Here are 30 of the Most Beautiful Bicycle Routes in the World

All bicycle routes are not created equal. A compilation reveals the top 30 most visually stunning cycle paths and bicycle routes across the globe, featuring three routes in the United States and one in Canada among the top 10. The list was curated with a focus on the visual appeal of these locations, assessing which […]

The list was curated with a focus on the visual appeal of these locations, assessing which cycling paths around the world are the most frequently photographed. The methodology involved correlating the length of each route with the number of related Instagram hashtags, determining the frequency of photo uploads per kilometer.

According to the report by Explore Worldwide, an adventure travel company, the analysis aimed to identify “which cycle routes and areas around the world are prompting people to share the most photos.” The final list includes everything from popular tourist destinations to rigorous mountain treks that offer spectacular scenery.

Highlighting the findings, the Blue Ridge Parkway in the USA ranked highest with an impressive 832 Instagram images shared for every kilometer of its 755 km stretch. Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail was also prominent, securing the 9th spot globally. Other notable mentions include the scenic Kinderdijk cycle path in The Netherlands and Simpsons Gap in Australia, both recognized for their high rate of Instagram uploads per kilometer, earning them places as some of the world’s most picturesque bicycle routes.

Most Beautiful Bicycle Routes

1. Blue Ridge Parkway, USA

Spanning North Carolina and Virginia, the Blue Ridge Parkway is renowned for its spectacular views of the Appalachian Mountains. Known as ‘America’s favorite drive’, this route welcomes cyclists to immerse themselves in the diverse vegetation and captivating landscape changes, providing countless photo opportunities over its 755-kilometer stretch.

Blue Ridge Parkway

2. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Montana, USA

Reserved for cyclists in the spring, Going-to-the-Sun Road offers a traffic-free experience through Montana’s Glacier National Park. This route features dramatic turns and stunning vistas, with highlights like Logan Pass and the Weeping Wall offering prime photo ops.

Going to the Sun Road

3. Lake Ohrid, Albania

Circling Lake Ohrid, this 92-kilometer route blends mountain biking and road cycling through picturesque towns and crystal-clear waters. The path is lined with traditional fishing villages and provides a serene cycling experience that captures the natural beauty of Albania.

Lake Ohrid

4. The Shimanami Kaido, Japan

Connecting Honshu to Shikoku, the Shimanami Kaido stretches 70 kilometers across several small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Each island offers unique cultural sights, making this route not only a journey across water but also through the diverse cultural landscape of Japan.

Shimanami Kaido

5. The South Downs Way, England

Traversing traditional English countryside from Winchester to the iconic Seven Sisters cliffs, the South Downs Way is a multi-day journey through charming towns and verdant landscapes. Cyclists should be prepared for variable weather, but the scenic rewards are abundant.

South Downs Way

6. Kinderdijk Cycle Route, The Netherlands

This 43-kilometer track leads cyclists along the River Lek to the UNESCO World Heritage site at Kinderdijk, featuring the largest cluster of operational windmills in the Netherlands. With flat roads and welcoming locals, this route offers a quintessentially Dutch cycling experience.

Kinderdijk Cycle Route

7. Simpsons Gap, Queensland, Australia

Linking Flynns Grave to Simpsons Gap, this 17-kilometer cross-country trail provides stunning views of the landscape around Alice Springs. It’s perfect for those who enjoy remote, scenic rides through the heart of Australia’s Northern Territory.

Simpsons Gap, Queensland

8. Carretera Austral, Patagonia, Chile

Carretera Austral, or ‘Southern Way’, is a renowned route through Chilean Patagonia, famed for its breathtaking views of glaciers, snowy mountains, and vivid lakes. This path is a magnet for cyclists from around the globe, particularly during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Carretera

9. Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail, Canada

Winding along the dramatic coastlines of Cape Breton Highlands, the Cabot Trail offers 300 kilometers of stunning maritime scenery. Cyclists are rewarded with sweeping coastal views, especially vibrant in September.

