Spring is slowly but surely making its presence felt, and what better way to greet it than by spending some quality time on two wheels in the season’s most beautiful cities? Picture it: Blooming trees to your right, pink blossoms to your left, and gorgeous landscapes wherever your eye lands. But enough kitsch, let’s be real here for a minute: With so many destinations to choose from and almost any city looking its very best in spring, which one is truly the nicest one to start your cycling season in?
buycycle, Europe’s leading marketplace for high-value, pre-owned bikes, put together a list of the greenest cities for cycling in spring to help you plan your adventure at the beginning of the cycling season. After reviewing data from more than 70 of the greenest cities across Europe, including tree cover in km², number of parks, cycling infrastructures, number of cycling routes, along with climate considerations, buycycle ranked the top 10 cities that stand out for their unique blend of natural beauty and cyclist-friendly features in spring season.
London, United Kingdom by Jacob Hilton via unsplash
This study highlights:
- Berlin ranked #1 as the best spring cycling destination ● Copenhagen, Stockholm, Münster rank with the highest green infrastructure
- France and Germany both slide in with each 2 of the top 10 spots
- Barcelona, London, Berlin lead the ranking for the most city leisure parks
1. Berlin, Germany
- 7,993 km² cover tree | 2,670 leisure parks | 78 cycling infrastructure score
Berlin ranks first in our list for spring cycling, with an impressive 7,993 km² of tree cover throughout the city. Riders can picnic under the leafy canopies of Tiergarten, explore the historic avenues of Tempelhofer Feld, or cruise along Treptower Park’s riverbanks, making every pedal stroke a surprisingly beautiful experience in one of Europe’s most chaotic capitals. With 2,670 parks throughout the city, Berlin’s commitment to green spaces, assuring its locals and visitors proper space for leisure time, is also reflected in its green infrastructure score of 79. Cyclists can ride alongside the rich Grunewald Forest and the Spree River, enjoying both rich nature and (almost) crystal-clear waters. As spring begins, Berlin’s average temperature of 13° C (55.4° F) frees the city of its winter blues and turns it into a vibrant stage for cyclists and nature enthusiasts alike, celebrating the rebirth of the outdoors.
Berlin, Germany by Maud Bocquillod via unsplash
Copenhagen, Denmark
- 742 km² cover tree | 1,897 leisure parks | 90 cycling infrastructure score
Copenhagen, claims the second spot in our study for the best spring cycling destination, surrounded by blooming trees and peaceful parks. Known as the greenest city in the world, with a green infrastructure score of 87, it’s a haven for cyclists and urbanists alike. Enjoy a ride at sunset alongside beautiful Kongens Have, sweeping past the botanical wonders in Botanisk Have, or exploring the natural allure of Fælledparken and Ørstedsparken. If these don’t float your cycling boat, then don’t worry: There’s a total of 1.897 parks in Copenhagen, from which you can find your favorite one. The city’s commitment to cyclists is remarkable, reaching the highest cycling infrastructure score of 90 in our study, supported by 5,400 cycling routes that weave through historical, cultural, and natural landmarks. With spring temperatures averaging 12° C (53.6° F) and moderate precipitation of 42 mm, Copenhagen offers idyllic conditions for cycling through its verdant landscapes.
Frederiksborgvej, Copenhagen NV, Danmark by Mark Jaqué via unsplash
Munich, Germany
- 1,723 km² 925 leisure parks | 83 cycling infrastructure score
Munich pedals past competition to rank third in the world’s most beautiful cities for spring cycling, proving that even beer gardens are bike-friendly! As Germany’s most outdoorsy city, Munich invites its locals and visitors to grab their bikes and enjoy some of the 18,900 cycling routes, while wandering through the streets and parks with a sprawling 1,723 km² tree cover. Cyclists revel in the Englischer Garten’s vastness and the current’s sound when cycling alongside the beautiful Isar or Eisbach, enjoying safe rides along the city’s one of the highest-rated cycling infrastructures of 83. This city is a cyclist’s springtime dream – both in terms of nature and in terms of architectural marvels.
