Practical Information and FAQ

The aim of this "Practical information and FAQ" section is to provide general information on EuroVelo and how the quality of the routes is being communicated on the website.

Contents

• Introduction & Definitions
• Categories of EuroVelo Routes
• Follow the EuroVelo signs!
• Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Introduction & Definitions

EuroVelo: Vision, Mission & Strategy for 2030

EuroVelo is the European network of long-distance cycle routes that cross and connect the whole continent. The development of EuroVelo will lead to safe, direct, coherent and connected cycling infrastructure and cycle route networks that will benefit all categories of cyclists.

The EuroVelo network is developed and coordinated by the European Cyclists’ Federation (ECF), the world's largest cycling organisation, as one of its core brands and activities. EuroVelo is a registered trademark of ECF, and only routes approved by ECF can be called EuroVelo. The development and operation of the EuroVelo routes is carried out by national, regional and local governments, commercial service providers and NGOs. Learn more here.

Our vision for EuroVelo is for a fully developed and high-quality European cycle route network, which is well-connected to national, regional and local cycle route networks and other sustainable modes of transport, driving further increases in everyday cycling and cycling tourism, in line with ECF’s vision to improve and increase cycling across the whole of Europe.

Our mission is to promote the further development of a sustainable, strong and well-connected European cycle route network, which:

• Acts as an accelerator to increase cycling;
• Drives change in European and national policies and practice;
• Benefits all categories of cyclists, including everyday cyclists, cycling tourists and leisure cyclists;
• Fosters sustainable tourism.

In the next decade, the main focus of EuroVelo network development will be on quality improvement, not on increasing the length of the network. On interactive maps across the website and on the EuroVelo Route Planner, you can see the current conditions that you are likely to experience when out and about. You can also find a yearly summary in the "EuroVelo Route Development Status Report", available in the Data Hub.

National EuroVelo Coordination Centres (NECCs)

The National EuroVelo Coordination Centres (NECCs) represent the link between the European and national levels of EuroVelo routes. Most of the time, it is a consortium of several national stakeholders – often including decision-making bodies on transport and tourism. NECCs and various other stakeholders are responsible for EuroVelo routes in their respective countries through implementation, coordination, quality assurance and communication.

EuroVelo coordination at the European level operates with a subsidiarity principle. For any concerns regarding infrastructure on EuroVelo routes, it is always best to contact the NECC of the relevant country, and keep checking this website for the latest situation along each route. Contact details are available below the map on this page.

In some countries, where consortia are not yet in place, the main EuroVelo partners are National EuroVelo Coordinators (NEC), representing a single stakeholder in the country.

Categories of EuroVelo routes

The EuroVelo network is over 90,000 km long and includes 17 routes of at least 1,000 km. ECF is constantly working with its National EuroVelo Coordination Centres and Coordinators (NECCs) on developing the network but there remain substantial differences in the conditions of the routes (also between different sections on the same route). Whilst this is inevitable on a network of this size, it is important to communicate to potential users what they can expect if they cycle a particular section of a route. For this reason, ECF developed several "route categories" applicable to the entire network and communicated at European level (on this website and on the printed EuroVelo Overview Map).

A bit of history

The first 12 EuroVelo routes were designated back in 1995 when the network was more an aspiration than a reality. The EuroVelo initiative was officially launched on 21 November 1997 in Logroño, Spain. Most of these first 12 routes have seen substantial development since then, but some sections remain at the planning stage or under development.

Note that it is no longer possible for new routes, or extensions to existing routes, to join the network at this level of development, and EuroVelo routes that joined the network more recently (especially EuroVelo 14, 15, 17 and 19) are well developed overall.

Unlike those early days, new routes, or extensions to existing routes, are allowed to join the network only if there is a good level of development. EuroVelo routes that joined the network more recently (especially EuroVelo 14, 15, 17 and 19) are well developed overall.

General route categories and meaning of the map legend's colors

• Dark green lines indicate Certified EuroVelo routes, meaning that either the full route or a section of at least 100 km has successfully undergone the process in line with the ECF's European Certification Standard (ECS) methodology to assess the quality of cycle routes. It is the highest quality level on the EuroVelo network.
• Bright green lines indicate Developed routes with EuroVelo signs. They designate sections with generally good cycling conditions, including continuity, limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces, and signed with EuroVelo signs. In practice, “developed routes” can mean different types of infrastructure: segregated cycle tracks, greenways, but also rural roads with few motorised vehicles, city streets with painted cycle lanes or cycle streets.
• Light green lines indicate Developed routes without EuroVelo signs. Same as the above, but not signed.
• Dashed yellow lines indicate Partially developed routes with EuroVelo signs. They include roads shared with higher levels of motorised traffic with no dedicated cycling infrastructure, and gravel tracks within forests with rough surfaces.
• Dashed orange lines indicate Partially developed routes without EuroVelo signs. Same as the above, but not signed.
• Dashed grey lines indicate Undeveloped routes or unknown conditions.
• Finally, thin black lines show the public transport links. These sections represent undeveloped stretches of the network that you can skip by taking your bike on a train, bus or ferry, helping you continue your journey on more developed routes.

