Cute and Cuddly Pandas

The oldest and most renowned  sanctuary  is the Wolong Panda Reserve, located three hours outside of Chengdu. Besides a visit with the resident pandas here, don’t miss out on the opportunity to hike through some of Sichuan’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. The backdrop  of  deciduous and coniferous forest glades, groves of bamboo, and snowy peaks rising into the clouds is breathtaking.  From April to June, the blooming Rhododendron trees paint the mountain landscape in hues of purple and pink.   In October, fall arrives in a panoply of shades –  bright reds, yellows, and orange as the leaves change colors. . Who knows? You may even catch a rare glimpse of a wild panda. But even if you don’t, you’re bound to spot red pandas (a reddish, cat-sized mammal), snow leopards, wildebeest, and golden snub-nosed monkeys as well as the lovable bear.

At the Wolong Reserve

...And the countryside is spectacular...

Largely devastated by a catastrophic earthquake in 2008, the reserve’s Panda Research Center is set to re-open in October 2012. A  trip to the reserve around this time  will  give you the opportunity to be among the first to visit as you  participate in the excitement surrounding the center’s grand re-opening. Until then, the pandas can be seen  in their  temporary home at the Bi Feng Xia Panda Base in Ya’an, Sichuan, still in the Wolong preserve. Here, the pandas  are found   in 20 various enclosures (including a “Panda Kindergarten” for baby pandas) set along a beautiful mountain trek interspersed with streams and waterfalls.

Spotting the Red Panda

The Baby Kindergarten

Situated only a short distance from  Chengdu.  the world’s largest red and giant panda reserve,   the  Chengdu Panda Breeding Center, is  the best place to observe pandas, and one of China’s most precious national treasures. Here you can watch the  pandas in their natural environment as well as viewing  newborn pandas in incubators at the reserve’s research center. It’s best to arrive in the morning ,when the pandas are more active, and the crowds are sparse.    Photographers are advised to bring strong zoom lenses as taking up-close  pictures of pandas   is forbidden -  that is, unless you want to pay 1,000 yen, and  for that price, you are even allowed to hug a panda.

Munching on Lunch - mmm, this is crunchy!

Sichuan's gorgeous countryside - rice paddies

Set amongst Sichuan’s most gorgeous landscapes and providing enough opportunities for panda encounters to make any panda enthusiast squeal with glee, panda reserves offer visitors an opportunity to spend the day with one of the world’s rarest and most huggable creatures.

Yangshuo Panoramic View

Yangshuo, a small Chinese town  celebrated as the gateway to the breathtaking Li River is where you’ll  begin  your rafting experience.   

In Yangshuo

Blessed with two amazing rivers, Yangshuo  has by far  the most scenic routes and boating options in a region where bamboo rafting tours are plentiful.  Being very popular, these trips can be booked  almost anywhere and can be combined with one of the many cycling and climbing opportunities this area  provides.  Of the two rivers, each offers up its own attractions, but whichever one you choose, leave at sunrise to escape the crowds.

Li River Views

Li River – Yangshuo to Xingping – Though   very long, this is the Li River’s most picturesque stretch.  It won’t be disappointing, therefore, that most bamboo rafts here have given way to motorized vessels.     The spectacular views while sailing live up to their reputation, with the river, shrouded in fog, adding to the mystique.   Slowly snaking through the calm waters to the backdrop of giant cliffs and the fading mist, you’ll encounter scenes of farmers tilling their rice fields, bamboo groves, and locals washing their laundry on the river’s banks.  This particular stretch of the river is home to some of the most inspiring landscapes in China. The spectacular karst peaks rising out of bamboo forests  have even graced China’s 20 Yuan note. The trip comes to a close in the charming village of  Xingping, where you can explore quaint streets and shops or start on a long but awe-inspiring   cycling adventure back to Yangshuo.

Biking near XingPing

Yulong River – The Yulong River  provides an attractive alternative to the hustle and bustle of  the Li River.   Here, traditional bamboo rafts guided by poles are the main mode of transportation.

