The most beautiful gravel routes in Europe

Imagine a bike that's fast and aerodynamic, but also capable of off-road riding. It sounds like a dream, but it isn't. Gravel bikes make this possible, and that's why everyone is currently talking about it. Gravel biking is booming and is one of the trending outdoor sports of 2025 .

• But what makes a gravel bike special?
• What should you pay attention to when “gravel biking”?
• And where are the best gravel routes in Europe?

What is a gravel bike?

A gravel bike, or also known as a "graveler," looks like a classic road bike, but is specifically designed for riding on gravel roads and dirt tracks. This means it has curved "aerobars" like a road bike, but much wider and more robust tires with knobs to ensure sufficient grip even off-road and prevent flats. Furthermore, the frame is usually a bit more stable to withstand bumpy gravel and dirt roads, and the gear range is a bit wider to enable climbing mountains without any problems. This means that for anyone who can't decide between mountain biking and road biking, a gravel bike is the perfect compromise. A graveler is also ideal for areas where the cycle paths are unpaved or poorly developed, and the back roads are very bumpy.

What do I need to consider when gravel biking?

Essentially, there are no limits with your gravel bike. You can ride on flat asphalt and gravel roads, meadow paths, or even climb steep alpine pastures. However, beginners should start on flat or hilly terrain. Slippery dirt roads often don't forgive many mistakes, so be careful and ride on routes suited to your ability. It's also recommended that you seek out nice, smooth gravel and meadow paths, especially at the beginning. While you'll have wider knobby tires, the bike still won't have suspension, and shocks won't be absorbed very well. You should also, make sure that cycling on the chosen dirt roads is permitted. Tire pressure should also be correct when gravel biking to avoid unwanted damage and ensure maximum riding enjoyment. Depending on your height and tire width, the tire pressure should be between two and three bar. Otherwise, all I can say is: try it out and have fun.

Where is the best place to go gravel biking in Europe?

Italy

When people talk about beautiful cycling routes, many immediately think of Italy. The idyllic villages and tranquil, picturesque landscapes simply invite you to bike. One area that shouldn't be missed is Riva del Garda. As a well-known mountain bike hotspot, gravel bikers also get their money's worth, as on this tour to Lake Tenno .

A little further south is an area known for its white gravel roads. Even the cycling elite competes there once a year in the "Strade Bianche". We're talking about Tuscany. There are some fantastic gravel routes around Siena, such as this one .

You can also have fun with your gravel bike on the countless islands along the Italian coast. This route in Sardinia is one of many great tours there.

Austria

The Salzkammergut region is known for hosting the largest mountain bike marathon in Europe. For several years now, this event has also included dedicated gravel routes. The Salzkammergut region offers many officially accessible gravel and field paths, and the mountains and lakes also create a wonderful atmosphere, as seen here on the tour around Lake Hallstatt .

In Tyrol, the valleys around Innsbruck are known for their fantastic cycling and mountain bike tours. A rather underrated area, especially for gravel tours, is the Tannheimer Valley. Here, you can combine the Tyrolean mountains with lakes and quiet gravel roads and really indulge yourself on a gravel bike, for example, on the valley tour .

Last but not least, a relatively unknown spot in Austria: the "Hintergebirge" in the "Enns" Valley. Here, gravel road enthusiasts can expect numerous gravel tours of all difficulty levels. You can either roll along the gravel road along the river, through the countless rock tunnels, as on this tour , or explore the countless staffed huts and alpine pastures.

Germany

Germany isn't exactly known as a cycling country, but it offers some beautiful tours for gravel bikes. Another reason to go gravel biking in Germany is that the legal situation is somewhat more relaxed here than in Austria, as in most federal states, "any suitable path may be used by bicycle." As is the case with this tour in the heart of the federal capital, Berlin.

A little further south, Munich offers gravel fans some very nice routes, such as this classic route to Lake Starnberg . You can also have fun on a gravel bike around Lake Starnberg, for example, by cruising around the lake .

Switzerland

Switzerland is known for its high, steep mountains and countless mountainbike trails. However, there are also some gems for gravel bikers. For example, the route to the infamous Rhine Falls in northeastern Switzerland, in the canton of Schaffhausen. This natural spectacle boasts one of the largest waterfalls in Europe and is definitely worth a (gravel) trip.

If you prefer something a little more hilly and action-packed, you shouldn't miss the tour around Lake Obersee near Zurich. Starting and finishing in Rapperswil, you climb the nearby hills around Lake Obersee to enjoy a magnificent view of the Lake.

Belgium

Belgium is a country known among cyclists for its spectacular cobblestone races and fully booked cyclocross races. It's clear that the flat and hilly regions are ideal for exploring on a gravel bike. This works particularly well in the Flanders region, in the north of Belgium, as in this round on the border with the Netherlands in Maasmechelen.

Another gravel paradise are the hills of the Ardennes. These stretch from Belgian Wallonia across the border into Luxembourg and France and are known for their stunning forest areas and forest roads. So, if you love forests, hills, and nature, this tour in Houffalize, for example, is perfect.

Spain

When you think of Spain, you immediately think of dry, remote gravel roads – so perfect gravel terrain. The areas around Girona and the Sierra Nevada are particularly recommended in this case. A recommended tour outside of Girona , for example, is to "Cassa de la Selva."

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

Credits: Mathäus Gartner & Elias Neier