9 new cycle routes in Europe

15 October, 2021 | Update: 19/08/2022

Cycling is fun, sporty and healthy. And it is an ideal holiday activity! But where are the ‘places to be’ in the area of cycling? The Royal Canal Greenway in Ireland has been named the Cycle Route of the Year 2022. We show you where other beautiful new cycle routes have been created in Europe in the top 9 of new cycle routes.

1. The Royal Canal Greenway, cycling through the typical Irish landscape

While cycling along the Royal Canal, you will enjoy the idyllic landscape with its alternating meadows, forests, peatlands and heathlands. This beautiful cycle route covers 130 kilometres and follows paved cycle paths alongside the rippling water in the canal. Along the way, you come across ninety old bridges and more than 30 locks. You know you are in Ireland when you look around and see a beautiful landscape with old walls, sheep and ruins.

Benches and picnic tables along the way invite you to take a break. The signposting also scores points for clarity and originality. The signs that point you in the right direction and show you where the best catering establishments are located are made in the “old style”.  This cycle route is widely supported by the people in the neighbourhood and local entrepreneurs. The Irish enjoy cycling here themselves and you can see that the route now has more activity in the form of trendy bars, coffee shops and restaurants. After a day of cycling, this is where you will relax in style with an Irish pint. There is good reason why this cycle route has been named Cycle Route of the Year 2022.

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2. Green Velo, a well-organised route through Eastern Poland

The Green Velo treats you to the beauty that Eastern Poland has to offer. Distinctive orange signs mark out the cycle route through the provinces of Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie. There are cycle service points every 10 to 15 kilometres which comprise a wooden cabin with bike racks, tables and route maps. Even more services – including bike storage and repair material – can be found at hotels, restaurants and petrol stations along the route. With a total length of no less than 2000 kilometres, the Green Velo is Poland’s longest cycle route.

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3. Grande Traversée du Massif Central, 1400 kilometres through France

The French region of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes has extensive cycling opportunities on offer. Sports cyclists can ascend the mythical ‘cols’ of the Tour de France, while recreational cyclists van take the ViaRhona. Anyone seeking a challenge can cycle along the Grande Traversée du Massif Central: 1400 kilometres by mountainbike from Morvan in Burgundy to the Mediterranean Sea! This route is fully signposted.

Find a campsite in le Massif Central.

4. Eurovelo 3, industrial heritage in Belgium

The Pilgrims Route ´Véloroute des Pèlerins´ (EuroVelo 3) traverses seven countries; Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, France and Spain. More than twenty UNESCO sites are located along the 5100 kilometre route. The 200 kilometre section that passes through Wallonia in Belgium winds its way beside two well-known rivers, the Samber and the Maas (Meuse). You can cycle along old railway tracks and hunting paths from the ‘Three Countries Point’ near Vaals to the French border on the Samber. Your ride will take you through beautiful countryside and attractive towns and villages. The Blégny Mine, a coal mine between Liége and Maastricht is unique, as are sections of cycle path among the ‘rust’ of Charleroi’s industrial heritage.

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5. Obstland Radroute, cycling through Germany’s orchards

The new Obstland Radroute passes through Saxony Obstland . This ‘fruit cycle route’ passes by orchards and villages and is divided into three sections with an average length of 25 kilometres. You can visit fruit growers on your way and enjoy their fresh fruit. The halfway point is the village of Börtewitz, between Leipzig and Dresden. The Obstland Radroute connects to the 120 kilometre long Mulderadweg from the village of Leisnig. This cycle route goes past rivers and castles, including the famous Colditz Castle.

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6. Sydkustleden, the Swedish Rivièra

A new cycle route was opened in Sweden in 2020, after the Kattegattleden was nominated the ‘Cycle Route of the Year’ in 2017. This time it follows the south coast, sometimes known as the Swedish Rivièra. Wonderful cycle paths take you along beaches and through forests, with some delightful wooden houses and harbours along the way. The Sydkustleden is 260 kilometres in length and connects with the Kattegattleden and Sydostleden cycle routes.

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7. Bike & Hike, walking and cycling in the Austrian Murtal Valley

The Murtal can be discovered easily using the same system of cycle route intersections that can be found in Belgium and the Netherlands. You can map out your own route simply by following the numbers and the intersections. In addition to cycling, there is some wonderful hiking in this region of Styria. Bike & Hike is the new concept where can leave your bike and continue on foot to places such as Eppenstein Castle or the Ingeringsee Lake. You will find all the highlights of this region on their website and use them to plan your Bike & Hike route.

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8. La Vallée du Loir à Vélo, France

The Loire has a younger brother: the Loir. This intimate little river flows past vineyards, chateaux and old towns such as Vendôme. You can combine this 320 kilometre long route with other cycle routes, such as the big brothers of the Loire, the Véloscénie and the Vélo Francette.

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9. Cycle through the trees in Belgium

The Belgian Limburg cycle route network has literally gone up in the world. After ‘Cycling through Water’ you can now ‘Cycle through the Trees’ where you can cycle through the treetops at a height of ten metres! This is the second in a series of new cycling experiences spread across the province in which cyclists can experience the beautiful Limburg countryside in a unique way. The new cycle path is part of the cycle route network and is located close to intersection 272 on the Pijnven, in Bosland, Hechtel-Eksel.

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Renting a bike on the campsite?

You can take your own bike on holiday, but renting a bike at the campsite is a great option. You can easily find a campsite where bikes, e-bikes or mountain bikes can be rented on Eurocampings.eu.