Picture of Yulong River  thanks to Qeqertaq from Wikimedia Commons and Ookaboo!

Rafting Down the Yulong River

 As you wind your way down the river, you’ll be enchanted by the   farmlands and hamlets unchanged for centuries, underneath venerable stone bridges, past the forests of the Big Banyan Tree Park, and over low-hanging weirs.

The Big Banyan Tree

 With its ragged karst mountains and charming pastoral atmosphere, the Yulong River landscape has an undeniable appeal. Complete your adventure with a climb up to nearby  Moon Hill, a huge hollow  arched  rock formation and  the symbol of Yangshuo, or a cycling trip through some of the most picturesque villages, along the bamboo lined river banks and rice fields.

Moon Hill

Rafting down the calm rivers of Yangshuo provides a mesmerizing adventure for adults and  kids alike.  Beyond some of the most spectacular scenery that Yangshuo and its rivers have to offer, this is a region blessed with a myriad of activities and adventures to captivate the entire family.

Lovely Zhongdian

The adventurous will delight in trekking through this sheltered region of incomparable beauty, the towns and villages of which offer a gateway for discovering Tibetan culture. The thirteen princes (or summits) of  Meili Xue Shan dominate a vista of massive snow-draped peaks rising above serenely calm and reflective lakes. At 6,740 m, the tallest of these, Kawagebo, dwarfs the surrounding mountains and commands the region with such an aura, it’s no wonder it’s considered the most sacred mountain in Tibet. Due to its religious significance as well as its difficulty,  this peak cannot be climbed, yet  the vast array of forests, canyons, and mountain trails that stretch out from beneath its shadow still make the area a hiker’s paradise.    

Kawagebo with Lake Bitahi in the Forefront

For animal and botanical exploration, check out the Bitahai Nature Reserve. Centuries-old pines and cypresses grow around the limpid waters of Bitahai Lake. Acres of azalea trees bloom in May, off-setting the surrounding groves of cedar, pine, and oak with waves of delicate pink flowerets. These dense virgin forests are home to numerous species of rare animals, including the red-footed pheasant, silver pheasant, wild bull, leopard and lynx.

Bitahai Nature Reserve in the Spring

Lake Bitahai

Horseback Riding in Bitahai Nature Reserve

An absolute must-see cultural attraction in the region is the Suntseling Monastery, founded in 1679, one of the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in all of China.

Walking up to the Monastery

Sumtseling Monastery

This vast architectural marvel houses a plethora of cultural and religious treasures, including rare Buddhist scriptures written on palm leaves and a 26-foot-high sculpture of Siddhartha Gautama Buddha, the 5th century BC Indian prince on whose teachings of asceticism and inner awareness Buddhism is based. Don’t miss the spectacular murals depicting deities, scenes from Buddha’s life, and the “Wheel of Life” which shows the six realms of existence: heaven, demigods, humankind, hell, ghosts, and animals.

Buddha Statue in Monastery

Soak up some of the predominantly Tibetan culture by visiting during one of the regional festivals. Enjoy several days of singing, dancing, eating, and general excitement at an annual horse racing festival in June. In September, the artistically-minded will delight in a festival that displays the works of minority artists of the region, a recent addition to Shangri-La’s cultural calendar.

View from atop the Monastery

Just like the legendary hidden paradise of Hilton’s novel, the Zhongdian region offers a chance for people of all ages to explore a world seemingly forgotten by time. For those wishing to experience the wonders of  earthly paradise, Shangri-La is the obvious choice

Lithuania’s Seaside Cycle Route provides 3 different options for family cycling trips in Lithuania. These 3 seaside trails all extend from the town of Klaipeda, the third largest city in the country, and branch off to either the town of Nida, Butinge or Rusnė Island.

With 200 km (125 miles) total of biking routes and 3 large bodies of water – the Baltic Sea, the  Curonian Lagoon, and the Nemunas River – this journey includes spectacular views of forests, sand dunes, and the sea, and will have you experiencing UNESCO World Heritage sites, museums, and some amazing beach culture.
 

