Service for your individual cycling trip planning

The best way to find out more is to check the websites of the respective river cycle routes or consult the corresponding (free) brochures. You can find these in the download section here . You can also use the websites of cycling tour operators for inspiration and planning. You'll find further tips under the "Route Planner" menu item on this website.

When planning the length of the daily stages, very different factors must be taken into account. This makes it difficult to recommend a guideline. The following factors should be taken into account in individual planning:

• Fitness/condition: Would you like to take it easy? Or do you like cycling for three to four hours at a time?
• Available time frame: Plan time not only for the tour itself, but also for arrival and departure. Think about how many kilometers you can manage both in one day and over several consecutive days. Do you get on your bike shortly after sunrise or only after a hearty breakfast?
• Type of bike: With the electrical support of an e-bike or pedelec you can travel faster than without it.
• Holiday focus: Do you focus on cycling or are other activities also important to you? Do you want to concentrate entirely on “doing the route” or do you allow yourself time for sightseeing, longer breaks or similar things along the way?

By the way: overnight accommodation can be found almost everywhere along river cycle paths. Long gaps of more than 20 or 30 km between overnight accommodations are rare. Therefore, this criterion is less important with regard to the duration or length of a tour.

River cycle paths are usually signposted throughout (and in both directions) with the corresponding logo. In addition to the country's typical cycle traffic signage, there are inserts with signets of the respective cycle path at intersections. It should be noted that the color of the cycle path signage varies depending on the federal state (usually green and white, but in North Rhine-Westphalia, for example, red and white).

Digital aids such as route planners, GPX tracks or corresponding apps can help with orientation.

Ideally by train: on the one hand, this is environmentally friendly, and on the other hand, you don't have to "collect" a car at the end of the tour. When traveling by train, please note that tickets for bicycles must be booked separately and that the bicycle compartments on ICE trains are limited. Night train connections from the Netherlands and Belgium with European Sleeper and from Austria with ÖBB Nightjets enable a particularly convenient arrival and departure.

Alternatively, we recommend traveling by long-distance bus such as Flixbus, which has a Europe-wide network of connections.

If you are travelling by car, it is best to look for a parking space at the beginning or end of the cycle path. On the websites of the individual cycle paths you will usually find recommendations as to where you can park your car for a few days (and ideally free of charge).

You can consider the following tips:

• Take it slow (= short stages, just a few days)
• Plan time for activities besides cycling: There is so much to see and experience.
• Don't take too much luggage with you.
• Choose luggage carefully.
• There are “packing lists” on the Internet, for example here .

The question of compulsory helmet use has been controversial in Germany for years, but according to the current legal situation there is no obligation to wear a helmet. Even though the infrastructure for cyclists in Germany is very good and the “Germany's Top River Routes” are particularly characterized by their flat routes, it is recommended to wear a bicycle helmet. Children in particular should be protected and wear a well-fitting helmet.

If you are traveling with a pedelec or e-bike, you are also not required to wear a helmet in Germany (exception: e-bikes with motor support beyond 25 km/h.)

This is an individual decision. How important is it to you to ride your own bike (comfort, habit, etc.)? There is a range of high-quality rental bikes at reasonable prices on all river cycle paths. Some hotels also offer a bicycle rental service. It's best to find out more in advance on the river cycle path's website. The advantage of rental bikes is that arrival and departure are much easier.

We recommend a packed lunch for the day with (mainly) light food (glucose, muesli bars and fruit) and enough drinks. Accommodation providers often also offer a packed lunch for cyclists. As a rule, the gastronomic offerings on river cycle paths are large and varied, and there are always plenty of places to stop for refreshments.