This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).
Europe’s well-established cycling networks include dozens of child-friendly routes to help active families turn a weekend pastime into a thrilling holiday. Whether circling Alpine lakes, following the disused lines of once great railways, tracking the continent’s biggest rivers or hurtling downhill at dedicated adventure centres, there’s a trip for every age and ability.
1. Bannau Brycheiniog, Wales
Cycling level: BikePark Wales tracks cater for every level.
Just south of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, BikePark Wales has over 40 mountain bike trails slaloming down 1,200 acres of forested hillside. The park’s new ‘Ticket to Ride’, launched this Easter to run in school holidays, includes bike and kit hire plus four hours on beginner level runs. Beyond the park, families can try several other paths, such as the waterside Taff Trail from Brecon to Brynich Lock.
2. Lake Constance, Germany & Switzerland
Cycling level: beginner — cycle as far as you like each day, with ferry hops for added fun.
Dotted with lidos along its German and Swiss sections, the Lake Constance Cycle Path is suitable for hauling toddlers along in bike trailers. It passes through idyllic lakeside towns against a backdrop of Alpine peaks; tour operator Freedom Treks offers an itinerary from a single hotel base for maximum convenience.
3. Danube Cycle Path, Austria
Cycling level: beginner — the dedicated cycle paths are flat and smooth, making them suitable good for all.
The full Danube Cycle Path, covering eight countries and around 750 miles, is a bit ambitious for a family break, but bite-sized sections are ideal for even the youngest riders. One of the best is the Austrian segment from Linz to Vienna, following the flat riverside path through ancient towns, exploring crumbling castle ruins along the way. It’s a great journey for more adventurous families to plot independently, with hotels, guesthouses and campsites at regular intervals — plan your daily distances to suit your kids’ stamina, making sure to spend one night close to the grapes in the Wachau wine region.
4. Van Gogh Cycle Route, Netherlands
Cycling level: beginner — quiet and gentle; a great intro to cycling breaks.
Nearly 150 years ago, the thatched-roof villages, nature reserves and fields in northeastern Netherlands’s Drenthe province caught the eye of Vincent van Gogh. This new trail highlights the region where he lived and worked, and passes by the real-life scenes painted by the artist. The full route is made up of three loops of around 30 miles and is perfect for young cyclists, following flat country lanes and canal paths.
The Van Gogh Cycle Route in the Netherlands passes by the real-life landscapes painted by the artist.
Photograph by iStockphoto, Getty Images
5. Atlantic Coast Route, Portugal
Cycling level: intermediate — some hilly terrain calls for stronger riders.
Part of the continent-crossing EuroVelo network, the western end of the Atlantic Coast Route from Porto to Lisbon connects two great child-friendly cities. It’s an eight-day spin through one of Europe’s sunniest corners, skirting wide beaches, ragged coves and fishing villages with fresh seafood. Tour operator Love Velo offers a package, staying in three-star hotels en route.
6. Lake Garda to Venice, Italy
Cycling level: intermediate — the longer daily distances may be too much for younger riders.
The lure of pizza and gelato at the day’s end will keep youngsters pedalling hard on this tour across northern Italy, from the tranquil waters of Lake Garda to the gondolas of Venice’s canals. In between, riders cling close to the Adige River, passing through historic Verona, where young thespians can explore the giant central Roman amphitheatre and call up to the balcony that inspired Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet. Covering around 30 miles per day, it’s worth booking onto an organised tour with a tour operator like Skedaddle to get luggage transfers included.
7. Ciro Trail, Balkans
Cycling level: confident, with some gradients and a few off-road sections.
This path follows the old railway from Mostar in Bosnia & Herzegovina all the way to Dubrovnik on the Croatian Adriatic coast. Old station buildings have been converted into cheap, bike-friendly guesthouses and cafes for pit-stops along the 98-mile trail, and kids will be thrilled by the tunnel sections. En route, there are Roman and medieval ruins to explore and sparkling rivers for refreshing dips.
Published in the June 2024 issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).
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