Just a few meters from the Thames, the R1 European Cycle Route starts, more precisely in Rotherhithe in the eastern part of London. You cycle along the banks of the Thames, past fortifications in the direction of Dover. From here, the European mainland is not far: it's only 130 kilometers to Dunkirk. With a bit of luck, you'll have a good long-distance view and can see the port of Boulogne-sur-Mer in France from Dover.

Visiting villages, lots of fresh air and savoir-vivre: In France, you start your tour on the R1 European Cycle Route in Calais or in Boulogne-sur-Mer. Both routes meet in Watten. On your route you will discover cheese, beer and green hills before you continue to Belgium in Oost-Cappel. If you're interested in history, you can explore a bunker complex in Éperlecques near Calais or take a detour to Dunkirk on the coast.

If you are coming from France, first cycle through West Flanders, Niewpoort on the coast and Oudenburg, until you reach picturesque Bruges. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and attracts people from all over the world every year. Before continuing to the Netherlands, you will drive along the Damse Vaarts canal. The canal connects Bruges with the West Scheldt in Sluis in Holland and is lined with beautiful trees.

It's a breeze to be on your bike in Holland. The R1 European Cycle Route is mostly flat and well-maintained here. You cycle past windmills and blooming tulip fields. Or you can let the coastal wind blow around your nose. You will pass through lively cities like The Hague, Utrecht and Arnhem. Also the popular coastal resort Scheviningen or the city of cheese, Woerden, are on the way.

We can't rave enough about it: There are plenty of discoveries waiting for you on the R1 European Cycle Route. Whether it's a detour to imposing buildings, a rest in idyllic greenery or culture and lifestyle. On the 970 kilometers that the Europaradweg R1 winds through Germany, each area has its own character to experience and enjoy. Explore cities steeped in history such as Münster or Potsdam, shift down a few gears in nature reserves and parks, or simply cycle through world history between Dessau-Roßlau and Lutherstadt Wittenberg.

In Küstrin you cross the Oder and thus the German-Polish border. In Poland goes original to with, much nature right and left of the way. Your route takes you through the Lubuskie region and through the Netze lowlands. You cycle along the Vistula and the Vistula Lagoon before it continues in Grunau in the direction of Kaliningrad in Russia.

You deserve a borscht when you have completed the 5,100 kilometers of the Europaradweg R1 in St. Petersburg. You will cycle through Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia and get to know the original Baltic States. On your way to your destination you will pass Kaliningrad on the Russian border. You will pass secluded Baltic beaches and the spectacular dunes of the Curonian Spit.