Germany is a paradise for bikepackers. With over 70,000 kilometers of signposted cycling paths, diverse landscapes, and excellent infrastructure, the country offers ideal conditions for multi-day cycling adventures. Whether you prefer gentle river valleys, challenging mountain passes, or endless coastal stretches – in Germany, you'll find the perfect bikepacking route for every taste.
In this guide, we present the 10 most beautiful bikepacking routes in Germany. From the wild romantic Baltic Sea coast to the majestic Alps – these routes will inspire you.
1. Trans Germany – The Ultimate German Adventure
Route: Flensburg → Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Distance: approx. 1,400 km
Elevation: approx. 12,000 m
Duration: 10-14 days
Trans Germany is the queen of German bikepacking routes. It takes you completely through Germany – from the Danish border to the Bavarian Alps. The route crosses nearly all German landscape types: the North German Plain, low mountain ranges, river valleys, and finally the Alpine foothills.
Highlights:
- Start at the Flensburg Fjord with views of Denmark
- Crossing the Lüneburg Heath
- The Harz Mountains with the Brocken as Northern Germany's highest point
- The romantic Franconia region
- Finale in front of the Zugspitze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
Tip: Plan this tour for late summer (August/September) when temperatures are pleasant and Alpine passes are snow-free.
2. Lake Constance-King's Lake Route – Alpine Foothills Classic
Route: Lindau → Berchtesgaden
Distance: approx. 418 km
Elevation: approx. 5,500 m
Duration: 5-7 days
This route connects two of Germany's most beautiful lakes while passing through the picturesque Bavarian Alpine foothills. The Bodensee-Königssee-Radweg is technically demanding but scenically unbeatable.
Highlights:
- Start at Lake Constance with Alpine views
- The royal castles Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau
- Garmisch-Partenkirchen and the Zugspitze region
- The turquoise Walchensee
- Arrival at crystal-clear King's Lake
Tip: Book accommodations in advance during high season, especially around the royal castles.
3. Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route – Pure Coastal Magic
Route: Flensburg → Usedom (Ahlbeck)
Distance: approx. 1,100 km
Elevation: approx. 3,000 m
Duration: 8-12 days
The German section of the Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route is a dream for sea lovers. Flat stretches, fresh sea air, and endless sandy beaches make this route perfect for bikepacking beginners.
Highlights:
- The Schlei and historic Schleswig
- Lübeck with its UNESCO Old Town
- The seaside resorts of Lübeck Bay
- The Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula
- The Imperial Spas on Usedom
Tip: The wind usually blows from the west – ride from west to east to have a tailwind.
4. Black Forest Crossing – Low Mountain Challenge
Route: Pforzheim → Basel (or Waldshut)
Distance: approx. 300 km
Elevation: approx. 7,000 m
Duration: 4-6 days
The Black Forest offers some of Germany's most challenging and beautiful bikepacking routes. The crossing route takes you over the ridge of Germany's largest low mountain range.
Highlights:
- The Westweg with its legendary viewpoints
- The Feldberg (1,493 m) – Black Forest's highest peak
- Original Black Forest farms and traditional cuisine
- The Wutach Gorge – the "Grand Canyon" of the Black Forest
- Panoramic views of the Alps on clear days
Tip: Gravel bikes or mountain bikes are advantageous on this route as some sections are technically demanding.
5. Elbe Cycle Path – The River Classic
Route: Bad Schandau → Cuxhaven
Distance: approx. 860 km (German section)
Elevation: approx. 1,500 m
Duration: 7-10 days
The Elbe Cycle Path has been voted Germany's most popular long-distance cycling route multiple times – and for good reason. The route follows the majestic river from Saxon Switzerland to the North Sea.
Highlights:
- The spectacular Saxon Switzerland with the Bastei
- The Elbe Valley near Dresden with castles and vineyards
- Luther City Wittenberg
- The Garden Kingdom Dessau-Wörlitz (UNESCO World Heritage)
- Hamburg – Gateway to the World
- The estuary at Cuxhaven
Tip: Ride downstream to benefit from the slight gradient and often westerly winds.
6. Iron Curtain Trail – Experiencing History
Route: Travemünde → Hof (German section)
Distance: approx. 1,400 km
Elevation: approx. 8,000 m
Duration: 10-14 days
The Iron Curtain Trail follows the former inner-German border. This route combines bikepacking with moving German history and passes through the Green Belt that has developed on the former border strip.
