A number of long-distance cycle routes in Germany have a specific theme that adds an extra dimension to your experience. These cover a broad range of subjects from history, wine and art to industrial heritage.

There are so many themed routes to choose from: the kunstwegen-Vechtetalroute (Vechte Valley Route/art trails) between Germany and the Netherlands is virtually an open-air gallery with more than 60 works of art to complement the marvellous scenery. In the far south of Germany, you can go on a modern-day pilgrimage on the trail of the incumbent Pope. The Benediktweg (Benedict Trail) in the foothills of the Bavarian Alps guides you to wonderful abbeys as well as places associated with Pope Benedict XVI, otherwise known as Josef Ratzinger. Other themed routes devoted to German history include the Thüringer Städtekette (Towns of Thuringia Route), which features the house where Goethe was born in Weimar and Wartburg Castle overlooking Eisenach. The Berliner Mauerweg (Berlin Wall Trail) in Germany's capital puts the spotlight on contemporary German history. It builds up a picture of the history and the fall of the Berlin Wall - an event whose 20th anniversary it celebrates - along the path where the infamous militarised border once stood.