EuroVelo 15 Rhine Cycle Route

From Basel to Karlsruhe, through Alsace and the German vineyards
Contains the tracks of the whole stage, including well developed sections but also parts of the route under development or at the planning stage.
Contains only parts of the stage which are either developed, developed with signs or certified – i.e. sections that are ready to cycle.
Your contribution helps towards keeping these official GPX tracks up-to-date and freely available to download.
License & Disclaimer

These EuroVelo GPX tracks are made available under the Open Database License. While ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centers and Coordinators (NECCs) make every effort to ensure the tracks and their levels of development are both current and accurate, errors or outdated information can occur. The user is fully responsible for his or her own safety when making use of the tracks and for following national traffic rules and signing.

Please download and read the complete How to use gpx tracks and License and disclaimer documents before using the tracks.

From the Swiss border onwards, the Rhine forms a natural border between France and Germany. The Rhine Cycle Route follows the two banks for over almost 200 kilometres, alongside nature reserves and hydroelectric works, picturesque villages and Strasbourg – one of the capitals of Europe – before entering the German city of Karlsruhe. On the French side, the route is dotted with locks and typical Alsace villages with characteristic churches. On the German side, EuroVelo 15 passes through the Markgräfler Land, a renowned wine-growing region, and Rastatt, a town boasting magnificent Baroque monuments. There are several safe crossings over the Rhine to link the two French and German variants of the EuroVelo 15: the cycle bridges in Huningue, Chalampé, Strasbourg (3 bridges) and Gambsheim, as well as the ferries in Rhinau, Drusenheim and Seltz.

Stages
Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified These sections were awarded the official EuroVelo Certification label, ensuring high-quality cycling conditions.They were surveyed in the field by EuroVelo Route Inspectors to respect minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels, surface quality, EuroVelo signage, and access to services as defined by the European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology. EuroVelo Certified routes are the best options for beginners!
  • Developed + Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic, rideable surfaces, and EuroVelo signs along the route. Developed routes with signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app as signs can have defects.
  • Developed + Not Signed These sections offer generally good cycling conditions, with limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, but without EuroVelo signs. Developed routes without signs are suitable for most cyclists. However, short stretches with lower-quality conditions may occur, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app.
  • Partially Developed + Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, even though EuroVelo signs are in place. Partially developed routes with signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Partially Developed + Not Signed Cycling is possible here, but conditions vary. Some stretches may have high motorised traffic or poor surfaces, and EuroVelo signs are not in place. Partially developed routes without signs are suitable for experienced cyclists only, and it is warmly recommended to bring a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centres are working on improvements.
  • Undeveloped / Unknown These sections do not meet minimum requirements for motorised traffic levels or surface quality – or their conditions are currently unknown. They may include dangerous stretches. Cyclists choosing to cycle there should use a map or navigation app and check national/regional websites for more information. It is recommended to use public transport to skip these areas where possible.
  • Public transport link These sections include continuity across seas or rivers and undeveloped parts of the network that can be skipped with a reliable public transport connection allowing bicycle transport.

Markers

  • Natural Heritage
  • UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Cultural Heritage
  • Culinary Delights
  • Maritime Heritage / The Rhine / The Meuse
  • Other Point of Interest
  • Service
  • Bus station
  • Train station
  • Mobility info center

National & Regional Information

Réseau vélo et marche

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

Réseau vélo et marche is a network of local authorities committed to the development of active mobility in France. Since 2011, it has operated as national coordination centre for EuroVelo in France, monitoring the development of the European cycle route network at the national level.

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ADFC: German Cyclists’ Association

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

The German Cyclists’ Association (ADFC) has over 240,000 members and is the largest lobby group for cyclists in Germany and worldwide. It advises on all issues relating to bicycles: law, technology and tourism. Politically, the ADFC is committed to the consistent promotion of bicycle traffic and cycle tourism at regional, national and international levels.

030 2091498-0
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Federal Logistics and Mobility Office (BALM)

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

The Federal Logistics and Mobility Office (BALM) is the central lead partner for the promotion of cycling on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Transport. The BALM is the is the first point of contact for a lot of questions referring to the funding and the promotion of bicycle traffic. Thus, the BALM makes an essential contribution to the sustainable shaping of a safe, environmentally suitable mobility and to the accomplishment of the climate protection goals in the area of mobility. The Cycle Network Germany office at BALM is the project organiser for the German national cycle network. It forms the network of cycle routes of national importance and consists of the thirteen D-Routes, the German Unity Cycle Route and included the Iron Curtain Trail.

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France Vélo Tourisme

France Vélo Tourisme platform offers many major cycling routes and destinations in France, including mountain bike routes, practical advices for traveling by bike, a route calculator with a map, as well as contact details for Accueil Vélo service providers throughout the country.

