Must-See Places on a Cycling Holiday in Germany

At Koblenz, the Rhine and Moselle meet at a dramatic headland called the Deutsches Eck. A monumental statue of Emperor Wilhelm I marks the confluence, with panoramic views of both river valleys. Broad riverside promenades make it a natural pause point for cyclists, with plenty of cafés and shaded benches to rest. It’s one of the Rhine Valley’s most symbolic sites and a true orientation point on the route.

Trier is Germany’s oldest city, founded by the Romans over 2,000 years ago. Highlights include the Porta Nigra city gate, the amphitheater, and the basilica—all UNESCO-listed. These monuments bring history right onto the cycling route along the Moselle, with well-preserved ruins that give a vivid sense of life in the Roman Empire. Stopping here combines sightseeing with the chance to experience one of Europe’s oldest urban landscapes.

The Moselle Valley is famous for its Riesling wines, produced in steep terraced vineyards that rise dramatically above the river. Villages like Cochem and Bernkastel-Kues are dotted with half-timbered houses, cobbled lanes, and family-run wine taverns. Cycling here means blending cultural exploration with scenic rides, where tastings and cellar tours are part of the experience. It’s a region where cycling and wine tourism flow seamlessly together.

Perched high above the Middle Rhine, Marksburg is the only hilltop castle along the river never destroyed. Inside, rooms furnished with medieval weapons, kitchens, and dungeons bring the Middle Ages to life. Its commanding position offers sweeping views over vineyards and villages, making it as rewarding for the scenery as it is for the history. For cyclists, it’s a memorable detour and a striking landmark visible long before you arrive.

Badenweiler has been known for healing waters since Roman times, with ruins of a 1,700-year-old bath still preserved. Today, Cassiopeia Therme offers indoor and outdoor pools filled with mineral-rich water at around 34°C, plus saunas and panoramic relaxation areas. The spa’s hillside location provides sweeping views of the southern Black Forest. 

Shared with Germany and Switzerland, Lake Constance (Bodensee) offers a mix of cross-border culture and sweeping alpine views. The lakeside cycling paths are flat and well-marked, making it one of Europe’s most accessible long-distance rides. Medieval towns, vineyard slopes, and ferry crossings give variety to each stage, while the scenery of the surrounding Alps never leaves your side.

Perched dramatically on a Bavarian hilltop, Neuschwanstein is one of the most photographed castles in the world and famously inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. Built in the 19th century for King Ludwig II, it reflects a romantic vision of the Middle Ages rather than authentic medieval design. Cyclists on the Romantic Road routes often pause here for its storybook views.

A baroque masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Würzburg Residence is often called Germany’s Versailles. Inside, the grand staircase and frescoed ceilings by Tiepolo are among Europe’s finest examples of baroque art. The palace gardens add a calm pause for cyclists, combining cultural exploration with a chance to stroll shaded paths before continuing along the Romantic Road.

Munich is Bavaria’s lively capital, with a historic core that blends Gothic and baroque architecture. Marienplatz, the city’s central square, is famous for its town hall and glockenspiel. Just a few steps away, Viktualienmarkt offers stalls of Bavarian specialties—perfect for a pre- or post-ride taste of local life. Dedicated bike lanes run through much of the city, making it surprisingly cycle-friendly for a metropolis.

This medieval walled town along the Romantic Road looks like it hasn’t changed in centuries. Cobbled streets, preserved towers, and colorful facades make it one of Germany’s best-preserved old towns. It’s a rewarding stop on cycling tours through Bavaria, with plenty of quiet squares and bakeries to pause between exploring the town’s historic gates and alleys.

Wörthsee covers about 4 square kilometers and is one of Bavaria’s warmest lakes, with summer water temperatures reaching 25°C. Its shores are dotted with small beaches, boat docks, and shady picnic spots, making it a favorite among locals for swimming and sailing. The surrounding countryside is easily explored by bike, with gentle paths looping through meadows and forests. On clear days, the distant Alps are visible across the lake’s shimmering surface. 

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bamberg is famed for its medieval street layout, half-timbered houses, and riverside setting. The town is also known for its unique smoked beer (Rauchbier), brewed with malt dried over open flames. With canals weaving through the old town, Bamberg is often nicknamed “the Venice of Franconia.”

This Romantic Road town is known for its colorful pastel facades and the Gothic Bayertor, one of the best-preserved medieval city gates in Bavaria. The 15th-century Town Hall and the baroque Church of the Holy Cross showcase its rich architectural mix. Landsberg’s setting on the Lech River adds to its charm, with riverside paths perfect for a relaxed ride or evening stroll. Its lively main square is often filled with open-air cafés, making it a rewarding final stop of the journey. 

Founded by the Romans in 15 BC, Augsburg is one of Germany’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Renaissance Town Hall with its Golden Hall is considered one of the most important secular buildings north of the Alps. The Fuggerei, the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use, dates back to 1521 and continues to house residents for a symbolic rent. Cycling its narrow streets reveals a mix of medieval guild houses, fountains, and lively squares. 

At the meeting point of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, Passau is often the gateway to the Danube Cycle Path. Its pastel-colored old town is compact and easy to explore on foot, while the baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral houses one of the largest church organs in the world. It’s a natural starting point or finishing stop for Danube cycling holidays.

