Top 10 Cycling Vacations In Europe

It's no secret that Europe is the birthplace of the bicycle, so imagine yourself pedaling through rich historical landscapes and enjoying spectacular scenery as your breeze through the gorgeous countryside. Cycling culture runs deep in Europe, making it one of the best places for a two-wheeled tour. Not only will you have easier access to Europe's famed narrow pathways and winding alleys, you'll also be better embraced by the locals who will be delighted to see you exploring their cities in such an intimate manner. In short, a cycling vacation in Europe is sure not to disappoint. And to kick off your two-wheeled vacation, we've compiled a list of the top European cities that are not only peddler friendly, they're literally made for the cycling man! From easy breezy weekend cycling routes to more challenging biking terrain, you'll find everything you need in the guide below:

1. Amsterdam, Netherlands

When you think of cycling, the first thing European city that comes to mind is Amsterdam.There are about 880,000 bicycles in a city of 800,000 people and 32% of all trips in Amsterdam are made on bikes while only 22% are taken in cars. Rumour has it that city officials are even planning on creating more bike-parking facilities and cycling services to stop bicycle traffic jams!

The country has flat terrain which makes it a pleasure to cycle as anyone who's had to cycle uphill in Glasgow or Edinburgh can testify. Dozens of cycling tours are available, whether you want to go the countryside route and see windmills and tulips or just navigate the other cycle traffic in the city centre.

2. Copenhagen, Denmark

There are Instagram accounts and hashtags dedicated to #bikesincopenhagen so it's no surprise that the Danish capital makes it next on our list. Laid out brilliantly for cyclists, visitors are able to rent bikes from cheap bicycle rental shops across the city. Those who are serious cyclists will be able to find cycling schemes at strategic locations. Travellers can reserve the bikes via smartphones and return it when they are done for the day. If you plan to keep the bike for a few days, it helps to have cycle insurance as that will protect your from bike theft or even cycle accidents.

3. Malmo, Sweden

Just like their neighbours in Denmark, Sweden, in particular the Swedish town of Malmo has spent millions of Euros to boost the use of bicycles, with the Swedes having launched campaigns promoting the use of helmets and discouraging the overuse of cars. This pro-bike campaign has somehow worked as Malmo is now one of the top Swedish cities for cyclers. They've even gone as cyclist-friendly as to name their cycle paths for ease of GPS planning. Great for seaside cycle trips as well as city breaks.

4. Majorca, Spain

Majorca is fast becoming a road cyclist's paradise, with the lycra-clad brigade beginning to overtake the package holiday-makers on flights out. It's ideal cycling terrain with a good mix of flats and hills, and plenty of coffee shops and restaurants offering bike spares as well as refreshments for the hungry two-wheelers. Beware the wind can blow and the sun is strong so spring or autumn is the ideal time for biking.

5. Antwerp, Belgium

Clearly influenced by their friends across the border (the Netherlands that is), Antwerp has been described by the Copenhagenize Index as the "best large city in Belgium for cycling". Clearly it's not all flat land over there as there are many cobblestone streets and pathways to navigate. It is also one of the more affordable ways to get around this compact yet cosy city. In Antwerp, there are cycle paths running through and around all of the city; perhaps more importantly cyclists always have right of way. Burn off those freshly baked waffles and luxurious Belgian chocolates with a vigorous peddle ride by the river.

6. Bordeaux, France

So just for the record, this picturesque French city has a network of 1,545 bikes across 139 docking stations that are available all-day every-day. Yep, you read that right! This snug little city is fast becoming increasingly popular with amateur and professional cyclists alike. Their popular VClub bike scheme is a major draw for tourists and at the same time provides a greener alternative for locals to navigate the city and go about their daily commute. Arguably one of the greenest French cities, it's impossible to go a few kilometres without coming across another bike yourself.

7. Prague, Czech Republic

Although Eastern Europe usually sits in the shadow of its Western counterpart when it comes to a good cycling reputation, Prague has been working to make itself a cycling city since 2003. Prague is a very pretty, very serene city by day full of historical sites. What better way to get from the Old Town Square to the King Charles Bridge than by a lazy bike ride through the cobbled streets?

8. Oxford, England

One only has to visit this academic yet picturesque town in England to realize why bikes are a popular mode of transport. The compact historical town has designated cycle paths and parking spots for bikes throughout the city centre. In fact, we think the best way to see the place is by bike! Bicycles can be rented across the city centre, and many places also offer cycle tour packages.

9. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is an inherently excellent city to explore by bicycle and with the lack of an strenuously steep hills, it's a rather leisurely place to discover by pedaling, and one with plenty of Radewege (bike lanes or paths). One of six cities in Germany providing the Call-a-Bike option, Berlin's system operates easily by cell phone where the rider calls a listed number and receives a code to unlock bike at one fo the city's stations. There's also a planner available for marking out your bike route to travel between the city's sites-how convenient! As with most bike-friendly cities there are plenty of options when it comes to guided ours, which is about the best of both worlds. Cyclists can tour the Berlin Wall, enjoy a cycle under city lights at night, bike the Gatow Route the more remote West End, or take a thorough tour of Berlin's east end.

10. Budapest, Hungary

Campaigns promoting cycling have been followed by improved paths and facilities in the Hungarian capital. Guided tours are becoming a popular way to see the city, with a local guide, visiting historical points of interest on both sides of the Danube River.

An annual mass bike-ride on Earth Day (22 April) is run by a group called Critical Mass, founded originally in San Francisco in 1992 to promote cycling. Hungary's branch runs the most successful events each year with its goals being, "to raise awareness on the benefits of bicycling and other alternative means of transportation, to assert cyclists' right to the road, and to celebrate cycling in general."

Chloe Clarkson writes for My Favourite Voucher Codes. She loves to travel in her spare time, especially around Europe
Source: Top 10 Cycling Vacations In Europe