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Accueil Vélo

"Accueil Velo" is a national accreditation scheme guaranteeing a high quality of services for cyclists using French cycle routes. You will find accommodations, bike rental and repair companies, restaurants, tourist offices and places to visit.

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SwitzerlandMobility

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

Further information on EuroVelo routes 5, 6, 15 and 17 can be found on the website switzerlandmobility.ch or in the free SwitzerlandMobility app. Each route has a detailed photo gallery, a description as well as information on distance, elevation profile, difficulty levels and how to get there by public transport. You can also find accommodation, places of interest, cycle service and rental stations, or closures and detours along the route.

+41 31 313 02 70
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[EuroVelo 15] D-Route 8

This website contains information on the German D-Route 8, with a description of the route, an online map with a route planning function and an option to download the route tracks.

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Rhine Route: Andermatt–Basel

In Switzerland, the national Rhine Route follows the Alpine river from mountain source to the large Rhine port at Basel. A vastly varied trip through diverse landscapes hewn by the mighty river over the ages.

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ADFC Quality Cycle Routes and ADFC Bicycle Travel Regions

Currently, 44 quality routes in Germany, 2 quality routes abroad and 6 bicycle travel regions carry the ADFC seal of quality. The link provides more information.

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ADFC's brochure "Discover Germany by bike"

On the online presentation of the ADFC's brochure you will find a selection of the most beautiful bike routes in Germany.

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Bett+Bike - Bicycle Friendly Accommodation

Around 5,900 hotels, guesthouses, youth hostels, nature houses and camping sites are tailored to the needs of cyclists. Guest companies meeting ADFC quality criteria are marked with a sign at the entrance.

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Bicycle Route Planner in Germany

This platform enables seamless cycling route planning across Germany! Plan your trip and download the GPX tracks of German D-Routes in open data.

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German Tourism Center e.V., DZT

The DZT has promoted Germany abroad on behalf of the federal government for more than 60 years. It advertises the touristic diversity of Germany throughout the world. It therefore advertises for one of the biggest and most popular brands - the travel country Germany. A selection of attractive long distance cycle routes can be found on www.germany.travel with route descriptions and references of Bed+Bike establishments.

+49 (0)69 974640
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Cycling in Alsace

Alsace has a 1550-mile network of cycle paths. Its scale makes Alsace one of the top cycling regions in France. Three EuroVelo routes pass through the region, including EuroVelo 5, 6 and 15. All the necessary information about the major international route and the regional and local paths branching off from it, can be found on the Alsace à Vélo website.

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HA Hessen Agentur GmbH - Tourismus- und Kongressmarketing

The tourism- and congress marketing department of the HA Hessen Agentur GmbH is responsible for the promotion of the long-distance cycle routes within the federal state of Hesse. The Rhine Cycle Route is one of the routes. Detailed information about the Rhine Cycle Route - including an online -route -planner - can be found on the website of "Radroutenplaner Hessen" in several languages.

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Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

Romantic Rhine Tourism is the authority responsible for the promotion of the Rhine Cycle Route (RCR) in Rhineland-Palatinate. The RCR passes through the three touristic destinations of the Palatinate, Rhine Hesse and the romantic Rhine valley.

+49 (0) 2621/ 925350
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Tourismus Marketing GmbH Baden-Württemberg

South-west Germany is cycling country. With its extensive network of quiet back roads through the hills of the Swabian Alb and the Black Forest, you can pedal alone, with friends or family, taking it easy or riding hard. On TMBW's website you can find all the important information about the Rhine Cycle Route in Baden-Württemberg, like maps, cyclist friendly accommodation or information about tourist sights.

0711 / 2 38 58 0
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Tourismus North Rhine-Westphalia e.V.

Tourismus NRW e.V. is the authority responsible for the coordination, communication and promotion of the Rhine Cycle Route's North Rhine-Westphalian section. The routes in the federal state follow the river on both of its banks providing scenic views of the river every now and then. The route is largely flat with an excellent infrastructure.

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Related news

Maps & Guides

EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Cycle Route Handbook

From the source to the mouth: 1233 kilometres of cycling fun! You are looking for cyclist-friendly accommodation close to Andermatt? You are interested in seeing Düsseldorf’s sights? You fancy trying Alsatian “Flammkuchen” in Strasbourg or wine in Rhineland Palatinate or perhaps you would like to rent a bike on the Dutch coast? Step by step, or better put stage by stage, you will find all the transnational information as well as helpful tour tips and tricks. You can download the handbook here.

EuroVelo 15: Rhine Cycle Route - part 1 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This german-language cycling guide describes EuroVelo 15 in Switzerland between Andermatt and Basel (429 km). The perfect tool before and during your journey: precise and informative maps, 1:50,000 scale, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory. Can be used even without any knowledge of German. English translation of the map legend and the user manual of the guide available at esterbauer.com/international.

