In the recovery lane
Discovering Germany by Bike “Deutschland per Rad entdecken” with the ADFC
Going on holiday by bike – in almost no other country this works as well as in Germany. On a dense network of cycle routes cycle tourists have no problems to reach every region of the country. For every taste the right thing can be found – most easily with “Discovering Germany by Bike”. The German Cyclists’ Federation (ADFC) presents the new edition of this standard work for a healthy and environmentally conscious vacation in Germany. The nineth edition comprises a total of 70 long-distance cycle routes described in detail, including all ADFC quality cycle routes in Germany and an overview of about 100 other routes. Among them offers for families, successful classics as well as promising newcomers, relaxing river and disused railway cycle routes or exciting cultural and city routes. By means of route descriptions cyclists gain a first impression of the route, such as whether it is flat or hilly, whether child transport by trailer is possible, which maps are appropriate and who is the right contact person for questions. An additional magazine section provides information on family trips, themed and art routes, culinary discoveries and modern travel with e-bikes. The service section provides tips for planning the cycle tour, information on accommodation, on taking bicycles by train and much more – here cycling tourists find everything that is necessary for a successful trip.

“Discovering Germany by Bike” is accompanied by a website at www.adfc.de/reisenplus . Here, all routes are clearly presented in an interactive map of Germany. With the route finder touring cyclists can also search specifically for their preferred route. Each route is presented with a picture gallery, which often also provides a culinary tip. For many long-distance cycle routes the presentation lists a selection of e-bike rental stations and draws attention to event dates and competitions. Just a click away is the Bed+Bike online catalogue, www.bettundbike.de , with over 5,400 bicycle-friendly guest establishments and the ADFC Tour Portal with elevation profiles and GPS tracks.

Through the feedback option of the initiative “Bewerten und Gewinnen” (Vote and Win), each user can help to further improve the quality of long-distance cycle routes: imparting ones experiences after the tour gives one the chance to win attractive prizes. Please notice that these websites are only available in German.