The most beautiful gravel routes in Europe

Imagine there was a bike that was fast and aerodynamic, but at the same time also suitable for off-road riding and stable. Sounds like a dream, but it isn’t. Gravel bikes make exactly that possible and are currently more popular than ever. “Gravel riding” is booming and is one of the outdoor trend sports of 2025.

• But what makes a gravel bike special?
• What should you pay attention to when gravel riding?
• The right equipment for your gravel routes
• Where can you find the best gravel routes in Europe?

What is a gravel bike?

A gravel bike, also casually known as a “graveler”, looks like a classic road bike but is specifically designed for riding on gravel roads and field paths. Like a road bike, it has curved drop handlebars, but much wider and more robust tires with tread to provide enough grip off-road and reduce the risk of punctures. The frame is also usually slightly more robust so that it can withstand bumpy gravel and field paths. The gear range is also somewhat wider, making it easier to climb mountain pastures and hills. So for anyone who can’t decide between mountain biking and road cycling, a gravel bike is the perfect compromise. A graveler is also ideal in areas where bike paths are not paved or well developed and secondary roads are very bumpy.

What should I keep in mind when gravel riding?

Basically, there are no limits when it comes to gravel riding. You can ride on flat asphalt roads, gravel roads and meadow paths, as well as climb steep mountain pastures. As a beginner, however, you should choose gravel bike routes with flat or gently rolling terrain. Slippery field paths often leave little room for mistakes. So take care and choose routes that match your riding ability. Especially at the beginning, it is also advisable to look for smooth gravel and meadow paths. Although gravel bikes have wider treaded tires, the bike is still not equipped with suspension, meaning impacts are not absorbed very well. You should also make sure that cycling is actually permitted on the selected field paths. In Austria, it is often not that easy to find a gravel road that is officially open to cyclists. You can read more about the legal situation here. The correct tire pressure is also important when gravel riding in order to avoid unwanted punctures and guarantee maximum riding enjoyment. Depending on your body size and tire width, the tire pressure should be between 2 and 3 bar. Other than that, there’s only one thing left to say: give it a try and have fun! 🚴🏽

The right equipment for your gravel routes

In addition to the right gravel bike, having the right equipment plays a crucial role in ensuring that you ride safely and comfortably. Since gravel riding is extremely versatile – from fast asphalt sections to dusty gravel tracks – your equipment should be flexible too:

• The right helmet: Safety always comes first. A well-ventilated and lightweight bike helmet reliably protects you in the event of a fall and helps you keep a cool head even on steep climbs.

• Clear vision: Swirling dust, small stones, headwinds and changing light conditions in the forest make a good cycling glasses.

• Suitable clothing & accessories: Lightweight bike gloves provide direct grip on the handlebars and can be combined with breathable cycling socks. We also have suitable clothing for cooler months or winter, such as thermal underwear made from merino wool.

Where can you find the best gravel routes in Europe?

Gravel bike routes: Italy

When people talk about beautiful cycling routes, many immediately think of Italy – and rightly so. The idyllic villages and peaceful, picturesque landscapes are simply made for cycling. One area that definitely has to be included is Riva del Garda. As a well-known mountain biking hotspot, it also has plenty to offer gravel riders, such as this tour to Lago di Tenno.

A little farther south is an area famous for its white “gravel roads”, where the road cycling elite compete once a year in the “Strade Bianche”. We are talking about Tuscany. Around Siena, there are several fantastic gravel loops, such as this one.

You can also enjoy countless gravel adventures on the many islands along the Italian coast. This route in Sardinia is just one of many great tours there.

Gravel bike routes: Austria

The Salzkammergut is known for hosting the largest mountain bike marathon in Europe. For several years now, dedicated gravel routes have also been part of the event – and for good reason. The Salzkammergut offers many officially accessible gravel and field roads, while the mountains and lakes create a fantastic setting, such as on this tour around Lake Hallstatt.

In Tyrol, the low mountain ranges and valleys around Innsbruck are well known for their excellent cycling and mountain biking tours. One rather underrated region, especially for gravel tours, is the Tannheim Valley. Here, you can combine Tyrol’s mountain scenery with lakes and quiet gravel roads and really make the most of your gravel bike, for example on the valley loop tour.

Last but not least, a lesser-known part of Austria: the Hintergebirge in the Enns Valley. Gravel road lovers will find numerous gravel tours of all difficulty levels here. You can either follow the gravel road along the river and through countless rock tunnels, as on this loop, or explore the many mountain huts and alpine pastures.

Gravel bike routes: Germany

Germany also offers some beautiful gravel bike tours. Another reason to go gravel riding in Germany is that the legal situation is somewhat more relaxed than in Austria, as in most federal states “every suitable path may be used by bicycle”. One example is this loop right in the German capital, Berlin.

A little farther south, Munich offers gravel fans several very beautiful routes, such as this classic route to Lake Starnberg. The area around Lake Starnberg is also ideal for gravel riding, for example with a loop around the lake.

Gravel bike routes: Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its high, steep mountains and countless mountain bike trails. But there are also some real highlights for gravel bikes. One example is the route to the famous Rhine Falls in the canton of Schaffhausen in northeastern Switzerland. This natural spectacle is one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and is definitely worth a gravel trip.

If you prefer something more mountainous and action-packed, don’t miss the tour around Obersee near Zurich. Starting and finishing in Rapperswil, the route climbs the nearby hills around Obersee and rewards you with a wonderful view over Zurich’s local lake.

Gravel bike routes: Belgium

One country known among cyclists for spectacular cobbled races and sold-out cyclocross events is Belgium. So it comes as no surprise that its flat to hilly landscapes are perfect for exploring by gravel bike. This is especially true in the region of Flanders in northern Belgium, for example on this loop near the Dutch border in Maasmechelen.

Another gravel paradise is the hilly landscape of the Ardennes. It stretches from Belgian Wallonia across the borders into Luxembourg and France and is known for its beautiful forests and forestry roads. So if you love forests, hills and nature, this tour in Houffalize is a great choice.

Gravel bike routes: Spain

When you think of Spain, dry and remote gravel roads immediately come to mind – in other words, perfect gravel terrain. The areas around Girona and the Sierra Nevada are particularly recommended. One recommended tour near Girona, for example, leads to “Cassa de la Selva”.

In the Sierra Nevada, one classic route leads to “Embalse de Canales”, a huge reservoir on the Genil River in the province of Granada.

Credits: Mathäus Gartner & Elias Neier