Athletic cycling holidays

More kilometres, more scenery – cycling tours that really challenge you

If you’d rather count the kilometres than the sights when cycling, you’ve come to the right place. Our active cycling tours are designed for riders who want to really put the pedal to the metal every day: with long stages, substantial elevation gain and routes that aren’t just a leisurely ride. Whether it’s a fast-paced flat coastal tour, challenging riverside cycle paths or a classic Transalp – the options range from a good 50 to over 100 kilometres a day.

If you’d like to travel by mountain bike, you’ll find what you’re looking for here too – some tours, such as those in the Douro Valley or Greece, are specifically designed for MTB riders. When choosing a tour, use the information on stage length and topography as a guide – that way, you’ll find the tour that suits your fitness level and expectations.

Two mountain bikers pausing on bikes in a yellow flowering meadow in the Allgäu region, with a lake and rolling hills in the background. — Active bike tour through the Allgäu Region

Two cyclists riding mountain bikes on a gravel path in the Allgäu region near Oberstaufen, surrounded by green meadows, conifer trees, and mountains. — Allgäu

Krimml Waterfalls cascading down forested mountainside with mist, rocky stream in foreground, surrounded by green coniferous forests. — Krimml Waterfalls

Aerial view of green vineyards in Etsch Valley near Bozen with curved roads, mountains, and St. Justina church visible in the landscape. — Adige Valley

Cyclist in red jersey with orange backpack riding mountain bike on coastal path in Croatia with blue sea and mountains in background. — Croatia

Aerial view of Saalfelden with green meadows, a lake, and snow-capped mountains in the background under a blue sky with clouds. — Saalfelden

Historic stone bridge spanning a deep gorge near Andermatt with rushing river below, steep rocky cliffs, and snow-capped mountains in background. — Devil's Bridge

Kiel Germaniahafen harbor with large ferris wheel, historic sailing boats moored in canal, green lawns, and amusement park under blue sky. — Kiel

Split waterfront promenade with palm trees, historic buildings with orange roofs, and the cathedral bell tower under a blue sky. — Split

Es Pontàs natural stone arch in Mallorca at sunset. Rocky cliffs frame the arch formation rising from blue Mediterranean waters. — Es Pontàs, Mallorca

Athletic cycling holidays in Germany

Athletic cycling holidays in Europe

What sets cycling holidays apart from other types of holiday?

On our challenging cycling holidays, the route comes first – not the itinerary. That means longer stages, a higher pace, and roads that genuinely push you. If 80 kilometres a day feels like a comfortable outing, or you've been thinking about tackling an Alpine crossing, you'll find the right tour here.

What stays the same as all our holidays: luggage is transferred daily, accommodation is pre-booked, and your route notes are waiting when you set off. Challenging means more miles – not more logistics.

Two cyclists in colorful jerseys riding bikes on a gravel path through a lush green forest on a sunny day. — The active Five Rivers bike tour

Flat or hilly – which route is right for me?

Each route on this page is accompanied by two figures: stage length and topography, each on a scale of 1 to 5. A stage length of 5 indicates long daily stages ranging from 65 to over 100 kilometres. A topography rating of 5 signifies significant changes in altitude – as on a tour through the Dolomites or the Danube–Lake Constance Cycle Route through the Allgäu.

Those who prefer to cover many kilometres a day but with little climbing – for example, along the Danube or the North Sea coast – will find just the right route, as will those who prefer short but strenuous stages involving proper mountain passes. Combining these two ratings will help you find the tour that really suits you.

Cyclist in green jersey and helmet standing with yellow mountain bike on rocky viewpoint overlooking valley and mountains under blue sky. — Mallorca Cycling Tour for Active Travellers

The best regions for serious cyclists

The range stretches from the German North Sea coast to the Mediterranean: coastal tours along the Baltic, long river routes following the Danube, Weser and Main, demanding Alpine crossings in Switzerland and Austria, and tours on Mallorca or through Croatia. Those after particularly big mileage will find tours like Hamburg to Copenhagen or the Aare cycling route through Switzerland.

Riders who prefer to stay in Germany are equally well catered for: the Main Valley route with over 85 kilometres per day, the Allgäu circuit or the Neckar cycling tour with its demanding elevation profile are among our most popular tours for experienced riders.

Clear mountain stream flowing through rocky terrain in the Dolomites, surrounded by green alpine meadows, conifer trees, and mountains under blue sky. — Cycling tour around the Dolomites

Who are challenging cycling holidays right for?

The cycling tours offered by Radweg-Reisen are not competitive events – but they do require a good level of fitness. Anyone who cycles regularly and is used to daily distances of 60 kilometres or more will feel right at home on these tours. A road bike isn’t necessary: most routes can be easily tackled on a touring bike or e-bike.

Many of our active guests travel alone – the self-guided tours can be completed entirely at your own pace, without a group and without a fixed daily itinerary. Even those travelling together but with different requirements will find the right solution in our range – the combination of stage length and terrain helps you choose the tour that suits you both.

Cyclist with green helmet and pink backpack standing with bike on volcanic rocky beach in Lanzarote, overlooking ocean and mountains. — Lanzarote

Frequently asked questions about athletic cycling holidays

Search FAQs

Two cyclists with helmets and backpacks riding mountain bikes through tall grass under a blue sky with white clouds.

Are there any athletic cycling holidays for fitness enthusiasts available as group tours?

Our active tours are self-guided and can be booked either individually or as part of a group. There is no fixed tour group with a guide on these tours – you travel at your own pace.

Are e-bikes allowed on athletic cycling holidays?

Yes. E-bikes are welcome on all our athletic cycling holidays. Please note that the range of bikes available for hire varies by region – you’ll be informed whether an e-bike is available when you book.

Can I book a athletic cycling holidays at short notice?

Popular tours – particularly in summer and on classic routes such as the Danube or Lake Constance – are often fully booked well in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible to ensure you secure your preferred dates and accommodation. However, last-minute bookings are possible, subject to availability.

The most beautiful regions for keen cyclists

The range of options stretches from the German North Sea coast to the Mediterranean: coastal routes along the Baltic Sea, long river cycle routes along the Danube, Weser and Main, challenging Alpine crossings in Switzerland and Austria, and circular routes on Mallorca or through Croatia. Those looking to cover particularly long distances will find routes such as Hamburg–Copenhagen or the Aare cycle route through Switzerland.

Those who prefer to stay in Germany also have plenty of choice: the Main Valley Cycle Route, covering over 85 kilometres a day, the challenging Allgäu Loop, and the Neckar Cycle Tour with its demanding elevation profiles are among our most popular tours for experienced cyclists.