From Andermatt to Rotterdam, from the source to the mouth of the river Rhine.
Eurovelo 15 is perhaps the most fascinating route on the Eurovelo network, with just over 1,200 km to Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Germany, France and Netherlands.
Strasbourg
It is the last route of the European network to be realized and is in a better condition, since it follows a bike path previously set up. The Rhine is one of the longest and most important rivers on the continent. Its valley has been the scene of many battles that have marked the history of Europe: from Roman times to World War II. Today that the war is over, go from one side to the other of the river so easily has a great symbolic value throughout the territory.
It starts from the Rhine source, on the Swiss Alps in Andermatt. The track follows faithfully the course of the river, initially running only along a shore and then moving on both. The Swiss, Liechtenstein and French sections are relatively short for Eurovelo standards, but not for that less interesting. Important cities, such as Basel and Strasbourg, home to the EU, are crossed.
In Germany, you follow the longest stretch of the river and as you continue north you will see the gradual change of landscape and local culture. Large green agricultural areas leave the place to energetic tourist towns such as Mainz, Bonn, Cologne and Düsseldorf. Several industrial and commercial centers such as Duisburg, equipped with a well-equipped river port, are also on the Rhine.
Between Bingen and Koblenz the river narrows to form what is known as the “Rhine Gorge“. In this section, on the banks of the river, numerous castles, fortresses and medieval palaces are preserved in great condition. The particular landscape, historical and cultural value of this territory is recognized internationally so, UNESCO has included the Middle Rhine Valley among the World Heritage Sites.
Rotterdam
Once the town of Wesel in the region of North Rhine-Westphalia is overcome, the border with Holland is only a few kilometers. Although the bicycle trail does not go close to the capital, the cities you meet deserve a visit: Arnheme, and finally Rotterdam, a magnificent port city overlooking the North Sea.
The whole path has a medium-low difficulty and is very well suited for organizing a family holiday. In fact, you can alternate short stages on bicycle and trips on train for longer stretches.