Cycling EuroVelo 15 with Family: Tips and Must-Visit Spots for All Ages

Last summer, 1,287 km of the route were certified under EuroVelo certification, while 73% of this certified section is suitable even for the most demanding cyclists – kids! This means that for these 73% of the certified route, you will ride on well-maintained surfaces, pass by many cyclist-friendly facilities, benefit from accessible train connections, and take a break that offers something to discover as well as to enjoy.

Three kids' friendly trips around Switzerland

The Swiss part of EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route is almost entirely certified, except for one section that runs across the Alps – from Andermatt to Breil/Brigels. Apart from that, families with kids will enjoy the infrastructure, quality, and services along most of EuroVelo 15 in Switzerland.

Tip No. 1: Chur – Landquart

The section between Chur and Landquart covers 17 km with only 60 m elevation gain, making it particularly suitable for families with young cyclists. Running along the Rhine, the stretch offers wonderful views of the mountains and the vineyards of the Bündner Herrschaft.

The ideal starting point for this stretch is Chur, the country's oldest settlement. Here, kids can explore the historic old town on a guided tour tailored specifically for children, enjoy a treasure hunt or a puzzle trail.

And after exploring new sites, they can jump into the open-air swimming pool, with its large sunbathing area and mountain views, which is the perfect place to cool off.  

Tip No. 2: Romanshorn – Kreuzlingen

Cycling around one of Europe’s most iconic lakes is a magical experience in itself. With various boat trip options across the lake, it becomes an even more thrilling adventure for young cyclists.

Our recommended 21 km stretch runs from Romanshorn to Kreuzlingen. Along the way, you’ll find numerous swimming spots, small coves, beaches, public pools and shaded areas that are perfect for a break. There are also plenty of restaurants and bistros right by the water, offering refreshments – essentials for trips with kids. You will also find multiple campsites along the way, which give flexibility to your family’s needs, and these can also be adjusted by well-accessible train connections along the route.

Tip No. 3: Stein am Rhein – Schaffhausen

After leaving Lake Constance, there lies another peaceful stretch highly suitable for children’s needs. On the 20 km between Stein am Rhein and Schaffhausen, you will find historic little towns with colourfully painted house facades, riverside landscapes teeming with birds and beavers. The highlight of this stretch is the largest waterfall in Europe, the Rhine Falls, which will make a guaranteed impression on young cyclists! Here you can also adjust your itinerary by taking the boat on the Rhine to shorten the trip or by using it for the return journey.

(Almost) fully certified Germany

Similar to Switzerland, the greatest thing about EuroVelo 15 in Germany is that almost its entire length is certified – apart from 218 km in the North of the country. The route here is a perfect opportunity to introduce your kids to the world of cycling tourism. Your family cycling holiday can benefit not only from well-maintained cycling infrastructure but also from passing by many interesting spots for a break.

Tip No 1: Kadelburg – Murg

Start your trip in the city of Kadelburg and try out the historic cable ferry across the Rhine. Nearby, you can also visit Küssaburg Castle, and if you are travelling on an e-bike that needs charging, the local Tourist Information Centre has you covered.

Our recommended approximately 30 km stretch will lead you to Murg. Then end your day at MuRheNa Natural Water Park. Hop off your bike and swap your cycling jersey for a swimsuit on a hot summer day.

Tip No. 2: Burkheim – Rust – Taubergießen

We recommend planning your itinerary in a way that on Saturday evening, you finish in the small town of Burkheim. Nachtwächter, as the locals call them, are waiting there for you. The town’s tradition of Night Watchmen dates back to 1504, making Burkheim one of the oldest towns to maintain this tradition. In the past, the watchmen's duty was to guard the city at night, but nowadays, their main task is to bring old poetry to our modern world. If you don't want to miss them, make sure to visit Vogtsburg-Burkheim on Saturday. From Easter to October, they make their rounds around the city every Saturday at 10 in the evening.

The following morning, head off to the famous Europa-Park theme park in Rust. This stretch is almost 30 km long, but definitely worth it! With its European-themed areas, rollercoasters, shows, and attractions, Europa-Park offers a varied break full of adventure and entertainment. Moreover, Europa-Park is home to Rulantica – a water park which offers year-round water fun for the whole family.

And if you prefer more natural areas, Taubergießen Nature Reserve lies only 5 km further from Rust. You can either go for a hike in the area or explore it by traditional fishing boat. The trips last around 1,5 to 2 hours, and make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Tip No. 3: Daily trip off the saddle

In the North Rhine-Westphalia region, stories about dragons shaped the area around the city of Königswinter for centuries. One of the Rhine’s most iconic landmarks, the Drachenfels hill, together with Germany’s oldest cog railway, Drachenfelsbahn, which will take you to the summit of the ‘Dragon Hill’, is the perfect adventure.

Along the way, you can visit the fairy-tale-like Schloss Drachenburg castle, explore the ruins of Drachenfels Castle and discover the dragon’s legends.

