From tarmac to gravel or root trails: gravel bikes look good on any terrain. It's no wonder that more and more German holiday regions are offering dedicated routes for these fast all-rounders.

Everyone's talking about e-bikes, but close behind, another type of bike is also gaining momentum, from the shores of the Baltic Sea to deepest Bavaria: the gravel bike. The reason for its success? The gravel bike combines the best of two worlds, namely the off-road ability of mountain bikes and the high speed of racing bikes. Their advantage: they feel at home on any surface – especially on fine gravel, after which they're named. Their versatility will delight riders who don't want to worry too much about planning their route. Because changing surfaces shouldn't be restrictive – on the contrary, they're inviting. Does the tarmac suddenly give way to loose gravel? Wonderful. Will the gravel path become a carpet of roots? Fantastic, even more thrilling!


No road, no problem

Two gravel bikers ride on a gravel path through the green, forested landscape of the Sauerland on a sunny day. Gravel biking in the Sauerland ©Sauerland-Tourismus e.V. / REACT-EU (Paul Masukowitz)

Of course, you can experience this combination in many places, as Germany's wide variety of breathtaking landscapes and charming trails attracts visitors from all over. Whether you want to roam through picturesque forests, ride along bubbling rivers or explore historic cities, Germany has a wealth of fascinating routes that are sure to make every cyclist's heart beat faster. Some regions are now specifically targeting gravel bikers, such as the Haßberge in Lower Franconia. This self-proclaimed 'Germany's first gravel region' advertises several routes under their motto, 'Gravel to beer and Franconian wine'. These are based on an existing network of trails that has been adapted to meet special requirements. Simply download from most popular outdoor map providers and get started. But these aren't the only routes. In the Bike Arena Sauerland , 18 of more than 40 routes are explicitly designed for gravel bikers. The 'Hochsauerland-Zweitausender' (English: Upper Sauerland Two-thousander) route is designed for particularly fit riders. Its 72 kilometres and almost 1,700 metres in altitude speak for themselves.


Over hill and dale – and city tarmac

A gravel biker rides on a gravel path on the Hoheward Heap in Herten, surrounded by green vegetation and overlooking the distant landscape at sunset. Gravel biking on the Hoheward spoil tip in Herten ©Adobe Stock (Martin)

The Ruhr region has also made a name for itself in this growing scene. Its collection features eleven routes suitable for a variety of levels. The three Cityhopper tours in the Kraichgau-Stromberg region take at least two days each: be it from Mannheim to Stuttgart, from Heidelberg to Pforzheim or from Karlsruhe to Heilbronn. Shorter than these 130-170 kilometre routes are the nine 'Hunsrück Gravel Fairy Tales' specifically designed for gravel riders. Some of them also include an overnight stay in a tent in one of the trekking camps in the Hunsrück-Hochwald National Park or in the Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park. The Ore Mountains host gravel bikers for several days at a time.


Adventure, impressive views and indulgence

Two cyclists rides through the picturesque landscape of Franconian Tuscany, surrounded by rolling hills. Cyclists in Franconian Tuscany ©Haßberge Tourismus e.V. (Ralf Schanze)

Each of these regions offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural sights and challenging routes. Why should sporting challenges and cycling for leisure be mutually exclusive? As well as day tours, multi-day tours offer a special experience. Bikepacking, which just means 'cycling with light luggage', involves simply strapping bags and bottles to the frame, handlebars and seat post of your bike. And then you're off! The focus is not on racing through the kilometres, but on enjoying an attractive, varied route, often including fine views and one or two scenic rest stops. For gravel bikers, enjoyment is key – they stay true to their motto of not only getting up many a mountain, but also freewheeling all the way back down.

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