Cycling holidays are also possible in winter!
In a study published at the end of 2022 by sociologist Dr Ansgar Hudde from the Institute of Sociology and Social Psychology at the University of Cologne, a comparison was made between Germany and the Netherlands with regard to the use of bicycles as a means of transport. The main focus was on cycling in the city, but the results are also revealing beyond this. It was found that significantly more people in Germany put their bikes in the basement during the cold season than in the neighbouring country. And this is not because the weather is worse here, but because Germans are much more sensitive to darkness and cold.
Even when the thermometer drops below 15 degrees, cycle use in Germany declines, while it remains almost constant in the Netherlands. According to the head of the study, the whole thing is a question of "mobility culture", but - presumably related to this - probably also a question of mentality. Talking about a "cycling season" in spring and summer implies that people don't cycle outside of this period. Well, we don't want to adopt this way of thinking - quite the opposite: every month is a cycling month - including December and January. It's just as healthy as usual during this time - and it can be just as much fun.
Of course, bikers have a few things to consider in winter. It's about clothing that is suitable for the lower temperatures and protects against rain and wind. Of course, it's also about lighting and visibility in general. We cover these aspects again and again in MYBIKE.
Where are the winter cycling destinations?
But the topic of cycling in winter also has its place in the travel section. We would like to present some examples of regions that are also suitable for extended tours in December and January. Some of you may be thinking of Mallorca or similar long-distance destinations. However, these pose the question of bike transport, which is not so easy to solve, but more on that later.
For the majority of destinations, we present some that are reasonably easy to reach from Germany by car or train, with practical information on where the climate tends to be mild. The neighbouring country of the Netherlands is also represented. We also have a very special tip... One advantage is that it is quieter and more pleasant to cycle almost everywhere in winter. Of course, you need a certain level of resilience and - see above - the right equipment. If this is the case, nothing stands in the way of having fun!
6 cycling destinations for the winter
Cycle tour Lake Constance: Three countries experience
The Lake Constance cycle path celebrates its 40th anniversary in 2023, a year that is gradually drawing to a close. The route is 300 kilometres long and even includes a detour to the Rhine Falls in Schaffhausen in Switzerland. It runs very close to the lake almost everywhere and is therefore mostly easy to cycle. The signposting is standardised: a cyclist with a blue rear wheel. In 2015, the Lake Constance cycle route was awarded four-star certification by the ADFC. It runs through three countries - over 170 kilometres of Lake Constance are in Germany, almost 30 in Austria and over 70 in Switzerland.
Numerous beautiful towns and villages are well worth a visit, such as the islands of Reichenau and Mainau, Constance, which borders directly on Switzerland, or Stein am Rhein at the outflow of the Rhine from Lake Constance with its picturesque old town. On a clear day, mountain ranges of the Alps can be seen from some points. The ferries, which also operate in winter, invite you to take a shortcut. The climate on Germany's largest inland lake is relatively mild, so you have a good chance of not freezing even in winter. However, the Lake Constance fog is notorious - you just have to be lucky.
Arrival
- By train: BDB connections via Karlsruhe/Offenburg (with the Black Forest Railway) to Constance / Munich-Lindau / Stuttgart-Constance or Friedrichshafen / Zurich-Constance (with the Swiss Federal Railway (SBB)) / Hamburg-Zurich-Constance
- By car: A81 Stuttgart-Singen, continue as B33 to Constance or via A98/B31 to Überlingen / A96 Munich-Lindau / A7 / A96 Hamburg-Würzburg-Lindau or A7 / B30 via Ulm to Friedrichshafen / A14 (toll) via Arlberg Tunnel (additional toll) to Bregenz
Highlights / Excursion tips
Mainau Flower Island (until 7 January 2024 "Christmas Garden" with cosy light installations and other highlights), Reichenau Monastery Island, Meersburg Castle, Pfahlbaumuseum Unteruhldingen (only open for groups by appointment in winter), Zeppelin Museum Friedrichshafen, Birnau pilgrimage church, Christmas markets in Constance, Friedrichshafen, Überlingen and other places.