Highlights:
- Memorials and former border installations
- The Green Belt – unique nature reserve
- The Harz Mountains with Point Alpha
- The Thuringian Slate Mountains
- Experience German-German history firsthand
Tip: Learn about the history of German division beforehand to experience the route even more intensely.
7. Moselle Cycle Path – Wine and Pleasure
Route: Perl → Koblenz
Distance: approx. 275 km
Elevation: approx. 800 m
Duration: 3-5 days
The Moselle Cycle Path is perfect for pleasure bikepackers. The route winds through steep vineyards, past romantic wine villages, and historic castles.
Highlights:
- Trier – Germany's oldest city
- The famous Moselle loop at Bremm
- Cochem with its imposing Imperial Castle
- Bernkastel-Kues – half-timbered idyll
- Numerous wineries along the route
Tip: Plan time for wine tastings – but remember: safety first when cycling!
8. Altmühl Valley Cycle Path – Nature in the Geopark
Route: Rothenburg ob der Tauber → Kelheim
Distance: approx. 250 km
Elevation: approx. 1,200 m
Duration: 3-4 days
The Altmühl Valley Cycle Path leads through the Altmühltal Nature Park – one of Germany's largest nature parks. The gentle landscape, impressive rock formations, and medieval towns make this route an insider tip.
Highlights:
- Rothenburg ob der Tauber – medieval flair
- The Twelve Apostles – distinctive rock spires
- Fossil finds from the Jurassic period
- The Liberation Hall at Kelheim
- The Danube Gorge at Weltenburg
Tip: The Altmühl Valley is ideal for bikepacking beginners – flat to hilly stretches without extreme climbs.
9. Weser Cycle Path – From Source to Coast
Route: Hann. Münden → Cuxhaven
Distance: approx. 520 km
Elevation: approx. 1,800 m
Duration: 5-7 days
Where the Werra and Fulda rivers meet, the Weser Cycle Path begins – one of Germany's most traditional cycling routes. The route leads through the Weser Uplands, past half-timbered towns, and to the North Sea.
Highlights:
- The confluence of Werra and Fulda in Hann. Münden
- The Weser Uplands with its fairy-tale castles
- Hamelin – the city of the Pied Piper
- Weser Renaissance architecture
- Bremen and Bremerhaven
Tip: The route is consistently well-signposted and suitable for families too.
10. Vennbahn – Europe's Longest Rail Trail
Route: Aachen → Troisvierges (Luxembourg)
Distance: approx. 125 km
Elevation: approx. 400 m
Duration: 1-2 days
The Vennbahn is ideal for an extended weekend. As a former rail trail, it offers minimal gradients, an excellent surface, and passes through the idyllic High Fens.
Highlights:
- The historic rail line with viaducts and tunnels
- The High Fens – unique moorland
- Monschau – romantic Eifel town
- Cross-border riding through Belgium
- Relaxed riding on a separate route
Tip: Perfect as a beginner route or for a quick bikepacking weekend.
Tips for Your Bikepacking Adventure
Equipment
- Bikepacking bags: Invest in waterproof saddle bag, frame bag, and handlebar bag
- Tent or bivy: For wild camping (where permitted) or as backup
- Navigation: GPS device or smartphone with offline maps
- Tools: Multi-tool, spare tube, patch kit, mini pump
Planning
- Stages: Plan 80-120 km per day, depending on terrain and fitness
- Accommodation: Mix of camping, guesthouses, and hotels
- Provisions: Use local supermarkets and bakeries
Best Travel Time
The ideal time for bikepacking in Germany is from May to October. Early summer (May/June) offers long days and blooming landscapes, while late summer (August/September) promises more stable weather and fewer tourists.
Immortalize Your Bikepacking Route
After your adventure, your route deserves more than just data in an app. With Track To Print, you can transform your GPX file into a high-quality poster – a unique reminder of your bikepacking experience.
Simply upload your route, choose your style, and order your personalized map poster. This way, you'll have your adventure in sight every day.
Upload your route and create a poster now
Which bikepacking route in Germany appeals to you most? Share your experiences and favorite routes with us!
Cover image: Photo by Damien Dufour on Unsplash