We know what matters on a family holiday – when the children are happy, the parents usually are too. That means shorter stages, plenty of time for swimming and playing along the way, and entrance fees to museums, castles and theme parks already included in the tour price. Luggage travels from hotel to hotel every day – hands-free, no stress.
The combination of cycling and swimming has always been a hit with our younger riders. At Lake Constance and along the Baltic coast, whole beach days are built into the itinerary – time for sandcastles, waves and an ice cream. And for families who want to venture further afield: our tours also take you to the Croatian coast, the Loire Valley, Portugal and northern Spain. In addition to our rental bikes, we also offer child trailers, child seats, tag-alongs and youth bikes for hire.
Show more Show lessChildren want to be on the move – not sitting still. That's exactly what makes cycling holidays so good for families: the youngest are active, discover something new every day, and still have plenty of time to play and explore. Along the way there are castles to visit, markets to browse and ice cream stops to look forward to. And because the luggage is already waiting at the next hotel, neither parents nor children have to think about anything other than the ride ahead.
To keep frustration at bay, our family stages are deliberately short: between 25 and 45 kilometres per day, mostly on well-surfaced cycle paths away from traffic. That way, everyone still has energy left in the evening – and is looking forward to the next day.
Travelling with small children means having the right kit – and you don't have to bring it yourself. Alongside our rental bikes, we offer child trailers, child seats, tag-alongs and youth bikes for hire. This lets you tailor the trip precisely to the age and fitness of your children: the youngest ride along in the trailer, while older ones increasingly pedal under their own steam.
It's best to request the right accessories at the time of booking so everything is reserved in good time. In our experience, once the equipment is right, even children who were doubtful at first quickly discover they love cycling.
A family cycling holiday doesn't have to start on your doorstep. Our range covers classic German routes along Lake Constance, the Baltic coast and the island of Rügen, as well as Austria (Danube, Drava, Mur), Croatia, France (Loire Valley), Portugal and northern Spain. For families after something truly special, there's also our canoe and bike tour on the Altmühl – with canoe hire included.
Every tour is put together so that the balance of cycling, sightseeing and free time feels right. Admission to attractions that children particularly enjoy – from Ravensburger Spieleland at Lake Constance to the Ozeaneum in Stralsund – is included in the price of many tours.
Whether a toddler in a trailer or a teenager on their own bike – our family tours are as varied as the families who book them. Families with young children need different stages from those with teenagers. Those who love swimming are after something different from families who prefer castles, museums and town walks. And those travelling with grandparents have different expectations of pace and comfort.
That's exactly why our family range is so broad: from short centre-based tours at Lake Constance to cruises in Croatia, from the canoe and bike tour on the Altmühl to a beach holiday on Rügen. If you're not sure which tour suits your family best – our team is happy to help.
Frequently asked questions about family cycling holidays
From what age can children join?
That depends on the tour. With a child trailer, even toddlers can come along; with their own bike, children from around six to eight years old. We're happy to advise you on which tour and route works best for your family.
How family-friendly are the accommodations?
We specifically book properties with experience hosting families – plenty of space, family room configurations available on request, and no raised eyebrows when children are part of the group.
Can I book at short notice?
Many of our family cycling tours are popular and book up early – especially during school holidays. We recommend booking as early as possible to secure your preferred dates, room configuration and rental bike accessories. Last-minute bookings are possible subject to availability.