10 greenest cycling destinations to enjoy spring blossoms

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 honest here for a minute: With so many destinations to choose from and almost any city looking its very best in spring, which is genuinely the nicest one to start your cycling season in?

To ensure you choose the loveliest city for your next cycling trip, buycycle has compiled a list of the 70 greenest cities across Europe and analyzed the data for their green and cycling infrastructures, tree cover and parks, and climate considerations. In this way, we created a list of cities combining a unique blend of natural beauty and cyclist-friendly features in the spring.

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. It turns it into a vibrant stage for cyclists and nature enthusiasts, celebrating the rebirth of the outdoors.

2. 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

Sweep past the botanical wonders in Botanisk Have or explore the natural allure of Fælledparken and Ørstedsparken. If these don’t float your cycling boat, 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. It reached our study's highest cycling infrastructure score of 90, 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. 

3. Munich, Germany

• 1,723 km² cover tree | 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 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 highest-rated cycling infrastructures of 83. This city is a cyclist’s springtime dream – both in terms of nature and architectural marvels.

4. Vienna, Austria

• 2,479 km² cover tree | 1,092 leisure parks | 68 cycling infrastructure score

Vienna, 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. With a remarkable green infrastructure score of 75, the city unfolds across 1,092 parks, 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.

5. Paris, France

• 3,497 km² cover tree | 764 leisure parks | 69 cycling infrastructure score

Gliding through Paris on two wheels unveils a city where every street holds a thousand tiny wonders. In flourishing spring, Paris ranks fifth place for cycling. With an extensive network of 48,200 cycling routes throughout the city and a green infrastructure score of 72, Paris provides each cyclist with various green landscapes and paths, depending on their preferences.

The city is covered with 3,497 km² of lush trees, making for a stunning blend of the typical Hausmannian architecture and green trees lining the Quais of the Seine and the streets of Paris. The average spring temperature of 14° C (57.2° F) makes France’s capital perfect for leisurely rides through narrow 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 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.

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), and temperature consideration (as of March - April)." - Sanjana Sharma@buycycle

As listed on bikemap.com, the number of cycling routes from each city ranges from 0 to 100 km long, with varying elevations between 0 and 1000 meters. Based on individual data points, it is considered the highest-ranking city in one specific country. Additionally, destinations 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 spring cycling destinations.