Cycling through nature

Cycling through nature
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Best Bike Tours in the World

Two wheels is better than four when it comes to admiring the scenery...here are some of our favourite cycling experiences from Austria to Australia.

With a little effort and a tailwind; Australian mountains, French pine forests, German vineyards and Spanish volcanic landscapes – earthly beauty spots such as these can be explored on two wheels. A bike tour combines activity with nature and sightseeing. Nothing beats falling into a comfortable bed after an invigorating ride through varied countryside and scenery. Here is an overview of delightful destinations for bike enthusiasts – whether in the mountains, along rivers or through forests.

Experience the Tyrolean mountains

In Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, active holidays are always in season and in a prime location, the Schlosshotel Fiss is an ideal starting point for alpine adventures of all kinds. Between June and October, you can exhaust your passion for cycling a total of 200 kilometres, either on your own or under the expert guidance of outdoor guide Christian Rietzler. As a native of Fiss, he knows this stunning countryside like the back of his hand. As part of the "SHF" weekly biking programme, guests explore the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis region and its versatile, sunny plateau with him on countless routes including; gentle family bike trails, pleasure routes with refreshing refreshment stops and fascinating high-altitude trails. A highlight for all ages is the bike park located close to the Schlosshotel Fiss which has jumps, obstacles and ramps for every level of ability. Mountain bikes and bike helmets can be rented free of charge in the hotel's own sports shop.

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Mountain biking in the best climate in the world

The Canary Islands off the west coast of Africa are worth a trip at any time of year: consistent summery temperatures, varied landscapes and only a few hours flight from the mainland Europe make this archipelago in the Atlantic an El Dorado for active holidaymakers. Mountain bike fans in particular get their money's worth on the Canaries. On each of the islands there are numerous routes that run through lush forests, barren volcanic steppes and untouched landscapes and also offer the right challenge for every level of ability.

One of the most beautiful routes can be found on Fuerteventura. From the artists' village of Lajares, you cycle past impressive volcanoes to the popular holiday resort of Corralejo, home of the world-famous dunes, and on along the coast to El Cotillo. The path leads past a variety of beautiful beaches and bays and is a real highlight not only for die-hard mountain bikers.

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Biking down under

The state of Victoria, located in south-east Australia, is a true paradise for outdoor fans and active holidaymakers. Countless hiking and biking routes worth seeing leave nothing to be desired for young and old. For ambitious cyclists, a trip to the Grampians is particularly worthwhile. This idyllic mountain range in the sparsely populated inner part of Victoria offers countless opportunities to explore the region on two wheels. From leisurely, shady cycle paths to mountain bike trails lit up at night, there is guaranteed to be something for everyone.

Highlights include routes along Lake Hamilton and the Wimmera River, through the valley floor at Halls Gap and past one of the many picturesque towns like Dunkeld. In the Grampians National Park, numerous lookout points and waterfalls happily provide an excuse for a breather. Particularly recommended for families is the route along the Natimuk-Mount Arapiles Rail Trail, which connects the village of Natimuk with the impressive rock formation of Mount Arapiles over a distance of around ten kilometres.

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Where wine and water flow: Mosel river by bike 

The River Mosel in Germany has a 248km cycle path that winds its way through the most beautiful winegrowing areas in the region. From the ancient Roman city of Trier, it takes about six days to reach Koblenz and eight days to Mainz. There are 40 informative audio points and over 130 Bed+Bike hosts. No matter which route cyclists choose, this awe-inspiring river canyon over-delivers on architecture, history and scenery. Exquisite wines and wine tastings are guaranteed. 

On the way to Koblenz, travellers will pass through quaint medieaval villages with timber-framed houses. Historic castles tower over the river like stone sentinels, they can be reached by bike (for the fit) or on foot, walking through the vineyards. Villas line the river bank. This is not a cycling holiday for the ambitious, as much of the path runs alongside the river, so detours aside, the tarmac track is relatively flat. Rather this is a tour for the hedonistic, for amateur archaeologists and geologists and, above all, those that love fine wine and food. 

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Cycling through a land of fairy tale castles

A calm breeze, lush oak and pine forests, the gently flowing Cosson river: one of Europe's largest state-owned stately homes and national park, Domaine de Chambord, is most impressive explored on two wheels. Against the backdrop of the historic Chambord Château, visitors enjoy a romantic 20km bike tour akin to something out of a fairytale on idyllic cycle paths. The only hotel in the national park, which is listed on the UNESCO world heritage list, the luxuriously boutique Relais de Chambord is perfectly situated for tours of all kinds. For guests who want to explore this and other châteaux in the surrounding Loire Valley region, the hotel offers the possibility to rent both bicycles and e-bikes.

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Falstaff Editorial Team
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