View of the Rhine Falls rock

Rhine Cycle Route Cycling holidays along the Rhine Cycle Path

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Rhine Cycle Route cycling holidays

Find out more about the flagship EuroVelo 15 cycle route

With a total length of around 1,230 km, the Rhine is one of the longest rivers in Europe. The source of the Rhine is in the Swiss Alps. From Lake Toma in the Oberalp Pass, at 2,345 meters above sea level, the 'Rhein' flows eastwards as a small stream. The town of Tschamut is the first inhabited village to see the Rhine pass by.

At Reichenau, the 'Rear Rhine' joins the river. After the town of Chur, the Rhine curves in a wide bend to Lake Constance and then flows westwards to Basel. Here the river begins a long journey through the border area between France and Germany before crossing Germany and finally crossing the border with the Netherlands on its way to the North Sea.

The Rhine Cycle Route is suitable for cyclists of all levels with exceptionally good cycle path infrastructure and passes through some of the most fascinating cities in Europe such as Basel, Strasbourg and Cologne.

Cycling holidays on the Rhine Cycle Path

Various cycle tour options are available along the route

The Rhine Cycle Route, also known as the EuroVelo route (EV15), extends over 5 countries, namely Switzerland, Austria, Germany, France and the Netherlands. The cycle path, which runs partly along both banks of the Rhine, is well-developed and signposted and often runs directly along the bank with a direct view of the majestic river for the majority of the way.

Cyclist on the Rhine Bridge

Strasbourg to Mainz

The ideal cycling holiday on the Rhine Cycle Path! The Rhein-Radweg, between Strasbourg and Mainz, is particularly suitable for everyone. Simple route guidance without steep slopes, charming places to visit, and plenty of time for sightseeing and enjoyment.x

Classic Lake Constance

A classic cycling destination in an idyllic region with castles and fruit orchards located in different countries with different names: Lake Constance, The Swabian Sea and the Dreiländersee. Hardly any other region receives as many cyclists every year as this one between Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Easy
France / Germany

Rhine Cycle Path: Strasbourg to Mainz

Self-Guided | 8 Days
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Medium
Austria / Germany / Switzerland

Classic Lake Constance

Self-Guided | 7 Days
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Medium
Germany

Speyer-Heidelberg-Worms

Self-Guided | 7 Days
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Medium
France

Alsace Photobook

Self-Guided | 8 Days
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Bike and Boat sailings along the Rhine

During the day, you cycle at your leisure along beautiful cities on the Rhine and in the evening, you enjoy life aboard a river cruise ship. This is a great way to combine the benefits of cycling holidays and cruising together. Don't feel like cycling? Then relax on the sundeck, and enjoy the comfort on board as the ship makes its way along the river as different panoramas pass by.

Easy
Germany

Cologne to Mainz: MS Olympia

Self-Guided | 8 Days
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Easy
Germany

Mainz to Cologne: MS Olympia

Self-Guided | 8 Days
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Easy
France / Germany

Strasbourg to Mainz: MS Olympia

Self-Guided | 8 Days
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Easy
France / Germany

Mainz to Strasbourg: MS Olympia

Self-Guided | 8 Days
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To travel consultants

Questions and answers

The Rhine Cycle Route starts in Andermatt in Switzerland and ends at the North Sea over 1200 km away.

Yes! The Rhine Cycle Route is suitable for all cyclists and follows a flat route for most of the way.

There is a cycle route that runs next to the Rhine for much of the route. The EuroVelo 15 is the flagship route of the European Cycle Path network and stretches from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea.

The daily stages are approximately 50 km per day. Many of the tours pass through main towns and cities, so there are excellent amenities along the Rhine.

Yes. The Rhine Cycle Path forms the EuroVelo 15 route and the route is signposted with EV15 markers in its entirety.

Places on the Rhine Cycle Route

Port of Lindau

Lake Constance

Lake Constance is a surprising piece of Germany with a Mediterranean atmosphere. With boulevards like the French Riviera, vineyards as if you are in Tuscany and colourful historic towns that make you forget that you are in Germany. Lake Constance has many faces and just as many names: for us Lake Constance, for German speakers Bodensee and known as Lake Konstanz. The lake is almost 265 kilometres long, lies on the border of Germany, Austria and Switzerland and is surrounded by hills with vineyards, picturesque villages and charming towns with the white peaks of the Alps in the background.

 

Basel

Basel

Welcome to Basel, the city that can count on 300 sunny days a year. Due to the pleasant temperatures that prevail here, life takes place outside almost all year round. The art and culture buffs among you will particularly appreciate Basel, as both are very important in Basel. The Rhine flows through Switzerland's third-largest city and is even used by residents for swimming in summer.

Cathedral of Mainz

Mainz

The old half-timbered houses and marketplaces from bygone days give Mainz that very special charm that makes a city worth visiting. Be sure to visit the famous Gutenberg Museum, where you can admire two original copies of the Gutenberg Bible. Other highlights include Mainz Cathedral, St. Stephan's Catholic Church and the Museum of Ancient Navigation.

Strasbourg

The charming city of Strasbourg is the capital of Alsace in France. Strasbourg is known far beyond the borders of France for its medieval charm and for being the seat of some of the institutions of the European Union. The proximity to Germany can be felt in almost all situations and leaves its mark, especially in areas such as culture, architecture and gastronomy.

Funicular in Koblenz

Koblenz

The Deutsches Eck, where the Rhine and Moselle meet, has already attracted many visitors to the beautiful city of Koblenz. Koblenz is one of the oldest cities in Germany and you become aware of this history with every step you take in this city. Visit the Electoral Palace, stroll the promenade, admire the majestic Ehrenbreitstein Fortress and take a ride on the spectacular funicular over the Rhine!

Cologne

Most of us know the metropolis of Cologne as a carnival city. For a week every year, the city turns into the centre of Carnival and is almost literally upside down during this time. But of course, Cologne has much more to offer than the silly goings-on during Carnival. The city on the Rhine also became world famous for its beautiful cathedral, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1996. But the beautiful old town, the chocolate museum or the Rheinpark are real magnets for visitors!

Willemsbridge Rotterdam

Rotterdam

The pleasant city of Rotterdam is home to the largest port in Europe and is the hub of European shipping. This is where the famous Rhine Cycle Path ends, as the Rhine flows into the North Sea near the North Sea. An extra day in Rotterdam is worth it. There is so much to see. on foot, by bike or by water taxi and you will discover what makes the city so special. Visit the market halls, and the cube houses or walk along the water with a view of the beautiful cruise ships that dock in the city.

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