As a cyclist visiting our website, you can look for the route sections in the categories best fitting your needs:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 For everyone including beginners and families: If you prefer to avoid high-traffic roads and poor surfaces wherever possible (lower quality sections may remain), or if you’re travelling with children or using a non-standard cycle, EuroVelo Certified routes (dark green on the map) are your best option, so check them out! In 2026, these include EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route in France (also called “La Vélodyssée”) & EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route from Breil/Brigels (Switzerland) to Bad Honnef (Germany)
• 🚴 For most cyclists: If you’re looking for generally low-traffic routes with good surfaces, and can handle short stretches (up to 5%) of less ideal conditions, choose developed routes (light green on the map). Opt for signed routes (bright green on the map) if you prefer to follow signposts rather than rely on your phone or cycling computer.
• 🛣️ For experienced cyclists: If you’re comfortable with higher traffic levels or rougher surfaces (but not both at once), as long as they lead you to stunning landscapes and unique experiences, partially developed routes (dashed orange on the map) could work for you. Signed sections (dashed yellow on the map) are also available if you enjoy following route panels.
• 🧭 For adventurous riders: If you’re keen to explore regions where cycling tourism is still developing, you could consider undeveloped/unknown routes (dashed grey on the map). These offer the best available itineraries in these regions, but conditions may vary. Adventure is part of the journey!

The development status category selected for each section of the network is based on information provided by NECCs, and updated yearly to reflect the latest progress in the realisation of the routes and EuroVelo signage across the network. This progress is summarised once a year in the EuroVelo Route Development Status Report, the latest version of which can be downloaded from the EuroVelo Data Hub.

While ECF and National EuroVelo Coordination Centers (NECC) make every effort to ensure the tracks and their levels of development are both current and accurate, errors or outdated information can occur.

It is important to note that to join the EuroVelo network, a route does not necessarily have to be certified in accordance with ECF's European Certification Standard (ECS), a methodology designed by ECF to assess the quality of cycle routes and define minimum quality criteria that a route should meet. However, future EuroVelo routes joining the EuroVelo network will need to have been surveyed with the ECS methodology and to meet 90% of the ECS' essential criteria - i.e. they will need to have been verified in the field, and to meet all relevant criteria to be suitable for regular cycle tourists.

Follow the EuroVelo signs!

As of 2026, over 53,300 km of routes across 26 countries have EuroVelo signs, covering 58% of the network. Those are: Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Ireland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Türkiye.

Below are a few examples of EuroVelo signs:

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Frequently asked questions

Where can I find out what parts of the network are complete?

In many cases substantial sections of EuroVelo routes are already complete and signed, but gaps in high-quality infrastructure still exist. When you are on a EuroVelo route page, click on a stage (on the left or the map) or on a country (on the right of the map) to access detailed information about the route. On stage pages / country per route pages, the interactive map provides a colour-coded overview of the route itinerary (see above for the meaning of each colour).

Where can I download GPS tracks of the EuroVelo network?

The GPX download feature is available on EuroVelo.com! When downloading EuroVelo GPX tracks please remember that it is required to read the disclaimer, which includes a description of the development statuses as well.

Moreover, when browsing the EuroVelo route pages, you will find many links to national or regional websites managed by the NECCs, which often also provide downloadable GPS tracks. However, please keep in mind that ECF is not responsible for those either.

Where can I find maps and guidebooks?

You can ask to receive the printed map of the whole EuroVelo network and the services handbooks of EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Cycle Route and EuroVelo 8 - Mediterranean Route by making a donation to EuroVelo.

You can find also a list of "Maps & Guides" by clicking on the dedicated tab on each EuroVelo route page.

Maps of national or regional sections of the EuroVelo routes are currently available from many online sources including:

• France Vélo Tourisme: for cycle routes in France
• Le Routard: mainly in France and Belgium
• Bikeline cycling guides: mainly for cycle routes in Germany
• Sustrans: for cycle routes in the United Kingdom
• Cicerone: in the whole of Europe

You can also contact the National EuroVelo Coordination Centre or Coordinator in your country to request the printed map of the whole EuroVelo network and local cycling guides.

What kind of bicycle should I choose for my trip?

In general, we advise you to use touring or trekking bikes for all kind of routes, because even realised sections can include stretches on gravel or dirt routes, for instance when crossing environmentally protected areas where it is not advised to build asphalted roads. In general, EuroVelo routes are not developed for road bikes.

Below you will find suggestions of the best routes in some specific cases.