EuroVelo 15: Rhine Cycle Route - part 2 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This german-language cycling guide describes EuroVelo 15 in Germany and France between Basel and Mainz (415 km). The perfect tool before and during your journey: precise and informative maps, 1:75,000 scale, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory. Can be used even without any knowledge of German. English translation of the map legend and the user manual of the guide available at esterbauer.com/international.

EuroVelo 15: Rhine Cycle Route - part 3 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This german-language cycling guide describes EuroVelo 15 in Germany between Mainz and Duisburg (304 km). The perfect tool before and during your journey: precise and informative maps, 1:75,000 scale, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory. Can be used even without any knowledge of German. English translation of the map legend and the user manual of the guide available at esterbauer.com/international.

EuroVelo 15: Rhine Cycle Route - part 4 [Bikeline Esterbauer]

This german-language cycling guide describes the section of the EuroVelo cycle route in Germany from Köln and in the Netherlands (450 km). The perfect tool before and during your journey: precise and informative maps, 1:75,000 scale, elevation and distance profiles, GPS tracks, accommodation and service directory. Can be used even without any knowledge of German. English translation of the map legend and the user manual of the guide available at esterbauer.com/international.

Events

"Rhine in Flames" (Rhein in Flammen®)

On five evenings from May to September, fireworks illuminate the towns, castles and banks of the Middle Rhine Valley. Thousands enjoy the spectacle from land or on board festively illuminated ships. The echo of the fireworks reverberates through the valley. Each venue offers a unique experience with its own atmosphere. Bonn: 2nd May // Bingen/Rüdesheim: 4th July // Spay-Koblenz: 8th August // Oberwesel: 12th September // St. Goar: 19th September ©Dominik Ketz/Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH, …

Cinema Open Air

The Kieswerk Open Air is more than just an open-air cinema. It is complemented by musical performances, an extensive culinary offering and the presentation of art. The location where the Kieswerk Open Air takes place is also special: On the garden grounds between the former mixing plant of the previous gravel pit and the architecturally remarkable 'Landscape Formation One' by star architect Zaha Hadid, impressive films can be enjoyed in an unique atmosphere on mild summer nights. ©Oliver Welti

Wine Path in Flames

Since 2005, the members of the interest group "Weinweg" have been organizing the popular event "Wine Path in Flames," which takes place on the hamlet Weinweg on the Tüllinger Berg. Over four kilometers, amid the vineyards, visitors can enjoy nature, a magnificent view, exquisite local wines and a diverse selection of culinary delights. At dusk, when Swedish torches illuminate the path and a burning fire tower sends sparkling sparks into the evening sky, a bit of magic also comes into play. The …

Bingen Wine Festival

For eleven days, the people of Bingen celebrate the longest wine festival on the Rhine. Absolute highlights include the musical fireworks at Burg Klopp, the romantic fireworks at the bridge festival on the Nahe, the wine tasting of selected wines paired with a multi-course menu, and the traditional winemakers' parade through Bingen's city center on the second Sunday. Live music on all days, exhibitions, and the amusement park in the Hindenburganlage.The wine festival carries the quality seal "R…

Red Wine Festival Ingelheim

For nine days, from September 26 to October 4, the Ingelheim winemakers will present their latest and finest vintages at the Red Wine Festival in the unique ambiance of the Burgkirche grounds. Here, you can expect a variety of exquisite wines that will delight your palate. Experience the unique atmosphere of the Red Wine Festival as you are enchanted by live music and entertainment. The wine festival carries the quality seal "Rheinhessen AUSGEZEICHNET". ©Michael Bellair

Services

Accueil Vélo (Cyclists Welcome)
France
EV5 EV6 EV15
national

Along the French cycle routes France Vélo Tourisme offers a wide range of services with Accueil Vélo, a national accreditation scheme guaranteeing a high quality of welcome and services for cyclists. This includes accommodations, restaurants, places to visit, tourist offices as well as bike rental and repair companies, all available to be explored on an interactive map. The “Accueil Vélo” brand is used in various regions in France, such as along the La Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6) as well as in the region of Alsace. (EuroVelo 5, 6 and 15).

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bett+bike
Germany
EV2 EV3 EV4 EV5 EV6 EV7 EV8 EV9 EV10 EV12 EV13 EV15 EV17
national

The bett+bike logo by ADFC can be found not only in Germany but in many other countries such as Austria, Belgium or Denmark. On the website certified accommodations are divided in four categories: bett+bike hosts, sports, camping and holiday homes. In addition, the results can be subdivided into regions and cycle routes.

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Switzerland Mobility
Switzerland
Liechtenstein
EV5 EV6 EV15 EV17
national

On SwitzerlandMobility, you will find selected bicycle-friendly accommodation. These have a lockable bicycle storage room, bicycle repair kit, and washing and drying facilities for clothing. On the map, accommodation options can be filtered by different categories – hotel, BnB, holiday apartment, group accommodation, campsite and much more.

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