Bike service and hire
- Charging stations: www.echt-bodensee.de/erleben/radfahren/ladestationen
- Repairs & Co: www.echt-bodensee.de/erleben/radfahren/reparaturwerkstatt
- Rental: www.echt-bodensee.de/erleben/radfahren/radverleih
Bike-friendly accommodation
Numerous accommodation options, for example in Volkach and Dettelbach:
- www.fraenkisches-weinland.de/radfahren/fahrradfreundliche-gastgeber
- www.bodensee-radweg.com/uebernachten-konstanz
- www.bodensee.eu/de/was-erleben/aktiv/radfahren/bike-hotels
- www.bodensee-radweg.de/hotels
- www.fahrradreisen.de/hotels/bodensee-radweg
Info and planning
- Online: www.bodensee-radweg.com
- Free tickets: www.bodensee-radweg.de/gratis-karten-2
- bikeline: Lake Constance cycle path. Around Lake Constance, Lake Überlingen and Untersee
- Compass: Cycle tour map Lake Constance cycle path
- ADFC cycle tour guide: Lake Constance cycle path
Lake Garda cycle tour: Italian flair
Until now, Italy's largest lake has mainly been regarded as an area for mountain bikers, who get their money's worth in the mountainous area around the lake. However, work is currently underway on a complete circuit of the lake for touring cyclists too. A large section is due to be completed by 2026 and some sections are already finished. Since 2018, a spectacular cycle path of around two kilometres from Capo Reamol to Limone on the western shore has been open to cyclists, partly over the water and close to rugged cliffs. You can cycle this section better in winter than in summer, when the crowds throng it.
A connection to Riva del Garda should also be established in 2026. The cycle path from Brenzone to Malcesine can already be used. It meanders directly along the water. Cyclists and pedestrians share the wide tarmac path. The beauty of the lake with attractive destinations away from the cycle routes and the typical Italian way of life can also be enjoyed in winter. It may not be warm in summer, but the sub-Mediterranean climate is mild. A word of advice: Do not cycle through the tunnels along the lake! They are narrow, difficult to see and very busy.
Arrival
- By train: Via Munich to Trento, Rovereto or Verona. From there, continue by bus.
- By car: To northern Lake Garda (Riva del Garda), take the Brenner motorway via Bolzano, Trento and Rovereto to Verona. There take the Rovereto South exit. South-eastern shore: Affi exit. South: A4 Milan-Venice motorway, exit Desenzano, Sirmione and Peschiera
Highlights / Excursion tips
"Hanging" cycle path between Limone and Capo Reamol, old town of nearby Verona with ancient Roman amphitheatre, Riva del Garda hydroelectric power station, Vittoriale degli Italiani museum complex in Gardone Riviera on the western shore with exhibition rooms, park and amphitheatre, Scaligerburg moated castle in Sirmione on the southern shore, Varone waterfall near Riva del Garda (located in a grotto, only open at weekends in winter)
Bike service and hire
- Repair + charging: "Bike Stops", search at: www.gardatrentino.it/de/outdoor/radwelt/bike-stop
- Bike shops with services in many towns on the lake, e.g. in Riva del Garda: www.gardabikeshop.com/de/garda-mtb-garage-de.html
- Malcesine: www.xtrememalcesine.com/de
- Hire + shuttle service: Velolake, G. Matteotti 85 and 80, Torbole sul Garda; also in Peschiera, Bardolino and Malcesine: https://velolake.com/de
Bike-friendly accommodation
- www.garda-see.com/unterkuenfte/bike
- www.gardatrentino.it/de/outdoor/radwelt/bikehotels
Info and planning
- www.gardasee.de
- www.garda-see.com
- www.gardatrentino.it
- ADFC regional map of Lake Garda
Cycle tour Brittany: The breath of the sea
With spectacular, rugged stretches of coastline, romantic fishing harbours, towns worth seeing and hilly landscapes, Brittany offers a huge variety of attractions. These can be discovered perfectly by bike thanks to a total of 2000 kilometres of cycle paths, even though a complete Brittany cycle route is currently being developed. Highlights include routes along former railway lines that have been converted into car-free "Voie Verte" cycle paths, for example the V6 cycle paths from Carhaix to Saint-Méen-le-Grand or V7 from Roscoff to Concarneau.
There are also some wonderful canals to cycle along, such as the La Vélodyssée long-distance cycle path along the Nantes-Brest canal. Or cycle from bay to bay along the coast from Morlaix to Saint-Brieuc. Many stops along the way are worthwhile in view of the scenic, historical and cultural sights. Although Brittany is sometimes rough even in summer due to the omnipresent wind, it is also mild in winter thanks to the Gulf Stream, which characterises the climate. The average temperature in January is over eight degrees.
