Cycling

Who says children can't go on longer rides too?

If you bear a few things in mind whilst you’re out and about, a family cycling holiday is the perfect break: you spend the whole day outdoors in nature and enjoy adventures both big and small. It really brings the family closer together! Generally speaking, Mum, Dad and, above all, your children can tailor the cycling trip to suit their own preferences, making it a truly special experience. But here are a few tips:

Have a trial run beforehand!

Are you unsure how fit your children are, or what a day out on the road might be like? Then just give it a go. It’s reassuring for the kids too to know what to expect on a bike ride.

Choose your route carefully!

When choosing a route, make sure there are only a few hills along the way so your kids can easily manage the day’s stages. If possible, avoid including longer stretches with hills on the first day.

Best to stick to routes parallel to railway lines!

A cycle-friendly rail link along the route allows for flexible stage planning and, if necessary, an easy shortcut for the tour. Combined with a route away from busy roads, this provides a safe setting for an active family holiday.

Preparation is key!

With older children, it’s also a good idea to involve them in the holiday planning and let them have a say in the highlights. This builds up the excitement for the planned family cycling holiday well in advance.

Be flexible!

Allow plenty of time for the tour so that your children aren’t overwhelmed. So make sure to factor in generous breaks and time for visiting attractions in your schedule. That way, you can also enjoy unexpected nature spots or go on spontaneous exploration trips.

Incorporate distractions and experiences into your tour!

Don’t forget: children are adventurers! River cycle paths often naturally offer plenty of opportunities and spots that invite them to play, build dams or tell a pirate story. So pack a little bucket and spade for the little ones, for example. Playgrounds, outdoor swimming pools, visitor mines or other children’s attractions along the route add a bit of spice to the cycle trip. These are usually the experiences the children will remember afterwards – because for children, it’s not the beautiful scenery that takes centre stage, but the fun you have together.

_{Source: schwarzwald-tourismus.info, Image: feldberger-seenlandschaft.de}