The best cycling routes around Plein

Plein offers a wide variety of touring cycling routes, with over 330 options available. These routes cater to different skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult paths.

Touring cycling around Plein is unique due to its diverse landscape, transitioning from the volcanic Eifel region with its maars and cinder cones to the picturesque Moselle wine region. Many routes follow former railway lines, offering gentle gradients, traffic-free riding, and notable features like historic viaducts and illuminated tunnels.

Yes, Plein is very family-friendly, especially along sections of the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path. This path, built on a former railway line, features gentle gradients and is largely traffic-free, making it ideal for beginners and families. There are 84 easy routes available in the area.

You can expect a rich variety of landscapes. Routes often wind through deep forests, past extinct volcanic lakes (maars) like the Schalkenmehrener Maar, and offer panoramic views from ridges. As you descend towards the Moselle, you'll cycle through charming vineyards and river valleys.

Yes, the former railway lines have been converted into cycle paths featuring impressive infrastructure. You can cycle through cool, illuminated tunnels, such as the 500-meter tunnel near Plein, or the 560-meter Großes Schlitzohr Tunnel. You'll also cross historic viaducts, like the 28-meter high viaduct near Daun, offering magnificent views.

Beyond the volcanic maars, you can discover several natural monuments. Highlights include the Windsborn Crater summit, the dramatic Wolfsschlucht (Vulkaneifel), and the Whirlpools of the Kleine Kyll. The Lieser Valley also offers scenic beauty.

Yes, many routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end in the same location. An example is the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path – A1 Viaduct Tunnel (MMR) loop from Plein, which is a moderate 20.9 km trail.

The touring cycling routes in Plein are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained paths, the unique volcanic and vineyard landscapes, and the enjoyable experience of cycling through tunnels and over viaducts on former railway lines.

Absolutely. Plein is an excellent starting point for longer tours, particularly as it's located near the renowned Maare-Mosel Cycle Path. This path extends 58 kilometers from Daun to Bernkastel-Kues, offering a fantastic long-distance experience connecting the Eifel and Moselle regions. For more information on this path, you can visit visitmosel.de.

Yes, for experienced cyclists seeking a challenge, Plein offers 135 difficult routes. An example is the Pleiner Tunnel – View of the Eifel loop from Gipperath, a 43.9 km trail that takes you through the Volcanic Eifel with significant elevation changes.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the best conditions for touring cycling in Plein. During these seasons, the weather is typically pleasant, and the landscapes, from blooming vineyards to lush forests, are at their most vibrant. Winter cycling can be challenging due to colder temperatures and potential for ice or snow.

Many routes connect charming towns and villages, providing excellent opportunities for breaks and exploration. As you follow the Maare-Mosel Cycle Path, you can easily reach towns like Wittlich and the medieval Bernkastel-Kues, known for its old town and Moselle wines. Detours can also lead to places like Manderscheid with its castles.