Traveling by bicycle

Cycling trip in Europe: what are the EuroVelo routes?

Published on 27/09/2024

Cycling is a unique way to discover Europe at your own pace, exploring picturesque landscapes, historic cities, and hidden gems off the beaten track. Thanks to the network EuroVeloA project developed by the European Cyclists' Federation, EuroVelo allows cyclists to cross the continent on well-marked and safe routes. Whether you're an experienced cyclist or a beginner, EuroVelo offers routes suitable for all levels. This guide presents each route in detail, giving you an overview of the best roads for an unforgettable cycling trip.


What is the EuroVelo network?


Le EuroVelo network is a network of 17 cycle routes across Europe, covering approximately 90,000 km. Each route crosses several countries, and some are fully completed, while others are under development. These routes are designed to promote cycle tourism in Europe and are signposted to facilitate navigation for travelers.

The 17 EuroVelo routes


Here is the complete list of routes EuroVelo In order. We will explore each one in detail, with their specific characteristics and the countries they cross.


1. EuroVelo 1 - The Atlantic Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 1The Atlantic Cycle Route, also known as the Atlantic Cycle Route, runs along the west coast of Europe, connecting Norway to Portugal. This nearly 11,000 km route takes you through six countries: Norway, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Spain, and Portugal. You'll cycle along dramatic cliffs, past golden beaches, and through stunning natural parks.

Strong points :

  • The west coast of Norway with its fjords.
  • The fine sandy beaches of Portugal and southern Spain.
  • Brittany's maritime heritage.


2. EuroVélo 2 - The Route des Capitales


L'EuroVelo 2The Capitals Route, or Route of the Capitals, connects Dublin to Moscow via several European capitals. This route crosses nine countries: Ireland, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Belarus and Russia, for a total length of approximately 5,500 km.

Strong points :

  • Historical monuments of Berlin.
  • The canals of Amsterdam.
  • The great plains of Poland.


3. EuroVelo 3 - The Pilgrims' Cycle Route


Nicknamed the Pilgrims' RouteThe EuroVelo 3 largely follows historic European pilgrimage routes, such as the Way of St. James. This 5,100 km route connects Norway to Spain via Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium and France.

Strong points :

  • The Way of St. James in Spain.
  • French Gothic cathedrals.
  • Historic cities like Cologne and Brussels.


4. EuroVelo 4 - The Central European Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 4 It crosses Central Europe from west to east, linking the French coast to Ukraine. The 4,000 km route passes through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, the Czech Republic and Poland before reaching Ukraine.

Strong points :

  • The Normandy coastline in France.
  • The castles of Bohemia in the Czech Republic.
  • The vast forests of Poland.


5. EuroVélo 5 - The Via Romea Francigena


La Via Romea Francigena, or EuroVelo 5It follows an ancient pilgrimage route that connected Canterbury to Rome. This route crosses England, France, Switzerland and Italy, for a total of 3,200 km.

Strong points :

  • The medieval charm of French cities.
  • Swiss vineyards.
  • The Tuscan hills before arriving in Rome.


6. EuroVelo 6 - The Rivers Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 6 It is one of the most popular routes, linking the Atlantic Ocean to the Black Sea. It follows some of Europe's greatest rivers, such as the Loire, the Rhine, and the Danube. This 4,450 km route crosses 10 countries, including France, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, and Romania.

Strong points :

  • The castles of the Loire Valley.
  • The vineyards along the Danube.
  • The historic capitals of Vienna, Bratislava and Budapest.


7. EuroVélo 7 - The Route du Soleil


L'EuroVelo 7 It stretches from northern to southern Europe, from Norway to Malta, over a distance of more than 7,400 km. This route crosses 11 countries, including Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Austria, Italy and Greece.

Strong points :

  • The Mediterranean sun.
  • The islands of the Maltese archipelago.
  • The Austrian and Swiss Alps.


8. EuroVelo 8 - The Mediterranean Cycle Route


If you dream of cycling along the Mediterranean coast, theEuroVelo 8 is made for you. This 7,500 km route connects Cadiz, Spain, to Athens, Greece, and continues to Cyprus, crossing 11 Mediterranean countries.

Strong points :

  • The beaches of the French Riviera.
  • Greek fishing villages.
  • Historical sites like Rome and Athens.


9. EuroVelo 9 - The Amber Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 9 It crosses Europe from north to south, from the Baltic Sea to the Adriatic Sea. This 2,050 km route connects Gdańsk in Poland to Pula in Croatia, passing through the Czech Republic, Austria and Slovenia.

Strong points :

  • Austrian spa resorts.
  • The Slovenian countryside.
  • The Croatian beaches of the Adriatic Sea.


10. EuroVelo 10 - The Baltic Sea Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 10 It circumnavigates the Baltic Sea, crossing nine countries over approximately 9,000 km. This route will allow you to discover wild coastlines, port cities and dense forests.

Strong points :

  • The white sandy beaches of the Baltic countries.
  • The boreal forests of Sweden.
  • Polish seaside resorts.


11. EuroVelo 11 - The Eastern Europe Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 11 It crosses 10 countries from the far north to Greece, over 6,000 km. This less frequented route takes you through Scandinavia, Poland, Hungary, Romania and Turkey.

Strong points :

  • The Norwegian fjords.
  • The Balkan mountains.
  • Turkish archaeological sites.


12. EuroVelo 12 - The North Sea Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 12 It circumnavigates the North Sea, crossing seven countries over approximately 5,932 km. This route offers an incredible diversity of landscapes, ranging from Norwegian fjords to the vast beaches of the Netherlands.

Strong points :

  • The Frisian Islands.
  • The cliffs of the United Kingdom.
  • The historic ports of the Netherlands.


13. EuroVelo 13 - The Iron Curtain Trail


L'EuroVelo 13 It follows the former Iron Curtain, the dividing line between Western and Eastern Europe during the Cold War. This 10,400 km route crosses 20 countries, from northern Norway to the Black Sea.

Strong points :

  • Monuments of the Cold War.
  • The Balkan mountains.
  • The historical richness of Eastern European cities.


14. EuroVelo 14 - The Alpine Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 14Currently under development, this route will connect the Swiss Alps to the Hungarian plains. It will be ideal for cyclists who love mountains and wide open spaces.


15. EuroVelo 15 - The Rhine Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 15 It follows the Rhine from its source in Switzerland to the North Sea in the Netherlands. Over 1,233 km, this route crosses Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Strong points :

  • The vineyards of the Rhine.
  • Picturesque German villages.
  • Historic cities like Basel and Rotterdam.


16. EuroVelo 16 - The Central European Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 16The route, still under development, will cross the heart of Europe, linking Vienna, the Austrian capital, to Budapest, the Hungarian capital. This journey will allow travelers to discover diverse landscapes, from lush forests to the vast plains of the Pannonian Basin, passing through historic cities and picturesque villages.

Strong points :

  • The landscapes of the Danube Valley.
  • The architectural heritage of Vienna and Budapest.
  • The small spa and historic towns of Hungary.


17. EuroVelo 17 - The Rhône Cycle Route


L'EuroVelo 17 It follows the course of the Rhône from its source in the Swiss Alps to its mouth in the Mediterranean Sea, in France. This 815 km route is perfect for nature and wine lovers, as it crosses the famous Rhône Valley, renowned for its vineyards and picturesque landscapes.

Strong points :

  • Alpine landscapes in Switzerland.
  • The world-renowned vineyards of the Rhône Valley.
  • The Provençal villages and the Mediterranean light at the end of the journey.