EuroVelo 15 Rhine Cycle Route

Germany

EuroVelo 15 first enters Germany at Lake Constance and runs west along the right bank of the River Rhine to Basel. The route then continues northwards through the cities of Karlsruhe and Mannheim. Entering the state of Hesse, EuroVelo 15 passes through the wine region surrounding Mainz. Alternatively, you can visit the city of Speyer and its cathedral on the left bank of the river in Rhineland Palatinate. The best-known section of the route in Germany is the Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz where the river passes through a dramatic landscape of vineyards, castles and small riverside towns. In North Rhine Westphalia, EuroVelo 15 runs along both sides of the river, passing through the former German capital of Bonn, the cathedral city of Cologne and the state capital of Düsseldorf. After leaving the Ruhr conurbation, the route becomes more rural and peaceful as the river flows towards the border with the Netherlands.

EuroVelo 15 is also part of the national long-distance cycle route network in Germany as D-Route 8.

EV15 DE.png
In Rhineland-Palatinate the route from Lauterbourg to Remagen/Rolandseck/Unkel is signed like this. The same signing is also used in Baden-Württemberg from Basel to Lampertheim.
EV15 DE2.jpg
The stage from Constance to Basel is signed in this way. The same signing is used in Hesse from Lampertheim to Rüdesheim.
Countries

Legend

Development status
  • Certified Section of at least 300 km that has successfully undergone the certification process in line with ECF’s European Certification Standard. It is the highest quality level on the EuroVelo network
  • Developed with EuroVelo signs Developed route (see category below) with continuous signing along the route, incorporating EuroVelo route information panels.
  • Developed Route developed for cyclists and signed in line with the respective national standard (i.e. it is part of a local, regional or national cycle network). There must also be a website providing information to users. Developed route can be heterogeneous in terms of infrastructure: type of cycling infrastructure, surface, width, gradients, etc
  • Under development Route containing sections that require further development (e.g. stretches on public highways with high levels of traffic). Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Planning Undeveloped route with no detailed information publicly available on the Internet. The itinerary communicated is a proposal for the best possible option currently available. It may also contain dangerous sections. Cyclists are advised to use public transportation to skip these non-developed stretches.
  • Public transport link

Markers

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

National & Regional Information

ADFC: Allgemeiner Deutscher Fahrrad-Club e.V.

National EuroVelo Coordination Centre

The ADFC is a nationwide, Non-Profit-Organisation with over 230,000 bicycle-enthusiastic members whose shared aim is to make the roads safer for cyclists and pedestrians. Besides encouraging environmentally-friendly and therefore sustainable forms of transport, the ADFC provides advice on all aspects of cycling. This includes advice on buying a bike, technology and cycling accessories, tourism-related and political issues.

030 2091498-0
Visit site

ADFC Quality Cycling Routes

Currently, 45 quality routes in Germany, 2 quality routes abroad and 6 cycling tour regions carry the ADFC seal of quality. The link provides more information.

Visit site

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.

Visit site

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.

Visit site

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.

Visit site

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
Visit site

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.

Visit site

Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

Romantic Rhine Tourism is the authority responsible for the promotion and development 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) 261 - 97 38 47 0
Visit site

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
Visit site

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.

Visit site

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 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

EV15
@Germany
May 18.
-
May 18.

Cycling Experience Day: WIEDer ins Tal

On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the motto is finally: Car-free through the Wiedtal. From 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Wiedtal is open on 50 kilometers from Niederbreitbach to Seifen in the Westerwald only for cyclists, inline skaters and pedestrians. At numerous places along the route there will be live music, children's entertainment, service stations and much more. Also for the physical well-being is naturally provided. Photo: ©Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

EV15
@Germany
Jun 15.
-
Jun 15.

Jedem sayn Tal

At last, the Sayn Valley between Selters and Bendorf-Sayn can be experienced car-free again. The route is accompanied by the Saynbach and leads from Selters in the Westerwald down to Bendorf-Sayn in the Rhine Valley. Starting at 10 a.m., clubs and restaurateurs along the route will be offering delicious food, coffee and cake as well as beverages for a refreshing break. At all stations there will also be a varied program and lots of music. Photo: ©Mahlow Media/Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH.

