Bikepacking combines cycling with adventure: multi-day tours through breathtaking landscapes, minimalist luggage, and the freedom to stop anywhere. Here are 10 routes that every bikepacker should ride at least once.
1. Transalp: From Germany to Italy
The Transalp is the classic among bikepacking routes. In 5-8 days, you cross the Alps – from Garmisch-Partenkirchen to Lake Garda. 500 kilometers, over 10,000 meters of elevation gain, and unforgettable panoramas.
Highlights:
- Fern Pass and Reschen Pass
- Vinschgau with its apple orchards
- The reward: Your first glimpse of Lake Garda
Difficulty: Challenging – good fitness required
2. Baltic Sea Coastal Route
The Baltic Sea Coastal Route stretches over 1,000 kilometers from Flensburg to Usedom. Flat, relaxed, and with constant sea views – perfect for bikepacking beginners.
Highlights:
- Historic Hanseatic cities: Lübeck, Wismar, Stralsund
- Chalk cliffs on Rügen
- Endless sandy beaches
Difficulty: Easy – ideal for beginners
3. Black Forest Bike Crossing
The Black Forest offers everything a bikepacker's heart desires: Dense forests, challenging climbs, and rustic huts. The crossing route from north to south is about 250 kilometers long.
Highlights:
- Feldberg – the highest peak of the Black Forest
- Wutach Gorge
- Traditional Black Forest cuisine
Difficulty: Medium to challenging
4. Via Claudia Augusta
In the footsteps of the Romans: The Via Claudia Augusta leads from Donauwörth across the Alps to Venice or Ostiglia. A historically significant route with well-maintained paths.
Highlights:
- Roman history along the route
- Reschen Pass with the sunken church tower
- Italian dolce vita at the end
Difficulty: Medium
5. Torino-Nice Rally (TNR)
The Torino-Nice Rally is one of Europe's toughest bikepacking routes: 700 kilometers through the Maritime Alps with over 17,000 meters of elevation gain. Only for experienced bikepackers.
Highlights:
- Colle del Nivolet at 2,612m
- Remote gravel tracks
- Finish in Nice on the Mediterranean
Difficulty: Very challenging – pros only
6. Elbe Cycle Path
The Elbe Cycle Path is one of Germany's most popular long-distance cycling routes. From the Czech border to the North Sea, you follow the river through sandstone mountains, Dresden, and Hamburg.
Highlights:
- Saxon Switzerland with Bastei
- Dresden and its old town
- Hamburg Harbor
Difficulty: Easy – mostly flat
7. Stoneman Miriquidi
The Stoneman Miriquidi in the Ore Mountains is a 162 km circular route with 4,400 meters of elevation gain. A true MTB adventure on the German-Czech border.
Highlights:
- Fichtelberg – Saxony's highest mountain
- Cross-border trails
- Mining history
Difficulty: Challenging
8. Lake Constance Cycle Path
The Lake Constance Cycle Path circles Germany's largest lake over 260 kilometers. Three countries, Alpine panoramas, and Mediterranean flair – perfect for a long weekend.
Highlights:
- Konstanz and its old town
- Flower Island Mainau
- Bregenz with its lake stage
Difficulty: Easy
9. Rhine Trail Bike Route
Along the Rhine from Wiesbaden to Bonn: 320 kilometers through the UNESCO World Heritage Middle Rhine Valley with castles, vineyards, and the famous Loreley rock.
Highlights:
- Loreley Rock
- Countless castles and palaces
- Rheingau wine culture
Difficulty: Easy to medium
10. Gravel Traverse: Bavarian Alps
Designed for gravel bikes: The Bavarian Alps Traverse leads on gravel tracks and forest roads from Lindau on Lake Constance to Berchtesgaden – 450 kilometers of Alpine bliss.
Highlights:
- Allgäu High Alps
- Königssee region
- Mix of asphalt and gravel
Difficulty: Challenging
Your Bikepacking Adventure as a Poster
No matter which route you choose: After hundreds of kilometers, thousands of meters of elevation gain, and countless impressions, your adventure deserves a place of honor.
With Track To Print, you can transform your bikepacking tour into a unique poster:
- Export your GPX file from Komoot, Strava, or Garmin
- Choose from various map styles
- Add your data: distance, elevation, date
- Order as premium print or digital download
Whether Transalp, Baltic Sea coast, or Black Forest – every route tells a story. Your story.