The leaves are starting to change and autumn is in the air. Planning your next camping trip but want to cover more ground? Try bikepacking! Bikepacking is a multiple day mountain biking tour where you bring all your camping essentials on your bike. Explore off-road or trail rides with stunning nature and camp overnight. It’s the perfect way to combine cycling, traveling, and camping into one adventure. With such a hot summer, fall is the perfect time to start your bikepacking season, but with so many picture worthy routes across Europe where should you go first? buycycle, Europe’s leading marketplace for high-value, pre-owned bikes, put together a list of the can’t miss bikepacking routes in Europe to help plan your next adventure.
After reviewing over 36.000 kilometers spanning over 100 bikepacking routes, buycycle put together a list of the most Instagramed bikepacking routes.
This study highlights:
● GR5 Across the Belgian Ardennes takes first prize with over 51k IG hashtags
● Norway, Italy, Sweden round off the top 4 spots
● France and Scotland both slide in with each 2 of the top 10 spots
1. The GR5 Across the Belgian Ardennes – 219 km | 51k+ Instagram hashtags
Pedaling into first place on our list with over 51k mentions on Instagram is the bikepacking route of the GR5 across the Belgian Ardennes. The GR5 is a versatile long-distance trail known mainly amongst hikers, but certain parts are also perfect for biking. When it comes to bikepacking there, you can expect varying terrains, since the route has a mix of gravel, forest tracks, and even some tarmac, making it versatile for all different kinds of bikes.The stunning paths take you on a journey through lush forests, rolling hills, and quaint villages, so it is no wonder this stunning landscape comes in first on our list.
2. Of Milk and Navvies, Norway – 383 km | 27k+ Instagram hashtags
The “Trail Of Milk and Navvies” in Norway is a bikepacking dream come true for those who seek solitude, scenery, and a touch of history. Coming in with over 27k Instagram hashtags this route takes you through peaceful forests, past glacial rivers, and alongside towering mountain peaks. One of the highlights is pedaling past historical dairy farms, an homage to the “milk” in the trail’s title. Make sure your bike is well-equipped for gravel and rocky terrains. What truly sets this trail apart is its incomparable beauty; it’s a moving canvas of nature’s most stunning artwork. The sky
stretches endlessly above, offering a backdrop to the fjords, mountains, and untouched landscapes that are simply breathtaking. Each bend in the trail presents a new, postcard-perfect shot, making the journey not just a physical endeavor, but a breathtaking ride in every sense.
3. Alta Via dei Monti Liguri, Italy – 488 km | 22k+ Instagram hashtags
Up next on our list with over 22k Instagram hashtags is the Alta Via dei Monti Liguri in Italy. This exhilarating bikepacking adventure traverses the Ligurian Alps, providing cyclists with panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding mountains. The trail covers a range of terrains from rocky paths to smoother forest roads, meandering through picturesque villages, and past ancient ruins. A tip for those attempting this journey is to be well-prepared for some steep ascents; a bike with good climbing capabilities and low gears is recommended. Camping spots along this route are abundant, but wild camping rules vary, so be sure to research where you’d like to stop beforehand. The landscape is nothing short of spectacular, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. The Alta Via dei Monti Liguri isn’t just a bikepacking trail; it’s a journey through some of Italy’s most enchanting and lesser-known vistas, sure to captivate your heart and you will capture amazing photos.
4. Bergslagsleden (The Miner’s Trail), Sweden – 299 km | 12k+ Instagram hashtags
Bikepacking the Bergslagsleden, also known as The Miner’s Trail, in Sweden is a journey through a unique blend of natural beauty and historical richness. This trail, coming in at over 12k Instagram hashtags, takes you through thick forests of pine and spruce, around clear blue lakes, and past the remnants of Sweden’s mining history, including old blast furnaces and mining villages. For those taking on this adventure, a mountain bike equipped for various terrains is a must. Wild camping is allowed under Sweden’s right of public access, but make sure to respect nature and local guidelines. Always. The beauty of the trail is mesmerizing; from the shimmering lakes reflecting the vast sky to the tranquil forests that seem to envelop you in a peaceful embrace.
Bergslagsleden offers a serene yet challenging bikepacking experience that lets you connect deeply with Sweden’s stunning landscapes and intriguing past. Your followers will love it.
5. Ten Peaks Trail, Scotland – 389 km | 10k+ Instagram hashtags
Riding into our last spot in our top 5 ranking with over 10k Instagram hashtags, is the Ten Peaks Trail in Scotland: An awe-inspiring journey that takes you through the heart of some of Scotland’s most majestic mountains. This rugged trail promises challenging ascents and thrilling descents, suitable for seasoned bikepackers equipped with versatile mountain bikes. The beauty you’ll encounter is unparalleled: sweeping views of rugged peaks, tranquil lakes, and sprawling heather meadows. The isolation and sense of wilderness make this a sublime experience for those who crave a deep connection with nature. Completing the Ten Peaks Trail gives you not just the thrill of adventure but also a profound appreciation for the breathtaking Scottish landscapes.
Who rounds off the top 10?
6. The Grand Traversée du Massif Central, France – 718 km | 5.8k+ Instagram hashtags
7. Montanas Vacias (Empty Mountains), Spain – 679 km | 5k+ Instagram hashtags
8. The Capital Trail, Scotland – 238 km | 4.7k+ Instagram hashtags
9. Marmot’s Land, Switzerland – 222 km | 4.6k+ Instagram hashtags
10. Grande Traversee L’Alpes-Provence – 299 km | 4k+ Instagram hashtags
Methodology
The ranking was created by buycycle, the leading marketplace for high-value,
pre-owned bikes, based on the number of hashtags used on Instagram (as of
September 2023). From our initial list of 100+ European bikepacking routes featured on
bikepacking.com, all routes over 200km were considered. A maximum of two hashtags
per route were considered. As a result, not all photos that can be found on a route on
Instagram have been taken into account.
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