Journey
- By train: Take the DB to Paris. From there, TGV to the cities of Rennes, Nantes and Brest. Regional trains continue to run in the region, on which bicycles can be taken free of charge and without reservation as long as there is space. Some TGVs and most Intercity trains offer bike compartments for a fee, for which a reservation is required directly at the station or online. Under "Tips" at: https://de.francevelotourisme.com
- By car: From the west of Germany in approx. 10 hours; from the east a few hours longer. The routes lead via Paris, motorways in France are subject to tolls. In Brittany, you are travelling on the two- to four-lane national roads (N) or the country roads between the sea and forests.
Highlights / Excursion tips
Carnac stone rows, Morlaix bay, pink granite cliffs on the north coast between Paimpol and Trébeurden, Saint-Brieuc bay and Paimpol, Pont-Aven ("village of painters"), Rennes old town, Belle-Ile-en-Mer island, Saint-Corentin cathedral in Quimper, Fougères castle.
Bike service and hire
The "Accueil Vélo" quality label corresponds to "Bett + Bike" in Germany, which can be found at: https://de.francevelotourisme.com/accueil-velo/unterkunft
Info and planning
- https://de.francevelotourisme.com/fahrradziele/bretagne
- www.bretagne-reisen.de/darauf-habe-ich-lust/fahrradurlaub-in-der-bretagne
- bikeline: Brittany Cycling Atlas
Cycling in Switzerland: Fatbiking in the snow
Here we have a special tip for you. Instead of seeking cycling pleasure in regions where it presumably rarely snows, some people like the adventure of cycling on snow. Fatbikes, in short mountain bikes with particularly thick tyres (up to 4.8 inches wide), are made for unusual surfaces. They act like snowshoes for the wheels.
As very few bikers own such a vehicle themselves, some regions have decided to simply hire them out. In Switzerland, several destinations are focussing on this special kind of fun. Winter biking is sometimes permitted on hiking trails, and downhill runs at real speed are also possible. So, if you fancy some real action: Let's get going!
Arrival
- By train: Perfect connections by DB and SBB to all major cities such as Basel, Zurich, Bern, Lucerne and Interlaken. From there, continue with SBB trains to your destination.
- By car: Please note the toll charges on motorways and motorway-like roads and for the road tunnels and any regulations regarding winter tyres or snow chains.
Places that offer fat biking
- Gstaad: www.gstaad.ch/winter/outdoor/winterbike.html
- Davos Klosters: www.davos.ch/aktivitaeten/schneesport/fatbiken-auf-pischa
- Engadin St. Moritz: www.engadin.ch/de/aktivitaeten/fatbiken
- Obergoms: www.goms.ch/aktivitaeten/weitere-aktivitaeten/fatbike
Info, accommodation etc.
www.myswitzerland.com
Achterhoek cycle tour (Netherlands): More than cosy
The "Hintere Winkel" translates as Achterhoek. However, if you travel from North Rhine-Westphalia to the neighbouring country, this region is the first one you pass through. Characteristic of this part of the Dutch province of Gelderland are the farms, the meadows and fields, the castles, fortresses and manor houses as well as the cosy small towns, including Bronkhorst (in the municipality of Bronckhorst), the smallest in the country with around 100 inhabitants. Like Bredevoort, for example, it enchants visitors with its winding alleyways, cobbled streets, ornate little houses and medieval churches.
The region is perfect for exciting cycle tours. The estates and castles route leads over 43 kilometres to many sights such as Bronkhorst, Suideras Castle, St Martin's Church in the village of Baak and the castles of Vorden and Hackfort. The Netherlands is known for its cycle-friendly culture; even in the rather rural Achterhoek, cyclists are in good hands here. And in the - largely - "flat country", winters are usually not particularly harsh. Incidentally, you are never immune to rain here, even in summer.
Arrival
- By train: The Achterhoek region can be reached via Arnhem, from where you can continue on regional trains and buses. Or take a short tour to your destination with your bike. You can usually take a bike on trains outside peak times, except on the ICE and Thalys. It is best to book in advance. There are also limited options for taking bikes on long-distance coaches.
- By car: Take the A3 or A30 motorway to Holland, then continue via the country roads (N) depending on your destination. The largest towns are Zutphen and Doetinchem.
