Biking is exciting regardless of where you’re doing it, but have you ever thought about going on a trip through Europe? Having a different venue to bike it offers a lot of challenge, new terrain and excitement of discovering trails. You can also enjoy the new scenery and vegetation! In this article, we are going to show you the top 5 European countries in which to bike!
Sweden
The Kinnekulle Trail System is a 5 star rated area that is known for Kinnekulle, which is one of the tallest hills in the western part of Sweden. Over 300 meters above sea level, you will have amazing views of the surrounding area and of the largest lake in the country, Lake Vanem.
Besides the views, the biking here is awesome and has the longest downhill trails in the area. While many of the tracks here are great, you will find some with flatter areas on this advanced single track.
Orange Trail in Gatene is also located within the Kinnekulle Trail System and is a 45 km intermediate single track with an elevation of 265 meters. This trail goes all around Kinnekulle, and will take you through farms and all the way up to the top of the mountain and down the opposite side.
Once you get farther along the track, you will see a double track, as well as dirt roads, some paved areas and more. There are a ton of terrains from one side to the other that you will experience.
Austria
Take along your best ultralight backpack because there is a lot of mountain biking to do here! Head to Hinterglemm for Bike Circus Saalbach Hinterglemm, which is the best place for mountain biking in all of Austria. There are hundreds of miles of trails, from cross country to downhill and freeride.
In the Austrian Alps, this is an entire valley with trails of all difficulty levels and many obstacles. If you prefer downhill biking, check out the famous Hacklberg Trail that has many jumps, single trails that will test your limits.
Visit Bikepark Leogang, located in Leogang, Austria. Great for bikers of all ages and skill levels, you can enjoy nature and hit the various trails. The trails are marked and tell you what the difficulty level will be. You can hit up the Flying Gangster Trail or either Hang Man Trails. Bikepark Leogang is home to Europe’s largest bike park for beginners called Riders Playground, which is 10,000 meters squared and has a free ride course.
France
If you want an assortment of terrain and trail types, then Peisey and Les Arcs in Bourg St. Maurice, France, has you covered! With fire roads, single tracks, downhill areas, you will have an adrenaline filled time here! Between trails, take the awesome lift system that gives you a full view of nature, as well as the various villages below.
Haute Route in Chamonix is another great place to bike. This expert trail is over 100 miles long and takes you from this region in France to Zermatt, Switzerland. This is an alpine trek and you will be on a single track. Experts say that you need to take your time and have good weather here, as well as the skills, to make it through Haute Route!
Spain
Morcat Trail is located in Ainsa, Spain, and starts out near an ancient village that has torn down buildings. This trail was used for centuries as a transportation road to go from the village to the valley and back. This is a technical single track that is very steep but tons of fun. It offers lots to see in terms of foliage and scenic views, and takes you downhill.
Camino De Santiago is a trail that is in Santiago De Compostela that is 966 km long and is great for beginners. You will find that most of this trail is a double track that has a lot of gravel, but, as you go along you’ll discover more terrain. The countryside is amazing and stunning, and there are lots of places where you can rest, get a drink or food, and take in the beauty around you.
While you will find this trail has a lot of hills at the start and finish, the middle section is a bit flat. Everything is marked, and easy to access.
Norway
Hafjell Bike Park boasts many trails and has quickly become a haven for all types of cycling enthusiasts. The MTB portion of the park is exhilarating and you can find many heart-pounding downhill trails. The Buldreloypa trail is a bit rocky and has jumps and wall rides and is located in a forest area. Moe’Town Trail is smooth and has many pump sections, rollers, berms and more! It is known as a fun trail that you won’t forget!
Trysil Bike Arena is the largest winter sports place in Norway. It has new biking facilities and already has over 100 km of single tracks that are in the mountain and forest. Great for families, you can experience a wide range of trails in this park.
There is a great Flow Trail here as well as a skills course an pump track. You can find items to balance on, jump off of, and many banked curves. The Mountain Circuit offers trails for all skill levels and has many high mountain trails and some harsh terrain, too. If you take the route around the mountain, you will find it family-friendly, and a good fit for all!
Conclusion
Now that you are aware of not only the best European countries in which to bike, you know specific areas in which you can do so. From beginner to advanced, your skill level can be accommodated with various trails and terrains. Not only are you getting a heart-pounding experience, but you can do so within the beautiful mountains and landscapes that Europe has to offer. Happy travels!
Nice article….
I will surely try biking in atleast one the mentioned countries(may be France)….
Keep up the good work…
Thanks. Yes, France is great for cycle touring. There is something there for all levels.