Bikepacking in Europe

We at WHIP have looked at some of Europe's most popular bikepacking routes, comparing terrain, gradients, distances and the most challenging sections so you can experience them like you've never seen them before, and if you ever feel like retracing them, we leave gpx maps available inside the app so you can consult them with all the details and navigate them whenever you want. Travel times are estimated based on distance, gradients and terrain but can vary greatly depending on your vehicle, physical fitness and weather conditions.

Tuscany Trail

It is perhaps the most famous bikepacking event of all, hosting cyclists from all over the world since 2003 and taking them on a discovery tour of Tuscany's territory, passing through the vineyards of Chianti, the hills of Siena and the famous white roads of Eroica.

⬆️7.500m 📏500Km ⏲️3 days approx.

The most challenging sections

With the exception of a few short sections, the climbs on the Tuscany Trail are not particularly steep and tend to have a fairly even gradient throughout the route. The longest climb measures 17Km with a positive elevation gain of 478 meters and an average gradient of 3%. The only pitfall of this climb is the last stretch on dirt road before reaching the summit although it is fairly compact and rideable.

Same philosophy holds true for the descents, never excessively steep, but still very fast and fun. The steepest downhill section is about 3 km long with an elevation gain of -205m and is entirely on unpaved road. Go to the route

Badlands

If you love remote places and have a problematic relationship with asphalt, this adventure in southern Spain may be the right one for you. You'll visit some of the most remote places in Europe, crossing not one, but two deserts, The Gorafe Desert and the Tabernas Desert, and climb among some of the country's most iconic peaks. Passing from Granada and the beautiful Sierra Nevada to the desolate Sierra de Los Filabres for which we recommend you to equip yourself properly since you'll find no population centers for over 100Km!

⬆️14.700m 📏750Km ⏲️7 days 2h:05min

The most challenging sections

The climbs in the Badlands are certainly not for beginner cyclists, not so much because of the gradients as because of the terrain that can become a major obstacle while pedaling. The longest climb measures an impressive 55km with a positive elevation of 1,400 meters. Although the gradients are never prohibitive (2.5 percent approx.), once the asphalt section is over, a long stretch of beaten dirt road begins, the conditions of which can vary greatly depending on the weather. For the descents, the matter does not change; the longest one measures 22km and alternates between a dirt first section and a paved one. Go to the route

NorthCape 4000

It is one of the longest bikepacking events in the world, and has as its destination an iconic place for explorers: the North Cape. If you have a month of free time you can try your hand at completing the route starting in Turin, passing through Lusenna, Paris, Oslo, Lapland and finally the North Cape. If, on the other hand, you don't have that kind of time, don't worry: whichever route you decide to take, there will be no shortage of scenery and the adventure is guaranteed.

⬆️15.580m 📏4200Km ⏲️36 days 7h:44min

### The most challenging sections

Although the road to the North Cape is not particularly winding or full of dizzying climbs and descents, on your way you will face a 52km-long climb (totally on asphalt), with a positive elevation gain of as much as 1922 meters. The average gradient, considering the distance, is also quite challenging (about 6 percent with peaks of 15 percent). Immediately after the most challenging climb of the trip, the longest and steepest descent will also await you with its 15km and an average gradient of 8%. Go to the route

Adriatic Coast, Croatia

If you are planning to go to Croatia or just a holiday-looking bike trip, then you can't miss this tour of the Dalmatian coast. Start from Trieste if you want to ride the coast from north to south or from Ancona in the direction of Split to do the exact opposite. The mild climate will be with you throughout the trip, you will see the Krka National Park and Croatia's beautiful coastal towns. Some of the trails are quite challenging, which is why a front mountain bike is recommended to complete the trip without any inconvenience.

