Cycling in Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany: the most beautiful road cycling hotspots just across the border

From the Ardennes to the Moselle: these are the routes and climbs that every cyclist must ride at least once.

The Netherlands is a fantastic country for cycling, but anyone who regularly rides a road bike knows the feeling: you want longer climbs, quieter roads, and landscapes that make you feel like you are truly on an adventure. Fortunately, you don't have to go all the way to the Alps for that. Just a few hours' drive away lie Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany, full of challenging cols, rolling valleys, and perfect asphalt. In this article, you will discover the most beautiful road cycling hotspots just across the border, including tips for the best climbs, routes, and the ideal time to go.

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Why specifically Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany?

For many Dutch cyclists, these three countries form the ideal training destination. You get there quickly, the infrastructure is excellent, and the landscape changes completely as soon as you cross the border. While the Netherlands is mostly flat, here you find endless hills, technical descents, and roads where you sometimes hardly encounter a car for kilometers.

Moreover, you can easily combine a weekend trip with a hotel or holiday home, allowing you to ride different routes for several days in a row. Furthermore, if you are preparing for a granfondo or an Alpine pass, these regions are an excellent training location.

The Ardennes: the classic among road cycling destinations

When Dutch cyclists think of cycling in Belgium, the Ardennes almost always come to mind first. That is not without reason. Here lie dozens of famous climbs from the spring classics that you have probably known from television for years.

Climbs like the Côte de La Redoute, the Stockeu, and the Mur de Huy feel steeper than the elevation gain suggests. The roads are often narrow, the asphalt is good, and virtually every climb has its own character. Precisely because the slopes follow one another in quick succession, relatively short rides can become surprisingly tough.

A major advantage of the Ardennes is that you can easily adapt routes to your level. Beginners opt for a ride of about 70 kilometers, while avid cyclists can effortlessly put together days of more than 150 kilometers.

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Luxembourg: perhaps Europe's best-kept secret

Luxembourg is overlooked remarkably often, even though it is arguably one of the most beautiful cycling countries in Europe. The road surface is excellently maintained, the traffic is quiet, and forests, rivers, and small villages alternate almost everywhere.

For road cyclists, roughly three regions are of interest. In the north lie the Luxembourg Ardennes, where the climbs are short but tough. Around Vianden, you ride constantly up and down, allowing you to accumulate a significant amount of elevation gain without even noticing.

In the east, along the Moselle, the landscape changes completely. Here, the roads wind through vineyards, and the slopes are longer but less steep. This makes the area ideal for endurance training.

The Müllerthal is known as Little Switzerland. The combination of rock formations, dense forests, and rolling roads makes this perhaps the most beautiful region of the country for a long day in the saddle.

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Germany: from the Eifel to the Moselle

Germany also has much more to offer than most Dutch cyclists think. The Eifel, in particular, is surprisingly close and offers an endless amount of quiet roads.

From places like Monschau or Prüm, you can ride routes that constantly alternate between long climbs, fast descents, and rolling plateaus. Unlike in the Ardennes, the climbs here are often slightly longer and more consistent, making it easier to maintain a steady pace.

It gets even more beautiful along the Moselle. The river meanders between steep vineyards and picturesque villages, while the cycle routes regularly dive into the hills for spectacular views. This area is particularly popular among road cyclists, especially in spring and autumn.

The Ahr Valley has also largely recovered after the severe floods of a few years ago. The combination of quiet roads and challenging elevation changes makes it an attractive destination once again.

Which climbs shouldn't you miss?

When you head out for several days, there are a number of iconic climbs that really belong on every bucket list.

The Côte de La Redoute remains perhaps the most famous climb in Belgium. The Mur de Huy is short but extremely steep and makes even strong climbers suffer. In Luxembourg, the climbing routes around Vianden are particularly popular, while the Eifel is known for its long, steady slopes that are ideal for training climbing ability.

It is precisely the variety that makes these regions so attractive. No climb feels the same, and every day you can put together a completely different route.

When is the best time to go?

Spring is perhaps the most beautiful time. The temperatures are often perfect for cycling and nature is in full bloom. Moreover, you can experience the atmosphere of the spring classics when you go around Liège-Bastogne-Liège or the Flèche Wallonne.

In the summer, all regions are excellent for riding, although it can get quite hot in the Ardennes during longer climbs.

Many experienced cyclists ultimately prefer September. The roads are quieter, the temperatures more pleasant, and the autumn colors make Luxembourg and the Moselle, in particular, spectacularly beautiful.

Practical tips for a successful cycling week

Anyone planning to cycle for several consecutive days would be wise to download various routes onto their cycling computer in advance. Furthermore, in the hills, it is smart to shift to a lighter gear than you are used to in the Netherlands. A compact crankset or a cassette with 32 or even 34 teeth makes long days considerably more comfortable.

In addition, bring plenty of food with you. Although there are plenty of villages along the way, in some wooded areas it can take quite a long time before you come across a supermarket or café again.

Finally, always check the weather forecast in advance. Especially in the Ardennes and the Eifel, the weather can change quickly.

Conclusion

Those looking for challenging road cycling routes do not have to travel far at all. Together, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Germany offer perhaps the most beautiful cycling destination within a few hours' drive of the Netherlands. From the legendary slopes of the Ardennes to the quiet roads in Luxembourg and the long climbs of the Eifel: every cyclist will find routes here that impress both in terms of fitness and scenery.

For those looking to prepare for a major climbing holiday or simply seeking a weekend full of vertical meters, these three countries are the perfect choice. Chances are you will be making plans for your next trip after just one visit.