EV15
@Germany @Netherlands
Jul 6.
-
Jul 6.

2. Raderlebnistag Niederrhein

For the second time, the “ Raderlebnistag Niederrhein” between the Rhine and the Meuse will take place on July 6th, 2025 on the Niederrhein and the neighboring Netherlands. On the first Sunday in July, around 30.000 cyclists take part in this free event for the whole family. The region can be explored on pedals on over 80 circular routes of varying lengths. All information and GPX-tracks for the 2. Raderlebnistag Niederrhein will be available from mid-May 2025. Photo: ©Patrick Gawandtka

Bookable Offers

From:
729€
8
days
Medium

Neckar, Rhine & Vines CYCLING TOURS THROUGH PARADISE

EV15
@Germany

Sweet fruits hang plumply from the trees and bushes along the cycle path. You only have to stretch out your hand to taste one of them. It is truly a paradise sight when kiwis, figs and cherries grow so richly in the area between the Rhine, Neckar and German Wine Road. It is probably also this culinary wealth that makes people so proud of their homeland. So proud that they give each and every guest their full attention. Photo: ©Südpfalz-Tourismus Landkreis Germersheim, Nico Bohnert

From:
759€
9
days
Medium

Three Imperial Cathedrals along the Rhine SPEYER, WORMS & MAINZ

EV15
@Germany

The enormous imperial cathedrals in Speyer, Worms and Mainz are impressive witnesses of almost a thousand years of history along the largest European river. This special charm of nature and culture continues to entice! Enjoy a multifaceted and very exciting bike tour along the romantic Old arms of the Rhine, passing many cultural highlights in the largest German wine-growing regions of Rhine-Hesse and Palatinate. Photo: ©Pfalz.Touristik e.V

From:
289€
4
days
Easy

Loop tour around Koblenz

EV15
@Germany

Discover the Rhine Cycle Route around Koblenz. Two circular tours take you through the Upper and Lower Middle Rhine Valley. Castles, palaces, vineyards and historic sites await you in this unique cultural landscape. Included: 3 nights/breakfast in a bike-friendly hotel in Koblenz, combined ticket for the Koblenz cable car, extensive cycling map material (including Bikeline cycling map of the Rhine Cycle Route) Photo:©Dominik Ketz/Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH

From:
590€
7
days
Easy

The romantic Rhine from Mainz to Cologne

EV15
@Germany

A one-week trip that follows the Rhine along the EuroVelo 15 between Mainz and Cologne. During this stay, you will follow one of the most beautiful parts of the famous European river: the romantic Rhine, where you will get to discover its thousand-year-old heritage through its steep hillsides, silhouettes of castles and fortresses in ruins. Along this prestigious itinerary, you will also have the opportunity to taste delicious culinary specialties accompanied by renowned regional wines.

From:
689€
5
days
Medium

Rhine Route Andermatt - Rorschach

EV15
@Germany @Switzerland

Experience the Rhine from its source to the largest lake in Germany. After an excursion to Illanz, you will pass by Chur. Downstream it goes into the Rhine valley and along the shores of Lake Constance to Schaffhausen with the Rhine Falls. Services: 5 x accommodation and breakfast in the guesthouse, map material, luggage transport & service hotline. Booking contact: Eurotrek AG, Dörflistrasse 30, 8057 Zurich. Photo: Christof Sonderegger

From:
750€
8
days
Easy

Constance lake roundtrip and Rhein falls

EV15
@Austria @Germany @Switzerland

Lake Constance is bordered with Germany, Switzerland and Austria, is a bike touring paradise. A few stages after the Rhine source, you will encounter Lake Constance on the EuroVelo 15 and its well-signed bicycle routes which do not only follow the lake borders : the historical city of Constance, the flower island Mainau, Reichenau Island... All this is orchestrated between vineyards and a breathtaking alpine panorama. You can also enjoy thermal baths and beaches after cycling.