Cyclotourism is an environmentally sound and active way to discover new places and meet lots of new people!

A Pan-European Initiative
The European Cyclists' Federation supports and promotes the exploration of Europe by bicycle. A European initiative begun in 1995 will continue until 2010: EuroVelo. The objective of this project is to establish a network of twelve pan-European cycling trails spanning over more than 65,000km/40,000 mi., about half of which are already constructed. Each of the twelve paths has its own character and charm. Here we describe five of the trails for you:

• EuroVelo 1 is the Atlantic Coast route, starting at the North Cape of Norway, the northern tip of Europe, and ending at the southwest tip of the continent, at Sagres, Portugal. It crosses six other European countries along the way: Ireland, the United Kingdom (England, Wales, and Scotland), France, and Spain.
• EuroVelo 6, the Atlantic - Black Sea tour, leaves France and the Atlantic at Saint-Nazaire, follows the Loire river and its famous chateaux, crosses Bourgogne’s vineyards, the Doubs Valley, and having reached Switzerland and the Rhine, crosses the Black Forest in Germany, at the source of the Danube. You follow this great river, in its turn, which leads through magical Bavaria and into Austria, then on to Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia and Bulgaria. Just like the Danube, you conclude your trek in Romania, on the shores of the Black Sea. You’ll have traveled through ten countries of Europe!
• EuroVelo 7, the Road through Middle Europe, also called the Sun Route, begins at the North Cape in Norway as well, but continues on through Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and the Czech Republic, and then into Austria, Italy, concluding in Malta. You can see a detailed map of the trail on the website.
• EuroVelo 8 is the Mediterranean Route. Commencing in Cadiz, Spain, to finish in Cyprus, you’ll cross France, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece. You can see a detailed map of the trial on the website
• EuroVelo 12, the North Sea Cycle Route, presents an unforgettable tour of 6,000 curling km/3700 mi. From Bergen, Norway, you travel along the coastline of Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and Belgium, and then up back north along the shores of the United Kingdom. This is the longest posted international bicycle route in the world!

Green Ways
Green Ways are available to a larger public than the cycle routes, as they are attractive not only to cyclists but pedestrians, rollers, those of impaired mobility, and horseback riders.
The network of Green Roads in Spain is highly developed: former railway lines have been resurfaced and provide a pleasant and environmentally friendly way to see the country and meet its people. A sightseeing alternative appropriate for all ages and respectful of the environment that combines sport and fresh air – are you ready to try it? Among the Spanish trails, the Via Verde de la Sierra lets you pedal your way through the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia.
France has 124 Green Routes. In 2005 the Hautes-Vosges Green Way was awarded the second annual 2005 European Green Way prize.
Sweden’s Klarälvsbanan Greenway covers 90 km/ 56 mi. in a land of musicians, poets and storytellers, in the middle of dense forests along the shores of lakes…
There are over 20 Green Routes 500 mi. / 800km of pathways crisscrossing the beautiful countryside of Belgium, including the LF routes (Lange Afstands Fietsroutes) along the windmill dotted flatlands of Dutch-speaking Flanders, and the RAVeL routes (Réseau Autonome des Voies Lentes) along canal embankments and resurfaced railway tracks in French-speaking Wallonia.
More information on: http://www.fietsroute.org/indexuk.htm
http://www.visitflanders.com
Italy has equally appealing Green Ways - try them out! Everything you have ever heard about bicycling in Italy is true. The weather, terrain, roads, and cities are all perfectly suited for bike touring.

Cycling Tours in Europe
Norway offers both organized tours and individual itineraries throughout the country.
In Finland, take a cycle tour in the Southwest Islands, and use the ferries to cross from island to island.
Denmark’s more than 10,000 km/ 5,600 mi. of marked cycle routes offer opportunities not to miss!
Latvia has some very popular cycle routes, through some of the most beautiful parts of the country, including Kemeri and Gauja National Parks.
Lithuania’s mild climate, natural landscape, rich natural and cultural heritage gives tourists a great opportunity to explore Lithuania by bicycle.
A big achievement for Lithuania is a seaside cycle route, developed with the funds of PHARE program.
People can also find cycle paths in most National and Regional parks.
In Germany the cycling options are numerous and exciting; take off for a couple of hours…or a couple of days! Germany has more long-distance cycle routes covering different types of landscape than anywhere else. It has both top trails for mountain biking and a great network of cycle paths within the cities.
Discover the fabulous scenery of Austria by bicycle or by VTT (bike and train) – here’s a great idea for vacation! Are you ready to tackle the Tour of the Styrian Alps, 350km/217 mi. long and 8,800 m / 28,800 ft. change in elevation?
Ireland’s hilly terrain may intimidate some cyclists, but the superb scenery is worth a little extra effort. A network of tranquil paths crosses some of the most extraordinary landscape you can find.
In Northern Ireland, four marked routes are available: Belfast to Ballyshannon, Ballycastle to Ballyshannon, and the Kingfisher and Loughshore Trails.
Slovenia offers cycle tourists a veritable parade of incomparable scenery. Thanks to short distances and a choice of terrain, Slovenia is very suitable for cycling. Mountain bikers are rewarded for their efforts with stunning views, and city cyclists with a variety of exciting experiences.
The routes in Cyprus are perfect for Cyclotourism: flat or inclined, they are peaceful, rarely busy, and give a choice of unequalled views of the sea or of the Cypriot countryside.
Swizterland’s 2,050 mi. / 3,300 km of bike trails allow you to see the incredible Swiss landscape at your own speed. Adventure is guaranteed, and all the information you need is on line!
The Czech Republic invites you to experience its vineyards and history by bicycle! The Moravian Wine Trails route crosses the orchards and vineyards of southern Moravia.
Holland bicycles outnumber the inhabitants, and it’s clearly evident! 1,056 miles / 17,000 km. of bike paths enable you to investigate all of Holland in a simultaneously relaxing and athletic manner. You can rent bicycles practically everywhere, and they will carry you anywhere …and all at your own pace.