10 Best Bike Journeys Around the World

There’s something magical about biking—it’s one of the first recreational activities/sports we learn to do as kids. Then, once we’re a bit older, it’s the easiest way to escape home and explore neighbourhoods with friends. Even short biking adventures around cities as adults hark to a nostalgic, fun, freeing feeling we remember all too well as kids and teens. So, if you’re seeking the ultimate postcard of adventure, fun, freedom, and exploration, a bikepacking trip might be worthwhile.

What’s Bikepacking?

Bikepacking is the same as a backpacking hiking trip, with wheels instead of boots. This type of rugged adventure gives you the chance to explore fascinating places all over the world! You can travel from Point A to Point B by camping overnight or finding other accommodations. Either way, you can experience a new culture, scenery, and so much more. Bikepacking allows you to escape routine in the “real world” and entirely rely on your bike, whatever you packed in your bag, and the thoughts in your head. Want to go on a bikepacking adventure? Check out our ten best bike journeys around the world—in no particular order.

Ten Incredible Bike Journeys Worth Checking Out

The following bike journeys allow you to explore unique corners of the world, where scenery surprises and cultural secrets become known. They are all long-distance journeys on roads, gravel, along the sea, or through mountain passes.

1. Danube River

You could explore Europe the traditional way, aka city hopping, or you could immerse in the scenery and culture and explore via bike! Biking along the Danube River allows you to revel in the countryside from Passau, Germany, to Budapest, Hungary and enjoy incredible cities like Vienna, Bratislava, and Budapest. Pass by quaint small villages along the way too!

The path along the Danube remains relatively flat, making this a fun ride for beginners.

Location: Passau, Germany to Budapest, Hungary
Distance: 600.0 km+
When to do: May to October

2. Southern Namibia

Escape the more crowded north and head to southern Namibia for a remote bikepacking adventure with remarkable landscapes, such as red dunes, canyons, and more! We recommend that more experienced riders tackle this route due to loose gravel and gaps between towns and amenities. You must plan to ensure your basic hunger, thirst, and sleeping arrangements are met!

Location: Windhoek to Felix Unite
Distance: 1,000.0 km
When to do: July to October

3. Camino de Santiago, Spain

Most people walk the Camino de Santiago, but have you ever considered biking it? You’ll relish in all the sights in a shorter time frame, leaving more days for other adventures if your schedule allows! A good route for cycling is Camino Frances, which our numbers follow below.

Location: Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain
Distance: 800.0 km
When to do: April to October

4. The Great Divide, North America

“Epic” hardly describes the incredible, wild Great Divide ride carving through Alberta, Canada, to Antelope Wells, New Mexico, the US/Mexico border. Don’t expect a lot of pavement along this route, as you’ll cut through mountains, valleys, deserts, grasslands, and almost every untamed landscape you can think of. Expect to climb to high elevations! You don’t need to be an advanced rider to tackle this endurance-testing adventure, but it’s not recommended for beginners.

Location: Banff, Canada to Antelope Wells, New Mexico
Distance: 4,339.0 km
When to do: June to September

5. The Forgotten World Highway, New Zealand

Get to know New Zealand’s untouched backyard on the outlying 150.0 km cycle trail. Find abandoned settlements, landscapes harking to ancient times, and gorgeous valleys. Due to its “forgotten” nature, you’ll likely also run into some wild animals! A unique part of this adventure is Whangamomona, a republic with its own passport. This journey requires some fitness preparation as the ascent can get steep and tiresome at various points.

Location: Stratford, Taranaki to Taumaranui
Distance: 150.0 km
When to do: Late November to the start of May

6. Carretera Austral, Chile

Discover off-the-beaten-path communities dotting Chile on the Carretera Austral, a highway in Chile’s Patagonia. You’ll come across the natural beauties that make Patagonia a renowned adventure location, such as glaciers, fjords, a rainforest, and Lago General Carrera, the biggest lake in the country. The highway is undergoing paving, granting a more leisurely ride and higher access to amenities along the way!

Location: Villa Santa Lucia to Villa O’Higgins
Distance: 960.0 km
When to do: October to March

7. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Have you ever even thought of biking along salt flats before? You can bike the most extensive salt flat in the world: Salar de Uyuni. The scenery will make you feel like you’re exploring a strange dreamscape. You must stay on the tracks as it’s super easy to get disoriented!

Location: Uyuni to Sabaya
Distance: 160.0 km
When to do: April to October

8. Trans-Borneo

Fun fact: Borneo, a stunning island in Asia, is home to Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei—three countries. And guess what? You can bike in and out of these countries. The route we chose crosses two countries, Brunei and Malaysia. Take in a variety of scenery as you ride: coastlines, mountains, national parks, fishing villages, and so much more.

Location: Kuching to Kota Kinabalu
Distance: 1,370.0 km
When to do: January, April, May, October, December

9. North Sea Cycle Route, Europe

On the North Sea Cycle Route, ride through eight beautiful countries, from Norway to the United Kingdom. You’ll explore Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, England, and Scotland. The route hugs the coastline, granting unforgettable scenery and fun visits in port cities and chilled time on the beach.

Location: Bergen, Norway to Shetland Islands, UK
Distance: 5,942.0 km
When to do: March to October

10. Munda Biddi Trail, Australia

Mountain bikers will fall in love with Australia’s Munda Biddi Trail, which traverses the coastline and gravel and dirt paths through the forest. Thankfully, you’ll find several campsites along the way for resting your sore limbs. It’s a must to load up on supplies before you leave, as towns can be few and far between along the trail!

Location: Perth to Albany
Distance: 997.0 km
When to do: September to November or March to May

Best Treks in the World

Looking to explore some of the World’s best routes on foot? Check out the rest of the articles in our Best Treks series, where we highlight all of the best treks around the world to help you plan your upcoming long-distance adventures!

• 8 Best Multi Day Hikes in Iceland
• 10 Best Multi Day Hikes in Canada
• 10 Best Long Distance Hikes in the United States
• 10 Greatest Multi Day Hikes in Europe
• Africa's Best Treks
• 10 Best Long Distance Walks in the UK
• 10 Amazing Treks in Asia
• Australia’s Greatest Thru-Hikes
• 10 Spectacular Long Distance Hikes in New Zealand
• 10 Best Pilgrimage Routes
• 10 Best Treks in the Mediterranean
• 8 Best Treks in Italy