I would like to try a long-distance, self-supported tour for the first time. Which EuroVelo route should I choose?

Our most popular routes follow major European rivers – Rhine, Meuse, Loire and Danube. Their naturally flat topography, combined with the highest quality cycling infrastructure, ensures a safe and pleasant ride.

The routes in question are two of our ECS certified routes: EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route and EuroVelo 19 – Meuse Cycle Route. Their ECS certification guarantees high quality on almost the entire length (however, we recommend double-checking the exact certified section on our route planner).

Another great choice is EuroVelo 6 – Atlantic-Black Sea. Passing through 10 countries over its 4,448 km length, the route follows three of Europe’s major rivers – the Loire, the Rhine and the Danube. With full signposting between France and Serbia and detailed mapping throughout, it is the perfect choice for a first long-distance tour.

I would like to learn more about the history of Europe. Which EuroVelo route should I choose?

Many EuroVelo routes incorporate a historical theme – EuroVelo 3 - Pilgrims Route and EuroVelo 5 - Via Romea (Francigena) follow ancient pilgrims’ trails. But for the most poignant reminder of Europe’s recent history we recommend following EuroVelo 13 - Iron Curtain Trail, along the border which divided the continent between East and West for half a century.

I am looking for a safe route to travel with my family. Which EuroVelo route should I choose?

If you’re travelling with young kids, then look no further than EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route. At 1,500 km, the entire route is very manageable in a month-long summer holiday. In this time you’ll follow the Rhine through four countries from source to sea, taking in some magnificent scenery on the way. The route holds the European Route Certification Standard (ESC) label for 97.7% of its length in terms of continuity, route components, surface and attractiveness.

I would like to cycle EuroVelo routes, but I do not feel confident planning the trip myself. Are there any tour operator services?

Yes! On our Services for cyclists page, you will also find a list of cycling tour services operating along the EuroVelo routes. These are designed and organised by local tour operators, and offer diverse trips based on the country, route, duration, price, difficulty, type of bike you are using, guided or self-guided option and their certification status.

How do I know which accommodations along the routes are cycling-friendly?

EuroVelo has partnerships with local, regional, and national cycle-friendly services, which are listed in our Services for cyclists section. Here you will find an overview of 30 cycling-friendly labels across 24 European countries which hold cycling-friendly labels, certifying that accommodations, restaurants, and other businesses along your route are ready and happy to welcome you and your bicycle! To help you plan your trip, we created an interactive map that helps you navigate through the cycling-friendly labels along EuroVelo routes.

Who came up with the idea of EuroVelo?

EuroVelo was first conceived at a meeting between the ECF and its British and Danish partners (Sustrans and de Frie Fugle) in 1995. The original plan was to create 12 long-distance cycle routes. Since August 2007, the ECF has assumed full responsibility for coordination of the project, leading to greater international recognition of the value of these routes. You can learn more about its history here.

Why is there no EuroVelo 16 and 18?

After EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route joined the EuroVelo network, the next two routes to join – EuroVelo 17 and EuroVelo 19 – both cross Europe on a North-South axis. As a result, they were assigned odd numbers, leaving numbers 16 and 18 available for future EuroVelo routes that will be crossing Europe on an East-West axis. The Iberian Cycle Route and the Sava Cycle Route are current candidates to join the EuroVelo network, respectively with numbers 16 and 18. The future EuroVelo 21 has been announced in 2026, too. If a set of criteria is met, these routes will become part of the European cycle route network in the future. So stay tuned!

Is it possible to add additional routes?

Yes, we accept applications to create new EuroVelo routes, or modify existing itineraries in a three-year cycle. A detailed explanation of the route application process can be found here.

Can EuroVelo sponsor my cycling trip or charity fundraising ride?

The ECF is a not-for-profit organisation and cannot make financial contributions to rides using the EuroVelo network. However, we love to hear news of inspiring journeys and can use our social media networks to spread these stories throughout the cycling community. We also regularly publish travelogues of cycling journeys along EuroVelo routes on EuroVelo.com. If you would like your story to be featured on the EuroVelo website and social media, write us a eurovelo@ecf.com.

Where can I read accounts of people who have cycled the routes or get inspiration?

There is an endless selection of blogs available online by cyclists who have taken on the EuroVelo routes. A good idea is to check out #EuroVelo on Instagram and Facebook to hear what bloggers are saying about their rides. We also feature these cyclists in regular articles for EuroVelo.com.

What is the EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference?

The EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conference is the leading annual international conference to inform, inspire and connect on EuroVelo, cycle route networks and cycling tourism. It gathers all those involved in the cycling tourism sector – destination managers, cycling tourism experts, universities and academia, tourism officials, public authorities, user representatives, tour operators, public transport companies, representatives of accommodation providers, and more. Read more here: EuroVelo & Cycling Tourism Conferences - EuroVelo for Professionals.