Tip No. 4: Bonn – Cologne

And just a little bit further from this Dragon world lie two worth-seeing cities. A 36 km stretch connects Bonn and Cologne. Along the way, you will cycle by the river in the heart of Bonn and pass many green parks. Once you reach Cologne, one of the route’s most vibrant urban destinations, end your day either by visiting the famous Cologne Cathedral or walking along the city’s Rhine Promenade.

Tip No. 5: Bad Weather Day

One of the unexpected attractions along EuroVelo 15 is located near Neuss. A year-round winter sports facility at SnowWorld Neuss Another special experience lies in the Breisach region – round-trip or lock-cruise on the Rhine departing from Breisach. From the water, you get to enjoy a relaxed view of the Rhine landscape, including the Old Rhine, the Grand Canal d’Alsace, the Harbour of Breisach and the surrounding area towards the famous fortified town of Neuf-Brisach located just across the French border. Depending on the route, the trip may also include passing through a lock, which is especially exciting for kids.

Alsace region

Tip No. 1: Muttersholtz – Wittisheim – Erstein

One unique activity hidden in the commune of Muttersholt is SensoRied – a 1,5 km barefoot trail passing by a dozen educational panels that introduce you to the diverse ecosystem of Rieds.

On this 35 km stretch, after 4 km from SensoRied, you will pass Koba Lake near Wittisheim, where you can cool off in the summer heat. Or you can choose from Koba Wake Park located right next to it, where kids can try wakeboarding, waterskiing, wakeskating, or stand-up paddle.

Either end your day here or continue to Erstein to explore the Wurth museum, which includes a 5-hectare green park and creative workshops.

Tip No. 2 for swimming spots

What is better than jumping into water after a long day on a bike during hot summer days? You can rest well because the French EuroVelo 15 has a lot of natural swimming options easily accessible by bicycle.

Some of them charge a small entrance fee (just a few euros!), but at the same time, offer services for cyclists.

You can choose from Benfeld’s lake, Huttenheim lake, Gambsheim lake or La Chapelle lake. And in case you would like to take a break from cycling, you can head to the Aqua Park Total Jump for a daily trip, where numerous activities will keep your kids occupied.

Tip No. 3: Neuf-Brisach – Bantzenheim

This 30 km stretch will take you past unique museums in Alsace. Start in the well-known star-shaped fortified city of Neuf-Brisach. The tourist centre there also offers a treasure hunt for kids as they explore the fortified ramparts.

When visiting the Vauban citadel in Neuf-Brisach, we recommend checking out the MAUSA VaubanEuroVelo 15 – Urban and street-art museum. Immersive installations, large white bodies, XXL photographs, metro graffiti and many more artworks are displayed accross nearly 1,200 m2 of the ramparts of Neuf-Brisach’s Vauban citadel.

After cycling 30 km along the Rhine to the north, you will reach the small town of Bantzenheim – home to a motorcycle museum dedicated to old motorcycles, which is also the first museum of its kind.

The paradise of flat terrain – Netherlands

As you might have expected, the Dutch section of EuroVelo 15 has very flat terrain. Moreover, it can be divided into short daily sections of 20-35 km with regular breaks, and it is a highly suitable choice for a family holiday with kids.

It mainly follows riverbanks, dykes, and low-lying polders with no significant climbs, making it very easy to cycle, even for less experienced (and younger) cyclists. The only hillier part lies around the city of Arnhem, and the biggest (and usually the only) physical challenge is wind exposure on open dikes rather than elevation. To add to this unique Dutchy experience, use one of the ferries that can be spotted on several occasions along the route.

Tip No. 1: Millingen – Arnhem

Soon after crossing the German border, lies Millingerwaard near Millingen – a wild floodplain landscape with grazing animals and space to explore.

Start your day here and follow EuroVelo 15 to Arnhem, which lies 30 km from Millingerwaard. On your way to the city, you will pass one of the country’s historical castles – Doorwerth Castle. After reaching Arnhem, we recommend giving your kids a break from cycling ‘hills’ around Arnhem by paying a visit to the Nederlands Openlucht Museum in Arnhem, a highly interactive museum with historic buildings, tram rides and hands-on exhibits.

Tip No. 2: Kinderdijk – Rotterdam

The province of Wijk bij Duurstede is known for its historic towns with castles, such as for example Amerongen Castle, and windmills. However, the most important windmills are in Kinderdijk.

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and then cycle 16 km to Europe’s largest seaport – Rotterdam.

Tip. No 3: Rotterdam – Hook of Holland

From Rotterdam, it is only 35 km to the final destination of EuroVelo 15 – Hook of Holland by the North Sea. Treat your kids to a well-deserved rest after their cycling holidays on EuroVelo 15 with various seaside activities, while you can rest on the beach and enjoy a well-handled cycling holiday.

Midsummer is over, the heat in Europe has started, and schools are slowly closing their doors for the summer. Whether it will be their first EuroVelo rodeo or they are no longer strangers to cycling tourism – fill your kids’ summer with unforgettable memories from cycling EuroVelo 15 along the Rhine.

Article written by Barbora Labudová