The Complete Guide to Cycling EuroVelo 15: What You Need to Know Before You Go

EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route covers 1,450 km within six countries – Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Liechtenstein, France and the Netherlands – and because its elevation profile is almost negligible, it is suitable for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to more experienced cyclists.

This major river acts as a natural border between Germany, France, and Switzerland. A large part of EuroVelo 15 runs on both sides of the Rhine, and thanks to the famous Rhine bridges spread across its length and ferries, you can easily hop over between the countries and cycle on a different side every day. Additionally, 1,287 km of its length is certified (!) and 73% of this certified section suits all types of cyclists – including families, cyclists with disabilities, and those using special cycles, such as bikes with trailers, cargo bikes, tricycles, and more.

Sounds like an ideal plan for your next holiday? So, tag along while we let you explore EuroVelo 15 in this article. And in case you are starting to have a headache about what exactly to pack for this journey before setting off, we’ve got you covered too! Check Alex’s tips on what to pack for EuroVelo 15.

Along the Swiss Alps

EuroVelo 15 starts in the Swiss village of Andermatt, from where it forms its course all the way up to the North Sea. Cycling in Switzerland is ideal from March until October, but if you are planning to start right from the very first kilometres of EuroVelo 15 and especially between Andermatt and Chur, it would be better to wait until May when the snowmelt is over. As this changes each year, it is always good to check the weather forecast before setting off.

Nevertheless, the snow will not stop you from cycling the most scenic vineyard region, Bündner Herrschaft, starting exactly from Chur yet all the way up to Sargans. Another section that we highly recommend adding to your itinerary is the stretch between St. Margrethen (at the start of Lake Constance) and Schaffhausen.

To make sure you do not miss any of the opportunities on the Swiss part of EuroVelo 15, you can either visit website  switzerlandmobility.ch or download the free SwitzerlandMobility app. It is available in English, German, French and Italian, and gives you access to plenty of practical information, including photo galleries, difficulty levels, public transport connections, selected accommodation for cyclists, as well as closures and detours along the route.

From Lake Constance to the French border

The German section meets the Swiss one at Lake Constance and further stretches all the way to the border with the Netherlands, while offering a fascinating mix of nature, culture, and great cycling infrastructure. The best time to visit this part of the Rhine Cycle Route is from April until September, but we highly recommend the summer months, when the cities along the Rhine come alive with a rich array of events and festivals. Such as summer festival at the lake of Constance – Seenachtfest Konstanz – music festivals – STIMMEN-Festival Lörrach, Zelt-Musik-Festival Freiburg, DAS FEST Karlsruhe – wine festivals – Konstanzer Weinfest, Freiburger Weinfest, Breisacher Weinfest, Durbacher Weinfest, – or even a Pretzel festival in Speyer!

Another event worth adding to your itinerary is slowUP in Alsace and Basel. For the whole day, cyclists take over the roads which are closed to motorised traffic, and pedal through cities, towns, vineyards while enjoying wide range of activities along the way.

The first German city on EuroVelo 15, Constance, welcomes cyclists at its harbour with a famous Imperia statue and SEA LIFE Konstanz, offering captivating insights into the underwater world of Lake Constance and the Rhine. Shortly after leaving Constance, you cycle by Europe’s largest waterfall, the Rhine Falls near Schaffhausen, which you can even enjoy from a boat trip. Thanks to the Rhine bridges, you can cycle on both sides of the river, in Germany or Switzerland.

The cultural and historical importance of the Rhine River is visible on each section of EuroVelo 15, for example the charming old city of Stein am Rhein or the tri-border region city of Basel. But that is not everything.

Attention: Due to the necessary expansion and electrification, construction works are being carried out by Deutsche Bahn train operator. As a result, the Hochrhein Railway line between Rheinfelden and Erzingen will be fully closed for several months. Unfortunately, bicycles cannot be taken on the rail replacement bus service due to limited space. However, there is one-way alternative for cycling travellers – cross-border bike-sharing service, which will be available from May 2026. You can find more detail information at their website and all latest travel updates can be found here.

The southern Upper Rhine, shaped by sun-drenched vineyards, floodplain forests, and scenic river landscapes, will lead you to the picturesque town of Breisach am Rhein, sitting atop a hill overlooking the Rhine River, with its famous St. Stephen’s Cathedral and with views of the Vosges. One of the bridges on the Rhine takes you the French side of the river and to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Neuf-Brisach.