The White Sands of the Curonian Spit

Your family cycling trip in Lithuania surrounded by water on the Curonian Spit

The trek to Nida starts with a brief ferry ride from the middle of Klaipeda out to the start of the  Curonian Spit. Your journey takes you cycling across the entire 52 km length of the island. Curonian Spit National Park occupies the entire Spit and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll take in the beauty of the area’s sand dunes, which open up to the sweeping vistas of the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other.

Nida Bike Route. This photo of Nida is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Trakai Castle in Nida. This travel blog photo’s source is TravelPod page: Labas from Lithuania

Stop through the quaint fishing towns of Preila, Perualka, Juodkrante, and Nida, and perhaps visit some of the amazing sculptures, monuments, and wide open beaches along the way. One of the most popular stops is at the  Hill of Witches, a series of sculptures portraying characters from both pagan traditions and Lithuanian folklore. 

On the Hill of Witches

See the beaches going north to Butinge

The second  option on your family cycling trip in Lithuania is to  head up the coast to the Latvian border. The trip  to the city of Butinge, which borders Latvia, is the shortest of the 3 cycle routes at 49 km. This journey is steeped in history and relaxation. You’ll start off by cycling through Seaside Regional Park in the former Soviet military site that today comprises the towns of Giruliai and Nemiresta. Along this journey you’ll see sculptures, beautifully designed bridges extending over rivers and ponds, and experience a couple of  great sea museums.

Along the Seaside Cycle Route

The highlight of the Klaipeda to Butinge route is perhaps the city of Palanga, which you’ll reach about halfway through your journey. Palanga is the most popular summer resort  in Lithuania and during the holiday months you can find beaches packed with easy-going families and other vacationers lounging on the shores, playing games, and taking in the sun. The trampolines that line the beach in certain areas her may surprise you, as you don’t see this on most beaches, hop on  and bounce away!

Palange - It's Beautiful Museum and Grounds

Take in the lowland down to Rusnė Island

Of the 3 routes on your family cycling trip in Lithuania, the longest in the Seaside Cycle Route is the journey to Rusnė Island (115 km).  This route has you and your family biking down mainly major roads and comes to a head at Nemunas Delta Regional Park, famous as the largest  gathering place of water birds throughout the entire Baltic Sea region.

Nemunas Delta

The whole of  Rusne Island  is contained by polders, which makes for a rather interesting sight, one that is unlike any other in the country. Because the area is in such an extreme lowland, years ago the residents were forced to build the polders to keep their island from constantly flooding.

View of Rusne Island

Finding your route and setting off on a family cycling trip through Lithuania

This is really a great trip to discover the natural and cultural beauty of Lithuania from the seat of your bicycle. Try one of the 3 Seaside Cycle Routes or make a complete trip and attempt all 3!

The diverse scenery and challenging terrain in the southern England county of Devon makes for a great family cycling adventure through England. Devon is the 4^th most populated county in England and contains numerous parks and amazing views as well as 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in England that is completely natural, the Dorset and East Devon coast – known as the Jurassic Coast.

Devon's Scenic Cycling Paths

Splendid Jurassic Coast

Take in the history and beauty on your family cycling trek through England

Taking the biking trails through Devon will take you crisscrossing across the entire county. You’ll stop at historic sites, such as the town of Barbican, the site where the Mayflower embarked on its journey to America in 1620, and Dartmoor National Park, which is home to numerous historical sites and monuments including the ancient villages of Grimspond and Chagford.

In  Dartmoor National Park photo is courtesy of TripAdvisor

You’ll ride through beautiful scenery in Vineyards, coastal cliffs, and the English countryside, draped in fields of lavender and gold, and all along the way, stop at quaint little B&Bs, hotels, restaurants, cafes, and pubs.

