Why choose a TUI Lakes & Mountains holiday for cycling?
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Local stays
Choose from hotels and guesthouses in top cycling spots – and lots have bikes you can borrow too.
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Outstanding scenery
Pedal along lakeside promenades, among alpine peaks and through meadows dotted with flowers.
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Authentic experiences
From villas and vineyards to café stops and local lunch spots, there’s lots to see and do on every ride.
Top places for cycling holidays in Europe
Zell am See, Austria
Mountain biking and road riding – you’ve got the best of both in Zell. Pack a towel and mix cycling with a swim on a paved loop around the lake. Or for summit scenery without straining the pedals, take a lift up the Schmittenhöhe mountain and follow wide gravel tracks back down to the base station.
Bardolino, Lake Garda, Italy
Hop on your bike in Bardolino and you’ll be cruising through gentle, vineyard-covered hillsides in no time. There are over 140km worth of quiet trails to explore, with villages, trattorias and monasteries to visit along the way – not to mention the odd winery too.
Lake Annecy, France
Medieval Annecy town makes the perfect base for a cycling holiday with a side helping of French culture. A bicycle route loops the whole lake, and there’s a regular ferry if you fancy mixing biking with boat hopping. And this is France, so you’re never far from a post-ride pastry either.
Lugano, Switzerland
Spread along the shores of sparkling Lake Lugano, this charming Swiss city is your gateway to 400km of varied biking trails and mountain roads serving up panoramic views. Try a spin through the wooded valley of Val Colla. And you’ll have no problem keeping your energy levels up – Lugano’s a foodie’s dream.
Nauders, Austria
With over 2,000km of routes through some seriously yellow-jersey-worthy scenery, Nauders and cycling go together like coffee and cake. Lots of big bike races happen near here and the mountain bike trails are top-notch, too. But with e-bikes and local guides on hand, you don’t need to be a proto enjoy it.
Lake Balaton, Hungary
Wide, gentle paths and roads make Lake Balaton a brilliant place to explore by bike. Join a guided cycle route along the lakeside promenades of Balatonfüred or Siófok, and grab an e-bike to help you on the hills as you venture through the lavender fields to the gorgeous village of Tihany.
Discover and get inspired with TUI Lakes & Mountains
Our fave things to do around Lake Garda
From walks and wine-tasting to biking and beaches, here are just some of the things to do around Lake Garda that keep people coming back year after year.
Cycling holiday FAQs
What are cycling holidays?
Cycling holidays are all about exploring somewhere new by bike. Some cycling trips follow a set itinerary, and you might even be staying somewhere different each night. On a Lakes & Mountains holiday, cycling is just part of the picture – whether it’s pedalling to the local market, doing a loop around the lake or just rolling to the beach, how much you do is up to you.
Where’s the best place for a cycling holiday?
Lake Garda serves up wow-worthy views and easy-going cycle routes that won’t strain the legs. France is famous for its love of cycling, so it’s no surprise that this is one of the best spots in Europe, with cycle paths that are second to none. And if you prefer the crunch of gravel under your wheels, Austria’s off-road trails tick the box. Or try Lake Balaton in Hungary for an under-the-radar pick with lots to discover.
Summer cards can help you make the most of your holiday - they're up for grabs in resorts across Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France and Slovenia, and unlock things like rides on mountain lifts so you can easily reach high-altitude trails, plus discounts on public transport and other things to do during your holiday.
If you're heading to Austria and plan on using summer lifts, speak to your rep about buying a lift pass.
What to pack for a cycling holiday?
Lycra isn’t essential, though you might want to bring some padded under shorts if you’re planning on doing a longer ride. Proper cycling gloves will help to absorb bumps and vibrations as you ride along. And a pair of sunglasses will protect your eyes from bits of grit and flying insects. It’s also a good idea to bring a small rucksack so you’ve got somewhere to carry water, snacks and a waterproof jacket. As for a helmet, you’ll normally be able to borrow one from wherever you’ve hired your bike.