From Alsace to Flat Lands

The Alsace region is a great reason to choose EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route. The medieval towns and villages, distinctives colourful half-timbered houses, one of the European capitals – Strasbourg with its two UNESCO-listed districts and its impressive cathedral, characterful churches – such as those in Ottmarsheim, Neunkirch, Plobsheim, and Eschau – are true examples of the Alsatian region’s rich history and architecture. And what better way to explore it all than from your bicycle?

Across the French section, you have also a lot of options for certified cycling-friendly accommodation and services like bike rentals and repairs, restaurants, sightseeing sites and many more that will welcome you and your bike that are adequately signed ‘Accueil Vélo’. To not miss out on any of them, check Accueil Vélo or Alsace à vélo.

Furthermore, on the route in the city of Mannheim lies one of the largest Baroque palaces in Europe: Mannheim Palace. And if you happen to be around during the weekend of 29 to 31 May – you get to experience Mannheimer Stadtfest, which fills the streets with music, culinary highlights, traditional handicrafts and the popular children's festival.

Another major festival happening on the Middle Rhine section is called ‘Rhine in Flames’, taking place at different locations throughout the season. This truly is a popular event among tourists, so consider booking accommodation well in advance. We invite you to explore Bett+Bike where you can find certified cycling-friendly accommodations.

As we have already mentioned, the large part of EuroVelo 15 runs on both sides of the river. But once you reach the Upper Middle Rhine Valley stretch, there are still a few gaps in the cycling path on the east bank of the Rhine between Kestert and St. Goarshausen. This is why our tip is to switch to the west bank here or to cover this section with a leisurely boat ride. On the west bank of the Rhine, the Rhine Cycle Route is fully accessible. We also advise you to pay more attention to this part, as some sections share roads with traffic. Especially in towns, the cycling lane does not run as a separate path but follows the roads.

Attention: This year from July until December, so during the peak of cycling season, the railway on the right bank of the Rhine between Wiesbaden and Troisdorf is undergoing a complete renovation. Unfortunately, bikes will not be allowed to be carried by the rail replacement in this section.

However, if you feel like taking a little break from cycling, well sorted public transportation is another highlight of the EuroVelo 15. Simply check out our article with detailed overview of how to combine cycling and public transport along EuroVelo 15.

As you continue north into North Rhine-Westphalia, the Rhine Cycle Route becomes more urban while still offering plenty of scenic stretches along the river. Starting near Bonn – the birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven – the route leads you to Cologne, where the impressive Cologne Cathedral is an unmissable mark. Further along, Düsseldorf welcomes you with its lively riverside promenade, while the Ruhr region reveals a unique blend of industrial heritage and green landscapes. Cities like Duisburg showcase how industrial heritage has been transformed into unique cultural sites, such as the Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord public park. As the route reaches the Lower Rhine, the scenery opens into wide, flat landscapes, quiet meadows, and charming villages. This section is known for its relaxed atmosphere, long uninterrupted cycling paths, and views of grazing cows and traditional farmhouses – a perfect contrast to the busy cities on the south of the route.

The final destination – the Netherlands

After crossing the northern German border, you find yourself in the last country of EuroVelo 15: the Netherlands. Here, the route is a combination of comfortable cycle paths and ferry hopping.

Due to the ‘typical rainy Dutch weather’, but also the sailing schedules of recreational ferries, the best time to enter the flatlands on a bicycle is from April until September. And to make sure you will always catch the ferry when needed, check their schedule beforehand.

Has anyone said that the Netherlands is flat? Well then, they have not yet cycled through the foothills of the Veluwe between Arnhem and Wijk bij Duurstede and hilly section of Utrechtse Heuvelrug National Park! So do not be surprised if you need to use some of your lower gears even in the Low Lands.

The Dutch section of EuroVelo 15 crosses yet another UNESCO World Heritage site: the 19 Kinderdijk windmills. Before the Rhine meets the North Sea, it flows through the world port city of Rotterdam, the second largest city in the Netherlands, where you can explore its diverse and modern architectural landscape.

To make sure that you are informed of any diversions on your way, we recommend checking the website Nederland Fietsland: Rijnfietsroute - Nederland Fietsland. Cycling-friendly accommodation in the Netherlands goes under the name of ‘Fietsers Welkom!’

The journey of EuroVelo 15 ends by reaching the Hook of Holland. The Rhine River, which flows from the Swiss Alps all the way up to the North Sea, offers well equipped cycling infrastructure and invites you to pause and soak in the vibrant historical culture that pulses through every town and city lying on its riverbanks.

No wonder why EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route is the most popular EuroVelo route. With its gentle gradients, scenic views, nature and culture, services and public transport connections, this cycle route is really for everyone!

Article by Barbora Labudová