Cabot Trail

10. Crater Lake Loop, Oregon, USA

This 52-kilometer loop around Crater Lake National Park provides numerous scenic stops like Vidae Falls and Phantom Ship Overlook. Well-equipped with amenities, it’s an ideal route for those looking to capture the breathtaking beauty of Oregon.

Crater lake

More Stunning Bicycle Routes

11. The Katy Trail, Missouri, USA America’s longest developed rail-trail, this route runs across most of Missouri and features river views, limestone bluffs, and quaint small towns along the way.

12. Romantic Road, Bavaria & Baden-Württemberg, Germany This route offers a historical journey through medieval towns and picturesque landscapes, with stops at iconic castles including Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau.

bicycle routes, bike route, bicycle tourism, romantic road

Würzburg on the Romantic Road

13. The Camel Trail, Cornwall, UK A popular recreational route in Cornwall, this trail follows a disused railway line offering beautiful coastal and woodland scenery.

14. Cape Point Nature Reserve, Table Mountain National Park, South Africa This route within the Table Mountain National Park boasts breathtaking ocean views, rugged cliffs, and a chance to see a variety of wildlife, including baboons and ostriches.

15. Cilento National Park, Salerno Province, Italy Riders can explore the diverse landscapes of Southern Italy, from beaches to mountain forests, in this less traveled part of the country.

16. Parenzana, Croatia, Slovenia & Italy This cycling route follows an old train track connecting Italy to Croatia through Slovenia, featuring scenic coastal towns, vineyards, and olive groves.

17. Chapel Loop, Provence, France This picturesque route in Provence is known for its rolling lavender fields, historic stone villages, and gentle hills.

Hauraki Rail Trail

18. The Hauraki Rail Trail, Coromandel Peninsula & Hauraki Plains, New Zealand A leisurely route offering an insight into New Zealand’s mining history, with easy riding through pastoral landscapes and past historic mining sites.

19. Yungas Road, La Paz & Yungas, Bolivia Also known as “Death Road,” this route is notorious for its danger but offers unmatched views of cloud forests and sheer cliffs.

20. Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal Known as Lisbon’s “Lungs,” this park offers a series of trails with great views over the city and the Tagus River.

21. Van Gogh-Roosegaarde Bicycle Path, Eindhoven, Netherlands This illuminated path inspired by Van Gogh’s “Starry Night” provides a magical night cycling experience using solar-powered lights.

22. EV5 Via Romea Francigena (EuroVelo 5), across multiple European countries This long-distance cycle route connects Canterbury to Rome, traversing various European landscapes and cultural sites.

Screenshot

23. Route of the Seven Lakes, Patagonia, Argentina A famous route in Argentine Patagonia offering dramatic mountain views, clear lakes, and lush forests.

24. Elbe Cycle Route, Poland & Germany Following the Elbe River, this bicycle route is one of the most popular in Europe, known for its historic cities, cultural landmarks, and varied landscapes.

25. Route des Grandes Alpes, French Alps, France A challenging route that takes cyclists through the French Alps from Lake Geneva to the Mediterranean, passing some of the highest and most beautiful mountain passes in Europe.

26. Alps to Ocean Trail, South Island, New Zealand This route offers a mix of mountain vistas, lakes, and rich pastoral land, connecting New Zealand’s Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean.

Alps to Ocean Trail, New Zealand

27. High Atlas, Atlas Mountains, Morocco A route that challenges cyclists with its steep ascents but rewards with stunning views of Berber villages and mountain landscapes.

28. Centenary Trail, Canberra, Australia A loop trail around Australia’s capital, this route offers a good mix of urban and natural scenery, suitable for both casual rides and more serious trekkers.

29. Ho Chi Minh Trail, North & South Vietnam Once a supply route during the Vietnam War turned beautiful bicycle route, this path now offers an adventurous journey through Vietnam’s varied landscapes and historic sites.

30. Otago Central Rail Trail, Central Otago District, New Zealand This trail, set in the rugged Central Otago landscape, is famed for its historic railway stations, tunnels, and bridges, ideal for a scenic and cultural cycling experience.