Five bicycle day-trips for the Summer Solstice

Today is the Northern Hemisphere’s Summer Solstice - the longest day of the year - and we want to make the most of it! So we pulled together five cycling trips to enjoy during the day’s 15 hours of sunlight.

Cycle the River Danube

Credit: https://www.utracks.com/Blog/danube-bike-path-cycling 

This famous river spans 10 countries, covering almost 3,000km, with cycle paths alongside its banks across Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Choose a part of the river to visit and bring your bicycle for a day of riverbank sightseeing. You can check out this official cycle path website for more information.

Challenge yourself to a cycling climb

Credit: https://luccacyclingclub.com/cycling-lucca-must-see-climbs/

If you are the kind of cyclist who likes a challenge, why not organise a day-trip somewhere with plenty of elevation, to explore your limits perhaps with a group of like minded friends or family. One particularly scenic option is the area around Lucca, Italy. Check out this guide for some ideas on interesting cycling climbs to take in and around the town. Another option is to use this tool to find a climb near you - there are plenty of adventures to be had!

Visit the Black Forest

Credit: https://www.focus-bikes.com/at_en/atlas-bikepacking-black-forest-into-the-dark 

Check out this beautiful forest in Germany for scenic, challenging rides under thick, green foliage. The Southern Black Forest Cycle Route is worth checking out - a 248km circular journey beginning and ending in Freiburg, that follows an old railway line. This path is suitable for families and mainly flat,  so bring everyone along. If you want to do the whole route and spend a few days on two wheels, you can stay in small mediaeval towns along the way.

Visit Lake Constance

Credit: https://www.tripsite.com/bike/tours/around-lake-constance/ 

This giant lake is bordered by Austria, Germany and Switzerland, and encircled by a 168-mile cycle path. At various parts of the lake, the track takes you through forests, farms, vineyards and orchards, past old architecture, cathedrals and castles, and under majestic views of the Alps. Visit your preferred section of the lake and enjoy a day by the water - if you visit in summer you may want to break for a dip!

Explore a cycling city

Finally, why not pick one of the world’s most cycle-friendly cities and spend a day exploring the sights. We had a series on Cities for Cyclists that you may find useful. Here are some links to guides to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Singapore and Vancouver.