⬆️11.000m 📏612Km ⏲️ 5 days 3h:13min

### The most challenging sections

You will find plenty of challenging climbs and descents on this trip to the Dalmatian coast, given its rather rugged morphology the gradients are quite challenging and require excellent training to complete. The longest climb measures about 11km, in a mixture of asphalt and dirt, with an average gradient of 5.7 percent and peaks of over 27 percent where in all likelihood, you will have to take your bike on your back. The descents are equally challenging, the longest measuring 10km, with an average gradient of -7.6% and peaks of -35% where good riding skills are required. Go to the route

Italy Divide

The Italy Divide is one of the world's most popular bikepacking events, literally splitting the Italian peninsula in half lengthwise. Through the Francigena and the Eurovelo7 (which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year) you will discover the beautiful country from top to bottom, passing through many of the major cities such as Rome, Naples, the Strade Bianche of Tuscany between Florence and Siena, Verona, Bologna and many other evocative places all to be discovered. If you are thinking of visiting Italy by bike, this route is a really good starting point.

⬆️17.000m 📏1180Km ⏲️12 days 7h:39min

### The most challenging sections

On the journey across the beautiful country, there will be no shortage of challenging climbs and dizzying descents. The most challenging climb measures 20km and, although on asphalt, has an average gradient of almost 7% with peaks of 18%. The longest descent is a carbon copy of the climb, but with gradient peaks of 33% in some dirt sections. Go to the route

Across Andalucia: south of Spain

This tour traverses all of Andalucia in its southernmost part, almost entirely on unpaved roads. During the trip you will cross every type of landscape you can imagine, from the Mediterranean Sea, to the Desert inland, to forests, to mountainous landscapes. Good preparation is required to complete the trip, but you can easily adapt it to suit your needs.

⬆️27.500m 📏1336Km ⏲️ 14 days 5h:10min

### The most challenging sections

Most of the descents and climbs you will encounter on this trip are on dirt roads. Generally the gradients are not prohibitive, but some of the climbs could really test you. The longest one measures 17km and climbs up to 1857 meters with an average gradient of 7.5 percent and peaks of 20 percent. and is totally on beaten dirt road. The longest descent (a full 24km), also totally on firm gravel, presents no particular difficulty but is still very steep and fast. Go to the route

Montanas Vacias - The empty mountains

Did you know that in Spain there is a region twice the size of Belgium with a population density similar to that of Lapland? Las Montanas Vacias (Empty Mountains) are an undiscovered region of Spain and on this 680Km route you will not only enjoy incredible landscapes, but also test yourself on very rough terrain, forget asphalt: you will see very little of it! The choice of bike is indeed an important choice for this trip. With an easily pedaled gravel bike, you will move nimbly through the long stretches of dirt roads you will find along the way. Some areas, however, are better suited for mountain biking and with a gravel bike you will have to try your hand at some hike-a-bike.

⬆️13.000m 📏680Km ⏲️ 9 days 7h:23min

### The most challenging sections

The climbs encountered on this route are mainly on dirt roads; in fact, the real pitfall is not the gradients but the sagging ground on which you will have to climb. The land morphology varies greatly depending on the area, but it tends to be dominated by beaten red earth that can become a real trap in bad weather. The longest climb measures 28km and is a mixture of various terrains, with an initial paved section and the rest on beaten earth and unpaved roads.The longest descent is half on dirt road and presents no particular pitfalls. Go to the route

La Grand Traversèe du Massif Central

It is the oldest cycle route in France, and it crosses the hinterland to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. During this journey suitable for everyone you will pass through small French villages where you can savor the exquisite local food and rest. You will pass through the Cévennes National Park which, despite its small size, contains more than half of the biodiversity of French territory! In short, if you are looking for an adventure to introduce you to the world of bike packing, this itinerary might be for you.

⬆️11.000m 📏718Km ⏲️9 days 3h:09min

### The most challenging sections

No particularly challenging climbs or descents are encountered during this trip, and much of the route is on well-trodden dirt roads and asphalt. The longest climb measures 16km with a gradient of 4% and a positive elevation gain of 1370 meters, almost entirely on white road. The longest descent measures 19km and descends steadily, on white road at first and asphalt later, from 1565 to 711 meters. Go to the route