Cycling across Europe offers a unique way to experience the continent's landscapes, cultures, and histories. Unlike driving or taking the bus, cycling allows travelers to slow down and appreciate the details of the environment—whether it's the sound of rustling leaves, the scent of fresh bread from a nearby bakery, or the sight of ancient ruins and vineyards. These six routes are designed for cyclists of all levels, with mostly flat terrain, making them accessible and enjoyable. From Spain to Sweden, these paths follow old railway lines and abandoned corridors, offering a peaceful journey through nature and history.
VOIE VERTE DU CARRILET I, ESPAGNE runs through the Natural Park of the Garrotxa Volcanic Area, starting in the city of Olot. This route, nearly 60 kilometers long, follows the path of an old narrow-gauge railway. Along the way, cyclists can visit the Museu dels Volcans to learn about the region's volcanic history. The path winds through shaded rocky cuts and sunny river valleys, with stops at local attractions like the cheese artisan La Xiquella and the pink railway station of Sant Feliu de Pallerols, known for its delicious food. The journey ends in Girona, where cyclists can explore the medieval quarter and its beautiful gardens.
BOUCLE DE BOURGOGNE DU SUD, FRANCE is a 75-kilometer greenway built on a former railway line. Starting in Chalon-sur-Saône, cyclists can visit the Musée Nicéphore Niépce, dedicated to the origins of photography. The route leads through vineyards and pastures, passing the 17th-century Château de Cormatin and the ruins of the Abbey of Cluny. As the journey continues toward Mâcon, the scenery changes to rugged limestone cliffs. Upon arrival, cyclists can relax on the Lamartine esplanade, enjoying the views of the Saône River and the surrounding cafes.
KLARÄLVSBANAN, SUÈDE is a 90-kilometer route from Karlstad to Uddeholm, following the old railway line of the Klarälven company. This path blends natural beauty with cultural landmarks, such as the Sandgrund Lars Lerin art gallery in Karlstad and the Gamla Kraftstationen in the north. Cyclists can also explore the Edeby Nature Reserve, home to a variety of bird species. The route then continues through forests, offering a peaceful ride surrounded by willows, birches, and conifers.
RAVeL 38 ET 39, BELGIQUE is part of a larger network of 1,600 kilometers of cycling paths in the Walloon region. These two routes, totaling 50 kilometers, pass through the Herve region, known for its orchards and pastures. Cyclists can start by visiting the Panoramic Tower of the Three Borders for a view of the surrounding countryside. Along the way, stops at the Aubel Syrupery and the Herve cheese dairy in Battice offer local treats. The route connects the borders of Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany to the city of Liège.
PISTE CYCLABLE TRÉVISE-OSTIGLIA, ITALIE is a 109-kilometer route through the Veneto region, following an old military railway. Starting in Treviso, known as the "little Venice" for its canals, cyclists can explore historic palaces and streets lined with arcades. The path leads to the Rotonda di Badoere, a 17th-century square, and the Palladian-style villa Ca’ Marcello. Further along, the villa Contarini offers a glimpse into the grandeur of Italian architecture. An extension of the route is currently under development to reach the city of Ostiglia.
PISTE CYCLABLE DU DANUBE, ALLEMAGNE ET AUTRICHE is one of the longest cycling routes in Europe, following the Danube River for over 2,700 kilometers. The most popular section, between Passau and Vienna, offers a mix of scenic landscapes and cultural sites. Cyclists can attend concerts at the Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Passau and enjoy the vineyards and apricot orchards of the Wachau valley. Stops in Spitz and Krems provide opportunities to relax and explore historic towns with medieval architecture and rich histories.
Six European Greenways Offer Unique Cycling Experiences Across Diverse Landscapes
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