Highlights / Excursion tips
Bronkhorst (smallest village in the Netherlands), Museum Villa Mondriaan (dedicated to the artist Piet Mondrian), Huis Berg Castle in 's-Heerenberg, Hackfort Estate in Vorden
Bike service and hire
Hire, repairs and co: At major railway stations and in almost every town. Where "Fietsers Welkom!" (Cyclists welcome!) is displayed, there are at least suitable tools and bicycle pumps. Charging stations are widespread.
Bike-friendly accommodation
In the Netherlands, addresses with the "Fietsers Welkom!" (Cyclists welcome!) offer cyclists an additional bicycle service.
- https://achterhoekferien.de/unterkunfte
- https://www.das-andere-holland.de/planen-sie-ihren-besuch/unterkunft-holland
Info and planning
- https://achterhoekferien.de
- www.hollandfahrradland.de
- www.das-andere-holland.de
- bikeline: Cycle tour Netherlands
- Publicpress: Achterhoek - Southern Westmünsterland: Cycling and hiking map
Cycle tour Andalusia: a variety of experiences
Spain's southernmost region offers diverse landscapes between the Atlantic Ocean (Costa del Sol) and the Sierra Nevada mountains. There are flat tours along the coast near Marbella. The "vias verdes" (greenways), which run along old railway lines, also offer a beautiful cycling experience. The lower-lying areas enjoy a pleasantly mild Mediterranean climate, with temperatures reaching almost 20 degrees Celsius even in the coldest month of January. And there are up to 320 days of sunshine.
Arrival
By aeroplane: Direct connections to Malaga, Seville, Granada and Jerez de la Frontera. Well-developed bus network. Many towns are easily accessible via the Spanish national railway network (RENFE). Please enquire in advance about bicycle transport: www.renfe.com/es/en/renfe-group/sustainable-transport/train-bike
Highlights / Excursion tips
Doñana National Park on the Atlantic coast, the cities of Granada (Alhambra), Córdoba (Mezquita), Málaga, Seville (Royal Palace, Cathedral) or Marbella, the "white villages" inland such as Frigiliana, Casares and others.
Rent a bike
There are good opportunities for bike hire, especially in the cities, e.g:
- https://malagabiketours.eu/de/fahrradverleih-malaga
- www.andalusienrentabike.de/e-bikes-neu
- www.fahrradverleih-marbella.com
- www.bikebase.es/de
Accommodation
- www.andalusien360.de/urlaub-reisen/unterkuenfte
- www.andalucia.org/de/unterkuenfte
Info and planning
- www.andalucia.org/de/fahrradtouren
- www.andalusien360.de
The distance is tempting: should I take the bike on the plane or hire one locally?
Mallorca, Gran Canaria, perhaps Lanzarote? There are dream destinations for cycle tour fans where it is still mild in winter, there are plenty of hours of sunshine and you can cycle wonderfully. But unfortunately, you can only get there by plane. It is possible to take your bike with you, but it is complicated. We briefly summarise some important aspects here.
E-bikes
Almost impossible to take with you. Some airlines allow you to carry a battery with a capacity of up to 160 watt hours (very low) - and then specially packed and declared. With a rather expensive transport case, batteries can be shipped in a cargo plane. Another solution would be to remove the battery and borrow a suitable one at your holiday destination. If the battery cannot be removed, the bike cannot be taken on holiday under any circumstances.
Touring bike without motor
Carriage is regulated differently. With some airlines, it counts as checked baggage, which is included in the ticket price, with others as sports baggage, which costs extra; intercontinental flights can cost over 200 euros. You should also check early on whether there is still room for your bike on a flight. If so, the bike must be "downsized" for carriage, i.e. the pedals, saddle or front wheel must be removed or - like the handlebars - placed in the most space-saving position. The exact regulations vary depending on the airline.
The bike then has to be packed, and there are various ways of doing this, from cardboard boxes (cheap!) to special bags or cases (more expensive). Nevertheless, damage can occur. It is therefore advisable to take out transport insurance, as the airlines are only liable up to a certain limit. Even this brief consideration shows how complex the matter is. Other aspects such as travelling to the airport or assembling the bike at the destination are also involved. This is certainly not everyone's cup of tea. So for those who can imagine a tour with a "third-party bike", local hire is the better alternative.
