Our international dream bike tours - TOP 5

We have thought about which bicycle tours we find particularly great and exciting. We have both beginners and experienced cyclists in mind. One thing in advance: These are only small appetisers. Everyone should make up their own mind and, if they like it, inform themselves in detail. Because every tour requires extensive planning.

1. Canada: Trans Canada Trail (also: The Great Trail)

First of all, a little warning beforehand: If you have the chance to travel to Canada in your lifetime, you will fall in love with this fascinating country. But you don't have to cover the entire 24,000 kilometres of the world's longest (cycling) hiking trail. Even individual stages of the Trans Canada Trail (since 2016 also known as The Great Trail) give you an idea of the breathtaking nature this corner of the world has to offer. The trail leads through all of Canada's provinces and territories and stretches from St. John's in the east to Vancouver Island in the west - those who wish can also make a detour to the Northwest Territories to the Arctic Ocean. In addition to cycling, the trail can also be explored on foot, in sections as a canoe route or in winter with cross-country skis or a snowmobile. Those who actually have the opportunity and ambition to cycle the entire trail can look forward to a varied ride through the second largest country in the world: In the east, the coasts with rugged cliffs followed by the prairie landscape of central Canada and finally the Rocky Mountains in the west and the eternal ice in the northern Yukon Territory. And also in terms of difficulty, the individual stages are quite different. Less experienced cyclists should therefore find out in advance which routes are actually suitable.

Whether you tackle the adventure alone or with several others - the fear of being all alone in the wilderness is unlikely to arise. There are hundreds of cities, small towns, villages and communities along the way. There are also 86 so-called "trail pavilions" where you can meet other cyclists, hikers or canoeists and exchange ideas with them.

The idea for the Great Trail "by Canadians for Canadians" was born in 1992, and it was finally officially opened in 2017 - just in time for the country's 150th birthday. The project was mainly financed by donations and sponsors. For the construction, 75 percent of the trail was built on existing hiking trails and historic paths, national parks and disused railway lines.

2. Argentina/Chile: Patagonia (e.g. Carretera Austral)

Just as fascinating as the North of America is the other end of the double continent: Patagonia aka "the end of the world". In the region in eastern Argentina and western Chile, you can marvel at many of the natural wonders of the earth. Breathtaking lake and river labyrinths, fjords, mountains, glacier and ice landscapes, spectacular primeval forests, lonely steppes - you name it you got it.

One of the best known, most beautiful but also most challenging routes for cyclists is probably the Carretera Austral. The more than 1,200 kilometre long road (Ruta 7) in the Chilean part of Patagonia offers a lot of sights. There are the fjords and rainforests in Pumalin Park in the north, Queulat National Park with its glacier of the same name, Rio Futaleufé a little off the route, Cerro Castillo with its beautiful glacial lake, the marble caves at Lake General Carrera in Puerto Rio Tranquilo and, at the very end, Villa O'Higgins with its glacier and lake of the same name. However, all these highlights also require a lot of effort and stamina. The road is still mostly gravel, with steep climbs followed by steep descents. The weather, too, is quite capricious here: sun, rain, wind and storms - you are likely to encounter all of these and they will become a mental and physical challenge. In addition, the region is sparsely populated, so you are often on your own and should definitely plan for good equipment and clothing as well as sufficient supplies. But then the adventure can begin.

3. Norway: Lofoten

Speaking of fjords - the inclined Central European tends to locate them in the north of his own continent. And that's where the next cycle route will take us. Norway is a dream destination for many travellers: no wonder - it offers pure nature. Wildlife, polar lights, midnight sun, majestic mountains, lakes, rivers, ice-cold waterfalls and shimmering emerald green fjords. This is also the case in Lofoten. The archipelago lying in the wild waters of the European North Sea is a true paradise for cyclists. Also thanks to the Gulf Stream, which provides mild climatic conditions. The route does not present any great challenges. All the more reason to admire and enjoy the beautiful landscape, the picturesque fishing villages and the Stone Age or Viking settlements. Oh yes, there is weather - wind and rain can blow quite a bit in your face here, too, so you should take appropriate equipment with you.

4 New Zealand: Otago Central Rail Trail

If you want to travel back in time to the gold rush era by bike, you should go to the other side of the globe - to New Zealand. A destination that you would certainly like to head for. After all, the island nation is considered a paradise for outdoor fans. And for those who haven't actually heard or read about it yet: The "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit" trilogies were written in this extraordinary setting.

But our cycle tour does not take us to the film locations of these blockbusters. Instead, a railway line built in the 19th century and now disused takes us 150 kilometres into the picturesque landscape of the South Island. Between Middlemarch and Clyde, you learn a lot about the history of the still young country. As usual with railway lines, the route is very straight. It passes through tunnels and viaducts and runs along the Taieri River and rugged cliffs.

5. South Africa: Garden Route

Those who like it exotic, but want to spare themselves the jetlag feeling, should travel to South Africa. This diverse country has a lot to offer: fascinating wildlife, impressive cultures, breathtaking adventures, unparalleled traditions and great hospitality. Much of this can be experienced live and in colour along the Garden Route. It officially stretches about 300 coastal kilometres from Mossel Bay to the mouth of the Storm River, but is often extended to the Cape Town - Port Elizabeth stretch. In any case, it runs along National Road 2 on the coast of the Indian Ocean and its name says it all: numerous exotic plants can be found here. The landscape is characterised by mountains, cliffs, deep forests, semi-deserts and beautiful white sandy beaches. The seaside resorts are ideal for longer breaks and one or two water sports activities. It is not unusual to encounter dolphins, whales and penguins along the coasts. Giraffes, antelopes, wildebeest, rhinos and buffalo can be admired in the Garden Route National Park, which was created from the Tsitsikamma National Park, Wilderness National Park and the Knysna Lake Area. If you are thirsty for a bit of city flair after all this nature, you should definitely make a detour to Cape Town. The metropolis is considered a dream city: no wonder - situated at the foot of Table Mountain and surrounded by two oceans, it offers a mix of cultures and pure lifestyle. Excellent shopping opportunities, hip bars, outstanding restaurants and great wineries are an El Dorado for gourmets from all over the world.

Thanks to the well-maintained roads, the Garden Route is not a big challenge, but the weather can be. Therefore, it is best to do the tour between December and April - that is, in the summer and autumn of the southern hemisphere.