The Gorgeous Devon Countryside

Get to know the water on your family cycling adventure through England

There are many chances for your family to get moving in the water during your trip. Cycling through the sweeping Dart Valley, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the beautiful scenery and perhaps even hop in the rapids of Dart River on board a canoe or kayak! As you ride past vineyards on your way to the river side town of Dartmouth, then to East Portsmouth, Salcombe, and Kingsbridge you’ll find waterways   in almost every town  in your  Devon travels.   Next, take a break at Hope Cove along the sea. Here you can relax in the village’s hidden cove or try your hand at a bit of surfing.

Approaching Salcombe

One of the highlights of the trip is arriving in Devon’s largest city, Plymouth. This beautiful city, set between two rivers, dates back to the Bronze Age.  Take in the splendid  views of the city here , including the breathtaking harbor. You’ll also get some great eats and drinks here – and maybe even some souvenirs.

Lovely  Plymouth photo  is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Making lifetime memories on your family cycling trip through England

For the rugged family, cycling through England doesn’t get much better than in the southern county of Devon. The entire county is well laid out and geographically friendly to cyclists of almost any skill level and experience. While you bask in the experience of traveling through the beauty of the various English terrains on bike, you’ll also get a lesson in history and culture. The perfect combination  for any family cycling excursion through England!

The country of Finland seems to have been geographically crafted specifically for cycling. With relatively flat riding surfaces all around the country and some jaw-dropping scenery – from scattered islands, lakes, and forests, to relaxing farmlands and cozy little villages – everywhere you go.

Combine this with the measures put in place by the Finish people, such as separate biking paths in almost every major city and town and an interconnected network of over 70 marked national cycle routes across the country, and you’ve got yourself a country that is a serious cycling utopia.

Cycling in Finland - Splendid Views on the Way

Where to go for the best family cycling in Finland

If you’re looking for the ideal family cycling adventure in Finland there are a variety of trips to choose from. You can go anywhere from the summer hotspot town of Turku all the way to above the arctic circle where in the midsummer, the sun never sets and if you’re one of the lucky visitors, you’ll experience the wondrous sight of the Aurora Borealis, commonly known as the Northern Lights.

Cycling Through Turku

Gorgeous Turku Archipelago

The capital has what you are looking for in family cycling the Finland way

The region around the capital of Helsinki offers some amazing cycling opportunities for families as well as some great day trip bike outings throughout some of the surrounding cities and villages.

Exploring Helsinki thanks to its great bike paths

Start your adventure in Helsinki where bike paths are plentiful and there is a long list of sites to see.  Start at the city’s center marketplace

Helsinki's Central Marketplace

 and continue to the symbol of the city, the popular  Helsinki Cathedral. Helsinki is a modern city that blends 18^th and 19^th century architecture with ultra-modern structures.  One of these is  the Kiasma, the city’s contemporary art museum. All  these sites are  easily accessible via the city’s bike paths.

Helsinki's Great Parks and Paths - Biking is Easy Here!

Helsinki Cathedral

Next, make a reservation to take a cruise to the medieval city of Porvoo, some 50 km away.. This relaxing 4 hour cruise welcomes cyclists and their bikes and will let you and your family enjoy the amazing scenery of sweeping ocean views surrounding the Finland coast, including all the little islands scattered across the shores of the Baltic Sea .

Family cycling in Finland gets medieval in Porvoo

 Once in Porvoo, spend  the night at one of the town’s great inns and wake up to the charms of this  little village. Porvoo is one of only 6 medieval towns in Finland and it has an expressly old town aura. Take a short trip just outside of town and visit the burial grounds that date back to the Bronze Age, in the village of Suomenkyla.

Porvoo's Shorehouses

 Some tours may take you over to the Tuusula Lake community, which has been a renowned artist colony for generations and is another quaint little village where you and your family can relax.   

Get out and start discovering the beauty of Finland

There are a number of family cycling trips in Finland that will leave you with memories for a lifetime. All along the way there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and fun activities steeped in character that your entire family will love.

The terrain, weather and welcoming cities and villages spread out across Italy offer cyclists of almost every skill level a diverse and satisfying array of challenges as well as memorable opportunities for relaxing and experiencing the Italian people and their culture.