Englischer Garten, Munich, Germany by Ignacio Brosa via unsplash
Vienna, Austria
- 2,479 km² 1,092 leisure parks | 68 cycling infrastructure score
Vienna, ranking as the fourth spot in our study, turns into any cyclist’s heaven as soon as spring hits. The city then transforms into a blend of natural colors and rich landscapes. Having a remarkable green infrastructure score of 75, the city unfolds across 1,092 parks and is surrounded by a lush canopy of 2,479 km² of trees. Cycling enthusiasts have a variety of choices when it comes to city routes (43.900 to be exact) , taking you through the historical lanes of the Prater, where the oldest amusement park in the world is still captivating visitors with its mysteries. For those seeking tranquility, the peaceful banks of the Danube Island are the perfect spot to spend the afternoon near the river. Vienna’s spring, having an average temperature of 15° C (59° F), is perfect for pedaling alongside the vibrant Danube Canal, lined with inviting beach bars to end your day on two wheels. The city’s dedication to blending its rich historical essence with flourishing spaces and cycling paths makes it a prime spot for experiencing the spirit of spring on your bike, from leisurely park picnics to bright riverside trails.
Volksgarten, Vienna, Austria by Yevheniia via unsplash
Paris, France
- 3,497 km² 764 leisure parks | 69 cycling infrastructure score
Gliding through Paris on two wheels unveils a city where every street holds a thousand tiny wonders, ranking as the fifth place for cycling in flourishing spring. With an extensive network of 48,200 cycling routes throughout the city and a green infrastructure score of 72, Paris provides each cyclist with a variety of green landscapes and paths depending on their preferences. The city is covered with 3,497 km² of lush trees, which makes for a stunning blend of the typical Hausmannian architecture and green trees lining the Quais of the Seine and the streets of Paris alike. Especially the average spring temperature of 14° C (57.2° F) makes France’s capital perfect for leisurely rides through narrowed streets like Avenue Montaigne or Rue de Grenelle. From the historic elegance of Place de la Concorde to the shiny river of Seine, and the verdant expanses of Bois de Vincennes, the whole city seems like an open museum, with its fancy buildings and living monuments. Cyclists can weave past the Eiffel Tower, through the floral grandeur of Martin Luther King Park, and along the artistic streets of Montmartre. Paris in spring is not just a romantic destination; it’s an experience that allows you to see the city in its most stunning colors.
Avenue Anatole France, Paris, France by Fran The Now Time via unsplash
Who rounds off the top 10?
- Stockholm, Sweden
- 4,578 km² cover tree | 90 leisure parks | 54 cycling infrastructure score
- Budapest, Hungary
- 2,345 km² cover tree | 1,215 leisure parks | 64 cycling infrastructure score
- Amsterdam, Netherlands
- 910 km² cover tree | 266 leisure parks | 82 cycling infrastructure score
- Oslo, Norway
- 5,186 km² cover tree | 383 leisure parks | 58 cycling infrastructure score
10. Bordeaux, France
- 3,406 km² cover tree | 767 leisure parks | 80 cycling infrastructure score
Stockholm, Sweden by Yoko Correia Nishimiya via unsplash
Methodology
The ranking was created by buycycle, the leading marketplace for high-value, pre-owned bikes, by analyzing 6 data points for over 70 of the greenest cities in Europe. buycycle collected data on green infrastructure score, tree cover in km², number of parks, cycling infrastructures score, number of cycling routes, average monthly precipitation (in mm), along with temperature consideration (as of March – April).
The number of cycling routes from each city is based on ranging from 0 to 100 km in length and with varying elevations between 0 and 1000 meters, as listed on bikemap.com. Based on individual data points, it was considered just the highest two-ranking cities from one specific country. Additionally, destinations that were deemed too cold or warm for ideal cycling conditions (below 5°C and above 25°C) were excluded from the ranking.
All these data points were then combined to reveal which city scored the highest for the best destinations for cycling in spring.
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