Immerse Yourself in Scenic Cycle Tours
Cycling tours allow travelers to deeply experience a country’s natural habitats and scenery. Pedaling through varied landscapes provides unique perspectives and photo opportunities. With over 500,000 Instagram posts tagged #cycletouring, it’s clear that cyclists love sharing their ride experiences online.
We researched popular global cycle routes and trails to reveal which have the highest ratio of Instagram shares per kilometer. By cross-referencing each route’s length with its photo hashtags, the routes with the most uploads per kilometer emerge as the world’s most picturesque.
Survey of Captivating Rides around the Globe
Our cycling experts compiled an extensive list of scenic bike paths and trails worldwide, ranging from easy tourist routes to advanced mountain climbs. We evaluated road quality, accessibility, established infrastructure, and hashtag usage to showcase routes offering stunning vistas accessible to a variety of riders.
United States
The United States claims an impressive three routes among the top ten most ‘granted worldwide. North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Parkway rolls 469 miles through the ancient Appalachian Mountains, rewarding cyclists with ever-changing vistas. Glacier National Park’s Going-to-the-Sun Road awes visitors with wildlife sightings, mountain lakes, and glacier-carved peaks before cresting at 6,646-foot Logan Pass. Oregon’s Crater Lake Loop circles the nation’s deepest lake, formed by volcanic eruption 7,700 years ago.
Europe
England’s 100-mile South Downs Way undulates through woodlands and downland to the dramatic Seven Sisters chalk cliffs. Kinderdijk in The Netherlands brings riders past Holland’s iconic windmills. The Romantic Road in Germany traverses storybook medieval villages of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
Asia
Japan’s Shimanami Kaido crosses six Seto Inland Sea islands via a dedicated 70-kilometer cycleway with awe-inspiring ocean views.
South America
Chile’s Carretera Austral through Patagonia rewards hardy cyclists with views of aquamarine lakes, Andean peaks, and millennia-old glaciers. Argentina’s Ruta de los Siete Lagos passes through Argentina’s Lake District.
Which country has the best cycling routes?
While stunning rides exist across the globe, when considering both infrastructure and scenery, The Netherlands emerges as the world’s best cycling destination. With over 30,000 kilometers of dedicated cycle paths crisscrossing the country, riders can immerse themselves in vistas ranging from coastal dunes to flower-filled polders. Special mention goes to Giethoorn’s car-free village canals, the tulip fields of Bollenstreek, and Kinderdijk’s iconic windmills.
Planning Your Next Ride
If you feel inspired to experience some of the world’s best cycling for yourself, specialized tour companies like SpiceRoads offer guided bike trips spanning Asia, Africa, The Americas, and Europe. Tours range from multi-week expeditions to simple day trips appropriate for all rider levels. Or check sites like WarmShowers for ideas on planning your own self-guided journey.
Choosing a Destination
Consider your interests and fitness level when selecting a cycling destination. Do you want to focus on culture, cuisine, or stunning landscapes? Do you prefer meandering along quiet country roads or challenging climbs up epic mountain passes? Matching location with trip purpose ensures an enjoyable experience.
Timing Your Tour
Keep seasonal weather variations in mind when booking. Research precipitation patterns and temperature ranges. While summer offers long days, peak visitation often means increased traffic. Shoulder seasons provide cooler temps with fewer riders.
Bike Rentals
Renting locally helps you match equipment to terrain while eliminating transport logistics. Look for shops offering bikefits and gear advice catered to route conditions. For multinational adventures like EuroVelo routes, arrange rentals spaced at strategic points.
Lodging Considerations
See if local establishments offer special cyclist amenities like maintenance areas, laundry facilities, or storage. Booking flexible cancellations allows adjusting for unexpected delays. Consider WarmShowers for hosted stays with fellow cycling enthusiasts.
Packing Essentials
Limit luggage to the bare necessities. Multi-purpose and layerable clothing in quick-drying fabrics minimizes bulk. Don’t forget chamois cream, sunscreen, and essential tools. Carefully evaluate each item’s purpose and weight.
Nutrition Needs
Pedaling long distances requires proper fueling. Pack snacks providing complex carbs, protein, and healthy fats to power rides. Hydration necessities like water bottles or bladders ensure you stay hydrated in shifting conditions. Research food stops in advance if unsupported.
Safety First
Follow local traffic laws, wear a helmet, use lights in low visibility, and stay alert. Carry ID and emergency contacts. Know right-of-way protocols in cycling-friendly countries. Consider walkie-talkies for groups. Have a backup navigation plan if phone batteries die.
Capture Moments
Photograph gear like compact cameras, clip-on lenses, or handlebar rigs allows for capturing moments on the go. Waterproof protection provides peace of mind in changeable weather. Schedule breaks for camera swaps if carrying DSLRs. Share instantly or save storage space for later.
Two Wheels or Two Feet
If attempting an ambitious multiday touring route, be kind to your body. Schedule rest days for laundry, sightseeing, and muscle recovery. Alternate sides with hikes for cross-training. Listen for early overuse signals. You came to immerse yourself in the destination, not just hammer out kilometers.
Extending Your Exploration
If a particular area piques your interest, consider extending your stay or planning a return trip. Destinations like the Lake District or Patagonia reveal new facets season after season. Alternating trips between riding, trekking, and relaxing allows a multifaceted experience. Slowing down lets you dig deeper into cultures and foods.
Sharing Your Adventure
Modern tech makes relaying ride experiences fun and interactive in real-time. Share commentary, photos, or videos via social media or personal blogs. Post-trip, craft journey recaps, mini-documentaries, or professional portfolios. Sync Strava workout summaries. Or go old school with printed photo albums. Reliving and reminiscing continue the adventure.
Final Thoughts
Cycling remains one of the best ways to experience diverse landscapes and cultures. With myriad global routes to consider, trip possibilities stay endless. Hopefully, our worldwide route research has sparked some ride inspiration. So start planning your next adventure on two wheels today!
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