The views of Italy:  Your family cycling adventure in Sicily

Italy is famous for its cross-country cycling opportunities and thanks to treks offering, for example, roads with sweeping mountain views winding down exhilarating pathways past rich forests, sprawling wheat fields, and abundant vineyards, until finally making their way to the awe-inspiring views of the sparkling sapphire blue Tyrrhenian Sea, cycling has become a national Italian pastime over the past 60 years.  Nowhere is this more true than in the southwest Italian island of Sicily.

Vineyards, Olive Groves and Great Views

ancient Olive Groves

 Well, what kind of trip do you want?

The highly experienced and ambitious cycling family can chart their own course through the Sicilian countryside, or – for those who either would like to have a guide to add historical and cultural commentary or who might not feel as confident tackling this beautiful island solo – there are many tour guide companies that offer highly celebrated family cycling adventures of Sicily,  with journeys ranging from 4 to 8 nights long.

Depending on which company you choose, you’ll gather  in their starting city, where you’ll meet with your tour guide and get fitted for your bike. Most, if not every, meal and sleeping accommodation will be taken care of by the company and will be included in your package cost. After the initial meeting and trip rundown, you’ll start the adventure.

Get the maximum exposure of Italy on your family cycling adventure in Sicily

 Day after day on your trip, you’ll cover about 45km (27 miles) and explore either the mountainous, forested, or sun-soaked coastal regions of Sicily (sometimes all three in one day!), all the while stopping at cities such as Palermo, Monreale, Segesta, Noto, and Ragusa, where you will tour medieval castles, cathedrals, temples, buildings, and historical sites of Roman, Arabic, European, and Greek architecture and design.

Palermo

Ancient Buildings - Monreale Cathedral

The Ancient Doric Temple at Segesta

You’ll stay at hotels and inns in little Italian villages that are well-appointed and beyond personal, and you’ll experience food and wines, the tastes of which you won’t soon forget. The island of Sicily is known for its undying hospitality,  its warm, welcoming people, its  amazing cuisine and its palette-pleasing wines, made from grapes grown in the island’s fertile volcanic ash.  And you’ll experience it all with your family on your cycling adventure of Sicily!

Enjoy Great Food

...And great wine!

Explore the mountains, coast, and beyond, during your trek

 During your family cycling adventure in Sicily, you’ll have one, if not two, resting days where you and your family can either opt for an extra cycling excursion (ending up back in the same town), walk around the city you’re staying in, or travel to one of the amazing Mediterranean islands just off the coast of Sicily.

Cycling excursions in  Sicily can range between $3000 and $4000.  This may perhaps be a bit pricey, but it does include all your sleeping accommodations, the guide, and most every meal and wine tasting in which  you’ll participate.

Typical Sicilian Panoramas - Ragusa

If biking your way through the classically stylish towns of Sicily – past the pastures, orchards, olive groves, and vineyards to breathtaking views of the mountains and the coast – sounds like your idea of a great holiday, then begin  planning your family cycling adventure of Sicily today and start out on your journey to this amazing island!

Cycling through Croatia’s beautiful, untouched countryside and its majestic national parks offers up some amazing views and experiences. However, to do so you need to have nerves of steel, due in part to the country’s one-lane roads, where cars zoom by cyclists with great tenacity.

Biking in the Hills of Croatia

Cycling through Croatia… on a boat

For many families looking for an incredible cycling adventure in Croatia, the most exciting option is a combination bike and boat trip of the Croatian islands just off the country’s Dalmatian Coast. On this adventure, you’ll go from island to island, all the while traveling the seas in between in a beautiful sail boat where you and your family can lay down and soak up the warm Mediterranean sun or take in the sweeping views of the Adriatic Sea.  On the way, you’ll  visit some of the most beautiful cities along the country’s coastline, exploring the unique cultures and wondrous natural terrains of each location.

Getting Ready for Your Sailing and Biking Adventure

..And Soaking up the sun...

Getting  a bike and boat package

There are several companies that offer guided tours of the Croatian islands and coastline and most will include the proper bike and equipment as well as hotel accommodations and transportation of your luggage from location to location. You’ll start your trip by getting fitted for the correct bike for your size and weight, and then head out.

