Travel in Germany: the Black Forest, Bavaria and Alpine roads

Why is Germany so well suited to road trips?

Germany offers a variety of roads that travellers often underestimate. In the west, vineyards line the river valleys; Bavaria introduces the first Alpine peaks, while the Black Forest alternates between sweeping bends, woodland and peaceful villages. Its central location also makes Germany a natural part of major European road trips without requiring long, unrewarding connecting stages.

• The Moselle Valley, with steep vineyards, Trier and villages beside the river.
• The Eifel, a region of hills, winding roads and motorsport culture around the Nürburgring.
• Bavaria, home to Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Oberammergau and Neuschwanstein Castle.
• The German Alpine Road, connecting mountain villages, lakes and panoramic viewpoints.
• The Black Forest, a wooded finale to several major European crossings.

From the Moselle to the Alps, Germany continually changes character

In the west, the roads follow the bends of the Moselle before reaching the hills of the Eifel and the half-timbered houses of Monschau. Farther south, the atmosphere becomes Alpine: peaks draw closer, painted façades decorate the villages and lakes provide natural pauses between sequences of bends.

• Follow the vineyard-covered slopes between Trier and Bernkastel-Kues.
• Ride close to the Nürburgring, a landmark in international motorsport history.
• Discover Neuschwanstein Castle in the heart of Bavaria.
• Connect Garmisch-Partenkirchen with Lake Constance along Alpine roads.
• Cross the Black Forest before reaching the Rhine Valley.

These routes give motorcycle travel in Germany its distinctive personality. The country is not simply a connecting stage: its roads are often among the smoothest and most enjoyable sections of the entire journey.

Which Planet Ride tour should you choose for Germany?

Planet Ride currently offers three cross-border journeys. Each travels through Germany, but their pace and geographical focus suit different types of riders.

• Heading for the Capitals of Northern Europe covers 1,100 kilometres over 6 days through Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Germany and the Netherlands. In Germany, the route follows the Moselle, crosses the Eifel and reaches Monschau after passing near the Nürburgring.
• Crossing the Alps via the Great Mountain Passes covers 1,600 kilometres in 9 days. After the Stelvio and Grossglockner, the itinerary enters Bavaria, follows the German Alpine Road and Lake Constance, then crosses the Black Forest.
• The Legendary Roads of the Alps by Motorcycle extends the experience to 10 days and 1,700 kilometres between Lake Geneva, the Italian lakes, the Dolomites, Austria and Germany.

The first tour focuses on valleys, historic towns and the landscapes of western Germany. The two Alpine crossings are better suited to riders attracted by major mountain passes, long sequences of bends and high-altitude panoramas.

What type of traveller will enjoy Germany’s roads?

The motorcycle tours crossing Germany take place primarily on paved roads. They suit riders who enjoy sustained stages, flowing routes and regular changes of country. Alpine itineraries require greater concentration because of their elevation, tight bends and rapidly changing weather.

• Choose western Germany for valleys, heritage and a more accessible riding rhythm.
• Choose Bavaria and the Alps for more technical and panoramic roads.
• Select a cross-border journey if you enjoy changing cultures and scenery between stages.
• Consider the daily mileage as carefully as the total duration of the tour.

When is the best time to travel through Germany?

The most favourable period generally runs from late spring to early autumn. The Moselle and Eifel are pleasant from spring onwards, while the major Alpine passes require open roads and sufficiently stable conditions.

• Spring brings green scenery and quieter roads in western Germany.
• Summer provides easier access to the high passes and longer riding days.
• Early autumn colours the vineyards and forests.
• Rain and cold-weather protection remain essential in the mountains.
• Local speed limits and regulations apply, including on roads without a general speed limit.

Why choose Planet Ride for a journey through Germany?

Planet Ride does not treat Germany as a simple country to cross. The itineraries connect its most rewarding regions with Europe’s natural travel corridors: the Moselle, the Eifel, the Alpine arc, Lake Constance and the Black Forest. Advice from Eric or Rodolphe helps riders choose between a cultural crossing and a more mountainous adventure, with a coherent route, realistic stages and support suited to each rider’s experience.