Traveling by bicycle is a perfect way to get in touch with the landscape, enjoying its gradual changes, and in return receiving benefits for the muscular, joint, cardiovascular, respiratory and nervous systems. Let's find out what are the paths that cross Europe, to face to live positively our relationship with the surrounding world.
Velocipedi in liberty: when Europe is of the bike
As reported by Bicitalia.org, referring to Eurovelo.com, there are many wonderful cycling routes in Europe, indeed many, and on the site you can find a complete and updated list of routes that will take you from north to south and from east to the west, all to explore with your Poderosa.
But if you don't feel like pedaling for 5, 000 kilometers or more, you will find a few tips on shorter footpaths, easy to cover, without hurry and without performance anxiety! The proposals are simple ideas, born of personal experiences, word of mouth or web searches, of "bicycle routes" in Europe. Give yourself a couple of minutes to read and you will discover some good ones!
Salzkammergut cycle path
We are in Austria, a bike trip takes us to the discovery of the picturesque lake region full of points of interest. The Salzkammergut cycle path forms two short-distance rings that touch more than a dozen ponds: Salzburg, Mondsee with its beautiful church, the imperial city of Bad Ischl, the salt works at Ebensee, the thermal baths of Bad Aussee and Bad Mitterndorf, the Wolfgangsee, St. Gilgen, the village of Mozart (Hallstatt, World Cultural Heritage), Grundlsee and Gmunden with the castle of Ort.
Lake Constance cycle path
Divided between Austria, Germany and Switzerland, Lake Constance forms the copious waters of the Rhine, and is dotted with natural beauties and charming towns full of charm and history. It starts from Bregenz to reach Lindau, then Friedrichshafen and the medieval Meersburg, with the austere castle. It runs in about 5-7 days, it is a mix of light dirt and paved roads, with no gradients and also suitable for the less experienced. For these two first bike rides you can consult the site of bike maps in Austria.
Amsterdam and the flowers tour
The first stop is Haarlem, one of the oldest cities in the Oland at 4 meters below sea level: the inland area of Haarlem offers a breathtaking experience, the surrounding landscape is characterized by wonderful fields of tulips, dunes, dams and mills, between unforgettable colors and scents. It then continues to Lisse, where visiting the Keukenhof garden, which is home to more than 6 million tulips and other beautiful flowers, is a must. Reimbrant and Leiden will welcome you, home of the first University of the Netherlands. From Kudelstaar you reach Aalsmeer, a city known for the largest flower auction in the world. More information and suggestions can be found on the Viagginbici.com website.
Cycle routes in Croatia
The Quarnaro Gulf or Kvarner, or the northern part of the Adriatic, that stretch of sea that separates Istria from the islands of Cres and Lošinj, in Croatia, offers wonderful views and unsuspected tours to do by bike. Dedicated above all to those who like to combine pedaling with a bit of sea, beaches and diving in the water. Suitable for couples and young sportsmen, there are cheap lodgings in the numerous islands with crystal clear waters, cliffs and small bays and coves, but also splendid Habsburg residences, medieval villages, the Ucka Natural Park, all accompanied by delicious gastronomic specialties.
The benefits of cycling: as easy as pedaling
Drava cycle path
Along the banks of the Drava, the cycle path known as the Drauradweg runs through East Tyrol and Carinthia to Maribor in Slovenia. It is a 366 km long track, which starts from the sources of the river, in the Dobbiaco Basin in Val Pusteria, and could stretch up to touch the mouth of the Drava in the Black Sea. It is a route in its entirety particularly suitable for bikes for trekking and mountain biking, but you can also choose simpler routes, such as the section in Italy and Carinthia, more suited to families.
From Munich, the ring of the Bavarian lakes
In Munich, a round bike path starts and ends in the city. Follow the course of the Loisach River along the Murnauer Moos Nature Reserve. Nature in these parts has a dreamlike appearance with dreamy lakes in which castles and villages that look enchanted are reflected. Here you will find information on the most beautiful castles in Bavaria, special for families and children and for combining city tours and country walks.
Brittany in vélo libre
In Brittany it is possible to follow interesting itineraries by bike: from the historic port of St-Malo you follow the tracks of a disused railway up to Rhuys, then you can venture into the enchanted forest of Brocéliande, in the footsteps of the Knights of the Round Table. Other cycle routes pass through the cities of Rennes and Nantes, forming a web of exceptional streets to visit the region, training and having fun. Many sites offer maps and propose cycle routes in Brittany.
Avenue verte: 400 km from Paris to London
More than 400 km of cycle paths link French avenue and English greenways. You pass between countryside and woods and forests, old disused railways, passing by the Ile-de-France and reaching the Upper Normandy . After sailing the English Channel, we start from the picturesque cliffs of Seven Sister Country Park in Sussex, to reach London in peace. It is one of the most famous bicycle routes in Europe, easy to follow and suitable for everyone.
Ireland, the green road to the west
The Great Western Greenway is the longest off - road cycling route in the Republic and extends from Westport to Achill in County Mayo. It stretches between solitary castles, bays and small salmon fishing villages for almost 45 kilometers. ? For those who love that charming and picturesque part of Ireland, and always welcoming. You can even visit Achill Island, Ireland's largest island, connected to the mainland by a small drawbridge, the Michael Davitt Bridge.
The indomitable Galicia
For solitary adventurers the Galician coast offers unique and evocative shows, between barren coasts and wild horses of the Capelada Sierra, to fishermen's villages, rapid descents into the sea and cliffs that look like magical cathedrals, 'in Catedrais del ma r precisely. Forget the usual Santiago and venture towards " las rutas del norte " to the lighthouse of Cabo Ortegal. Circuits rich in ups and downs, for well-trained muscles and legs.
Tips and tricks for traveling by bicycle
- And finally, on the Fiab website you can find all the useful tips on how to organize trips by bicycle, from A to Z.
- An excellent point of reference for maps and street maps, with points of interest also indicated, divided by state and specifying the "entirely or mainly cycle routes" and the "cycling routes on sedentary and low-traffic roads" is Bikeitalia.it
- The "Il cicloviaggiatore" website is also very useful, with a lot of blogs, communities and forums.
