I have managed to secure 11 weeks off work from August-October next year. I have planned a route which I think will allow me to see some beautiful parts of europe. Looking to average around 75km a day, with rest days every 4-5 days. Wondering if anyone has any experience with any parts of this route- places to avoid, or places nearby that are worth a detour?
Plan A is to use campsites as much as possible. It increases the budget a bit, but means i can set up early and have a hot shower. Plan B is wild camping where campsites are full. Although i have camped manh times before, i don't have much experience with wild camping, so some tips for wild camping in these countries would be welcome.
I considered looking into apps like warmshowers etc but seems it's considered rude to contact people only a couple of days before, and to stay for only 1 night?
by marginallyrad
2 Comments
That’s about the worst route you could choose in Croatia and Montenegro. The coastal highway is extremely heavy traffic in the summer (and now the summer season lasts late) and not a lot of space for a bicycle. The coastal towns are overtouristed and accommodation is expensive. Wild camping is also not tolerated there.
You’d have a lot more peaceful roads if you went inland, and moreover you’d have nicer encounters with local people because they don’t see so many tourists. In the inland Balkans, wild camping is very tolerated.
In France/Germany you choose the route which misses beautiful nature and cities. Probably, go more to the south, Luxemburg, Metz, Strassbourg, Frieburg, cross Schwartzwald, go around Bodenzee.
Areas around Saarbruken and Koblenz are stunning, but you just cross them.
You cannot see everything for sure, but your route is literally skips everything I would recommend to see.
We did similar trip some time ago, starting from Belgium too.