Founded nearly 1,500 years ago, Weltenburg Abbey sits in a dramatic gorge along the Danube and is home to what many call the world’s oldest monastic brewery. The abbey church is a baroque jewel, while the riverside beer garden offers a classic Bavarian pause for cyclists. Many tours include this as a stop for both culture and refreshment.

Ulm is famous for its towering Gothic cathedral, which boasts the tallest church spire in the world at 161 meters. Climbing the spire offers panoramic views of the river and the surrounding countryside. For cyclists, Ulm is a cultural highlight that combines awe-inspiring architecture with a bustling town atmosphere, perfectly placed along the Danube route.

The Danube’s floodplain landscapes, known as the Donau-Auen, provide a natural counterpoint to the towns and cities along the route. These wetlands are rich in birdlife and crisscrossed with quiet paths and meadows. Cycling through them offers a serene pause between cultural stops, showing the Danube as both a historic and ecological corridor.

The Semperoper is one of Europe’s great opera houses, famed for both its performances and ornate design. Even if you don’t attend a concert, admiring its richly decorated façade and riverside setting is worthwhile. Its position by the Elbe makes it an easy detour, and the square in front is often alive with street performers and local energy.

The Bastei Bridge is the crown jewel of Saxon Switzerland, perched among jagged sandstone spires high above the Elbe River. Reached via a short climb from the cycle path, it offers dramatic views of cliffs, forests, and winding river bends below. It’s one of Germany’s most photographed landscapes and a must-see for riders passing through.

Towering over the Elbe Valley, Königstein Fortress is one of Europe’s largest hilltop strongholds. The site has served as a military base, a state prison, and now a museum, with massive walls that date back to the 13th century. Cyclists stopping here are rewarded with panoramic views that stretch far across Saxon Switzerland.

Meißen is world-famous as the birthplace of European porcelain, and its old town is filled with charm. The Albrechtsburg Castle rises above the river, while the porcelain museum and workshops showcase centuries of craftsmanship. For cyclists, it’s a cultural stop that combines riverside views with an authentic slice of Saxon history.

Known as the “Flower Island,” Mainau is a botanical paradise filled with exotic plants, themed gardens, and seasonal flower displays. The baroque palace and butterfly house add extra charm, making it a perfect stop for both cyclists and nature lovers. A short bridge links the island to the mainland cycle path, so it’s easy to visit without leaving your route.

Lindau sits on an island connected to the mainland by bridge, giving it a distinct maritime character. Its harbor, framed by a Bavarian lion statue and a 33-meter lighthouse, is one of the most photographed spots on Lake Constance. The old town features pastel-colored houses, arcaded streets, and churches dating back to the Gothic era. Lindau’s lakeside setting with an Alpine backdrop makes it an essential highlight of the circuit. 

Friedrichshafen was the birthplace of the Zeppelin, and its museum showcases the golden age of airships with life-size reconstructions and original artifacts. The lakeside location makes it a convenient cycling stop, pairing cultural history with great views across the water. It’s an unusual and fascinating contrast to the castles and cathedrals along the route.

Meersburg is perched on a hillside above the lake, famous for its vineyards and castle. The medieval Meersburg Castle claims to be the oldest inhabited fortress in Germany, while the Neues Schloss showcases baroque architecture. The steep cobbled streets link terraced wineries, lakefront cafés, and historic squares. With both cultural landmarks and striking views across the water, Meersburg blends history and scenery seamlessly. 

The Münster of Konstanz rises above the city’s old town, its tall tower offering a panoramic climb. Inside, gothic and romanesque details highlight centuries of regional history. The square around the cathedral is lively with cafés and markets, making it a natural stop on any cycling tour around the lake.

Founded in the 13th century, Rostock was one of the most powerful Hanseatic League cities and today remains the largest port on Germany’s Baltic coast. Its brick Gothic architecture is best seen in St. Mary’s Church, which houses an astronomical clock built in 1472 that still works today. The harbor district connects directly to Warnemünde, a seaside resort with sandy beaches and a lighthouse. 

As the former capital of the Hanseatic League, Lübeck played a central role in northern Europe’s medieval trade. Its red-brick Gothic architecture and narrow alleys still reflect its merchant past. Cyclists along the Baltic Coast routes can explore the Holsten Gate, salt warehouses, and historic old town, all protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Stralsund, another Hanseatic gem, connects by bridge to Rügen, Germany’s largest island. Rügen is famous for its chalk cliffs in Jasmund National Park, sandy beaches, and charming seaside resorts. The combination of city history and island scenery makes this one of the most diverse coastal cycling experiences.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a vast tidal landscape stretching along Denmark’s, Germany's and The Netherlands' coasts. It’s one of the world’s most important areas for migratory birds, with millions passing through each year. Riding along its edge gives you wide open views where sky and sea meet.

Kiel’s fjord-like harbor is both a working port and a sailing paradise, best known for hosting Kiel Week, the world’s largest sailing event. Cyclists can ride along the waterfront, past marinas and green parks, with plenty of spots to watch ferries and yachts. The city’s maritime character adds a dynamic, modern counterpoint to the quiet coastal trails nearby.