Get a feel for the past while cycling across Croatia and her coastal cities

Your trip will have the whole family exploring the remarkably well-preserved medieval cities of Croatia – the  port city of Split, where you’ll delight in the numerous wine cellars and the ancient Roman ruins throughout the town – and  Dubrovnik, an important center  in the region since   the 13^th century, also renowned  for  its architecture of Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic design as well as its Dingac & Postup wine regions.

Split

Medieval Dubrovnik

Cycling on Dubrovnik's Ancient Walls

Let’s hit the islands!

The islands you might explore include Brijuni, Mljet, Hvar, and Korcula. Each island has its own incredible culture and history with some being great fishing ports and some being tourist hotspots. Many of the cities and islands are actual environmentally protected UNESCO sites and offer great unspoiled national parks and cycling treks.

Arriving at Korcula

Marco Polo's House in Korcula

Hvar, for example, is famous for its gently rolling hills of olive groves, fruit orchards, pine forest, and lavender fields while Korcula, the birthplace of the famous world traveler, Marco Polo, offers the charm of an old-world Roman sailing and fishing town. Try their special fish stew or the octopus.

Lovely Hvar

 Take time to appreciate the history and beauty you’re experiencing

These islands and coastal cities have been inhabited by people since as far back as the Neolithic period and have all the culture to go with such a deep history. They also feature gorgeous sprawling views of coastal cliffs, stunning little bays, and lovely beaches, scattered across the Dalmatian coast. Some of the boat and bike tours actually have you sleeping on the boat.  You’ll be able to sleep out on the sea on your “floating hotel”,  and if you wish to take a day off from cycling, you’re more than welcome to stay on the boat and lounge around, taking in the beautiful Mediterranean sun  and remarkable coastline of Croatia.

Great Panoramas while biking Croatia

 If cycling through Croatia and the country’s many famous islands sounds like the perfect adventure for your family, start planning today!

There is a lovely variety of breathtaking sceneries, cultures, and experiences, just waiting for the adventurous family to indulge in during a cycling trip through Spain’s Andalusia region. Against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada mountain range, you’ll explore caves, parks, and the beach, all while stopping for exciting river excursions, historical and cultural explorations, and opportunities for horseback riding and hiking.

Cycling to the Backdrop of the Sierra Nevadas

Voyage through the years past in Andalusia

Andalusia encompasses a massive territory of land and offers many types of terrain for cycling, from the ultra challenging to the easy going. It’s the second largest of all the 17 autonomous communities of Spain and it is has the highest population. Over the centuries Andalusia has been ruled by the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Vandals, the Visigoths, the Byzantines and the Islamic Empire, and each empire has left their mark throughout each city, town, and village, you’ll roll through.

Views on the Way

The pueblos blancos: a sight like nowhere else in the world

One of the most famous parts of Andalusia  and one of the most unique experiences on your cycling adventure through Spain is visiting the “pueblos blancos”,” or the white villages. These are a series of coastal towns and villages that reside along cliffs where every building throughout each town is painted in all white with red or brown roofs.

View of a Pueblo Bianco

One of the most enchanting towns you’ll come across during your tour of the pueblos blancos is the town of Ronda. Much of this white-clad city stretches across seaside and riverside cliffs and offers visitors magnificent views of the sea and the city. Ronda’s most popular attractions are its 3 main bridges; Puente Romano, Puente Viejo, and Puente Nuevo. Walking across each bridge will give you great views from an amazing perspective.

Entering Ronda

Ronda

Then its on to the big city

When you roll through the capital city of Seville on your cycling adventure through Spain’s Andalusia area, you’ll be engulfed in one of the country’s largest urban regions, with over 1.5 million people and all the trappings of any great metropolitan area.

In Seville

Plenty of museums, parks, and gardens greet you and your family in Seville, and the city is completely cyclist-friendly. One of the most popular sites is the Cathedral of St. Mary. Built during the Roman period and currently the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, the Cathedra of St. Mary is also famous for being the burial site of Christopher Columbus.

