National GeographicSep 28
6 of the Best Bike Trails in Europe
Across the continent, rail-trail conversions and other greenways offer travelers a way to slow down and immerse themselves in cobblestone squares, historic cathedrals, and other wonders.
Route follows the Danube for more than 1700 miles.
25 things in this story
- Danube Cycle PathTrailRoute follows the Danube for more than 1700 miles.
- St. Stephen’s CathedralPlace of worshipHome to the world’s largest church organ.
- Elsewhere
- Piazza dei SignoriSightTreviso, ItalySquare lined with frescoed palaces.
- Carrilet I GreenwayTrailOlot, Spain37-mile path follows a former narrow-gauge railway.
- Museu dels VolcansMuseumOlot, SpainLearn details about the region’s geology.
- La XiquellaRestaurantSant Esteve d’en Bas, SpainSample scrumptious cheeses at this artisan dairy.
- Girona’s Medieval QuarterNeighborhoodGirona, SpainStroll along the city wall for a lovely view.
- Southern Burgundy GreenwayTrailChalon-sur-Saone, France47-mile greenway meanders through woodlands and pastures.
- Nicéphore Niépce MuseumMuseumChalon-sur-Saone, FranceThousands of cameras and images on display.
- Chateau de CormatinAttractionCormatin, France17th-century chateau ringed by a moat and gardens.
- Cluny AbbeyMuseumCluny, FranceRemains of a Benedictine monastery; one bell tower stands.
- Esplanade LamartineNeighborhoodMacon, FranceCafe-lined promenade fronting the Saone River.
- KlaralvsbananTrailKarlstad, Sweden56-mile route along an embankment of a former railway.
- Sandgrund Lars LerinMuseumKarlstad, SwedenArt gallery filled with massive watercolors.
- Gamla KraftstationenMuseumUddeholm, SwedenContemporary art and a tranquil garden with coffee.
- Edeby Nature ReserveSightUddeholm, SwedenPlacid wetland with rich birdlife.
- RAVeL 38 and 39TrailLiege, Belgium31 miles through Pays de Herve on disused railway corridors.
- Three Borders towerSightGemmenich, BelgiumObservation deck for panoramic views of fertile countryside.
- Aubel Artisan Syrup FactoryRestaurantAubel, BelgiumSample handcrafted apple syrup.
- Le Herve du Vieux MoulinRestaurantBattice, BelgiumNoted fromagerie selling signature pungent Herve cheese.
- Treviso-Ostiglia Cycle RouteTrailTreviso, Italy68-mile path along a former state-run military railway.
- Via CalmaggioreNeighborhoodTreviso, ItalyArcaded thoroughfare bearing traces of an ancient Roman road.
- Rotonda di BadoereSightBadoere, Italy17th-century colonnaded square with cafes.
- Ca’ MarcelloSightMeolo, ItalyGrand Palladian-style villa.
- Villa ContariniSightMira, ItalyLuxurious property surrounded by an expansive park.