Europe's Beautiful Lakes: Five Of The Best Cycle Tours
Some of the world's finest lakeside cycle routes can be found in Europe and they have a lot to offer anyone looking for a relaxed cycling holiday. As you pedal, you'll enjoy spectacular scenery ranging from pretty vineyards and lakefront beaches to green valleys and historic towns. Soak up the local culture as you ride, stopping to swim (or dip your toes) and unwind with a lakeside beer at the end of the day.
We have a broad selection of tours that are based around Europe's beautiful lakes, read on below to see a selection of our favourites.
Lake Constance
Take in the natural beauty of one of Europe’s largest freshwater lakes, touring through green landscapes with a backdrop of the snow-capped Alps. The lake is spread across Germany, Switzerland and Austria, making this a fantastic destination for anyone wanting to experience multiple countries on one trip. The cycling is on mainly traffic-free cycle paths that are well-signposted, making it a great choice for all abilities. There's a lot to see and do as you ride, from medieval towns and historic abbeys to nature reserves and dramatic waterfalls.
Lake Garda
Stay on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda and look forward to a perfect combination of waterside cycling, World Heritage cities and mouth-watering Italian cuisine. Routes include riverside trails and rides through the Italian countryside away from the lake, where you’ll pass sun-drenched orchards and vineyards. We have two Lake Garda tours, including one for families. Both tours are based at one hotel, so there is no need to unpack every day.
Salzburg & 10 Lakes
Starting in the beautiful Baroque city of Salzburg, cycle through the Salzkammergut region, touring between ten glistening lakes surrounded by velvet green mountains. Look forward to easy river and shoreside cycling with undulating terrain as you bike past woodlands and reedy nature reserves, stopping off to try local cheeses in romantic lakeside towns. There is even the chance to visit the church where Maria married Captain von Trapp in The Sound of Music!
Lakes of Southern Bavaria
Tour between the sparkling freshwater lakes of southern Bavaria, cycling with a backdrop of the forested slopes and snow-dusted peaks of the Bavarian Alps. You’ll ride along cycle paths, scenic lanes and riverside paths. As you pedal through green forests, marshlands and alpine foothills, you’ll pass lakeside market towns and traditional Bavarian villages. The vibrant streets of Munich are a wonderful place to start and finish this tour.
Lake Bled to Ljubljana
On this four-night tour, ride from the romantic setting of Lake Bled, cycling downhill through Alpine meadows to the east side of Lake Bohinj with its wonderful clear waters, stone bridge and 14th century church. Continuing along flat valley floors, you'll cycle through green forests and through small villages towards Llublijana before reaching the beautiful Jelovica Plateau. Experienced cyclists can tackle the pass here or alternatively opt for the bookable transfer (€20pp). Llublijana is Europe's smallest capital city and also one of it's most beautiful, stay an extra night or two and explore its green streets.