Alcaza Garden in Seville

Your cycling adventure through Spain will be the trip of a lifetime

Being the southernmost part of Europe (only kilometers from the Northern tip of Africa), Andalusia has wonderful weather for year-round cycling. It’s Mediterranean climate and range of elevations has given it several ecosystems that are each a great time riding through. Aside from the urban areas and the quaint villages, Andalusia also boasts 2 national parks and 24 natural parks, all with their own unique experiences, such as ancient cave dwellings and exotic wildlife, and a wealth of incredible activities for family members of all ages.

Spain is well-loved among the world cycling community and Andalusia will give you a well-rounded cycling adventure through Spain for you and your family to talk about for several years to come. If you think this all sounds like your family’s type of cycling adventure, start planning your trip today!

The Saar Cycle Route in western Germany along the Germany-France border is one of the most renowned biking paths in the country.  Starting out in Sarreguemines, France, it spans 98 km before reaching its end in Trier, Germany, where the Saar River flows into the Moselle.  Thanks to it’s almost entirely flat trekking surfaces, its seclusion from heavy traffic areas, and the abundance of charming towns and spectacular views along the way, this route is also very family-oriented  . The Saar Cycle Route is even designated as a 4-star premium route by the German Cyclists’ Federation!

Family Cycling on the Saar Path

Getting to know you cycling adventure through Germany

The first thing you must do before planning your cycling adventure through Germany is decide what kind of trip you are looking for. There are 3 main options here. First, you can elect to buy a book or two, do a bit of research, visit some websites with user ratings and comments, and go on a completely solo cycling tour of the Saar.

Secondly, there are many companies that offer a service where, for a fee, the company produces a complete itinerary and cycling map for you, including booking all accommodations and bike/equipment rentals – some will even arrange for your luggage to be transferred with you.

The final option is to take a guided tour of the Saar where you’ll receive everything that the non-guided tour offers, only with a real life guide that knows the area.

Cycling this route offers great views!

Take note of German national holidays before you plan your trip

If you decide on a completely self-guided tour, it would be best to schedule it around one of the German national holidays, since lodging accommodations fill up quickly and other sightseeing activities might be rather crowded around this time.

The joys of exploring the Saar during you cycling adventure in Germany

 The guided tours through the Saar region are great for families. They are leisurely and not too challenging (only about 2 feet of slope per mile and most of the roads and paths are either asphalt or nice old town paths), while also stopping at some exciting cultural and historical sites. You’ll cycle across the German countryside of sprawling mountains dotted with quaint villages, charming lakes, and incredible medieval castles.

Quaint Villages...

...River views...

…And Castle Views – all on the way!  This photo of Germany is courtesy of TripAdvisor  

During the trip , you may want to  stop in  Saarbrucken to view its picturesque  baroque buildings, or  in Saarburg,  where you may enjoy a coffee under the town’s beautiful waterfall;  

Stop for coffee in Saarburg..

you’ll tour the  House of Villeroy and Boch in Mettlach, where you’ll learn the incredible history of the famed German manufacturer;  you’ll enjoy the magnificent views of rolling hills, sweeping vineyards, breathtaking meadows, and the rich character of the German countryside from atop the Saar Bow,  an incredible natural wonder where the river twists back on itself in a tight bend.   You’ll even have the chance to stop off along the way at one of the several wine tasting rooms for which this region is renowned.

HOuse of Villeroy and Boch

The last leg of your cycling adventure through Germany

 The path comes to an end in the town of Trier, a charming town where the Saar route meets the Moselle River. Here you can spend a day or two wandering around the town, taking in the great architecture and the wonderfully friendly residents before going home or moving on to the next journey in your German or European adventure.

The Saar Bow - on your way to Trier

Discover a countryside not accessible to most cyclists in the world

Cycling through the Moselle River Valley on the Saar Cycle Route will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life. You’ll meet great people and see some of the best natural and man-made sites on earth. If you’re eager to get started on your cycling adventure in Germany, don’t wait, start planning today!