Vineyards as far as the eye can see: The German Wine Route for Cyclists

The cyclists version of the German Wine Route is rather self-explanatory by name – it runs through the Palatinate, which is one of the largest wine regions in Germany.

Between the foothills of the Palatinate Forest and the Rhineland Plain, the scenery is characterised by castles, historical houses and vine-clad hillsides. There are great views to enjoy and some challenging climbs to tackle. But working up a sweat provides a good excuse to catch your breath in a winery or tavern. The wines grown here are the perfect accompaniment to the regional cuisine, which ranges from hearty fare to gourmet dishes. One of the best things about cycling through wine country is the sun. Vines and cyclists both thrive in the sunny weather, and there's certainly enough of that to go around in the Palatinate. Terrain: asphalt for most of its length, the route runs through countryside that is hilly at times, with some steep climbs to negotiate along the panorama routes. The route is not always car-free. Scenery: the route runs through the winegrowing regions of the Palatinate, continually dipping in and out of the densely wooded foothills of the Palatinate Forest, past castles and ruins on the edge of the Haardt hills and through countless wine-producing villages.

• Length: 130 kilometres
• Starts: Schweigen-Rechtenbach
• Ends: Bockenheim
• Route info: hilly in parts, steep gradients