags — your backpack will make your back sweaty and miserable.
Don’t overpack. You’ll be wearing the same comfy outfit every day anyway.
Book accommodation ahead during peak season (June–August).
Train + bike = a great combo. Many European routes are bike-friendly at stations.
Bring sunscreen, a phone mount, and a reusable water bottle.
🌍 Final Thought: You Don’t Need Lycra to Fall in Love with the Road
Cycling is one of the best ways to experience Europe — not as a tourist, but as a traveler.
It slows you down in the best way possible. You’ll smell the bakeries before you see them, hear the church bells at noon, and wave at locals watering their flowers.
And all it takes is two wheels, a little curiosity, and a willingness to get lost (on purpose).
✍️ This blog was written by Ethan.
