New look for EuroVelo maps

A new map legend on EuroVelo.com

A brand-new map legend is now available on EuroVelo.com, designed to better reflect the real conditions of EuroVelo routes on the ground.

The legend now includes seven categories, representing different levels of route development:

And there’s more: a new version of the EuroVelo Overview Map is coming up in September 2026, also featuring this updated legend. Keep an eye out for the announcement! By making a donation, you can support our work and receive your own copy of the map.

Why this change?

This update aims to harmonise how “developed” EuroVelo routes are defined across countries, linking classifications more closely to real on-the-ground conditions. With this new definition, “developed routes” designate sections with generally good cycling conditions, including continuity, limited motorised traffic and rideable surfaces – signed with EuroVelo signs or not, depending on the category.

In practice, “developed routes” can mean different types of infrastructure: segregated cycle tracks, greenways, but also rural roads with few motorised vehicles, city streets with painted cycle lanes or cycle streets. “Partially developed routes”, on the other hand, include roads shared with motorised traffic with no dedicated cycling infrastructure, and gravel tracks within forests with rough surfaces.

This update also makes it easier for you, as a cyclist, to navigate the 90,000+ km EuroVelo network and plan a trip that matches your needs! Below we tried to match the new route categories with various cyclists’ profiles.

In a nutshell:

• 👨‍👩‍👧 For everyone including beginners and families: If you prefer to avoid high-traffic roads and poor surfaces wherever possible (lower quality sections may remain), or if you’re travelling with children or using a non-standard cycle, EuroVelo Certified routes (dark green on the map) are your best option, so check them out! In 2026, these include EuroVelo 1 – Atlantic Coast Route in France (also called “La Vélodyssée”) & EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route from Breil/Brigels (Switzerland) to Bad Honnef (Germany)

• 🚴 For most cyclists: If you’re looking for generally low-traffic routes with good surfaces, and can handle short stretches (up to 5%) of less ideal conditions, choose developed routes (light green on the map). Opt for signed routes (bright green on the map) if you prefer to follow signposts rather than rely on your phone or cycling computer.

• 🛣️ For experienced cyclists: If you’re comfortable with higher traffic levels or rougher surfaces (but not both at once), as long as they lead you to stunning landscapes and unique experiences, partially developed routes (dashed orange on the map) could work for you. Signed sections (dashed yellow on the map) are also available if you enjoy following route panels.

• 🧭 For adventurous riders: If you’re keen to explore regions where cycling tourism is still developing, you could consider undeveloped/unknown routes (dashed grey on the map). These offer the best available itineraries in these regions, but conditions may vary. Adventure is part of the journey!

• 🚉 Public transport links (thin black lines on the map): These sections represent undeveloped stretches of the network that you can skip by taking your bike on a train, bus or ferry, helping you continue your journey on more developed routes.

Behind the scenes

This new way of representing EuroVelo routes is the outcome of more than a year of collaboration, involving the EuroVelo GIS Subgroup, National EuroVelo Coordination Centres (NECCs) and other national contact points.

The process began by defining categories that accurately reflect real-world conditions, aligning them with quality frameworks such as the European Certification Standard (ECS). A dedicated working group then explored how best to visualise this information – debating everything from colour choices (should high-quality routes appear in green for safety or red for visibility?) to how to balance visual simplicity and detailed information.

At the same time, updated GPX tracks and information on the development status of each daily section were collected from partners across the network, ensuring the entire EuroVelo dataset reflects the latest information. This type of update happens yearly to keep EuroVelo.com updated.

This work builds up on a much wider process which started back in 2019 with the introduction of a full GIS database and interactive maps with development level on EuroVelo.com. Since 2021, data analysis allows to monitor the network’s development (read the 2025 EuroVelo Route Development Status Report for more info). The possibility of downloading GPX tracks followed in 2022, and a route planner in 2023.

We are now improving access to route information, but this is not the last step! In the coming years, we plan to introduce layers on interactive maps, providing extra information on route infrastructure and quality where available, and to continue improving the usability of EuroVelo gpx tracks on navigation apps (it was already made much easier in the beginning of the year).

Managing a 90,000+ km network is not easy, but we at EuroVelo are committed to continuing to improve the routes’ representation on the website and the user experience.

Start exploring

Now it’s your turn! Browse EuroVelo.com or use the Route Planner to create your own itinerary across multiple routes. Simply follow the colours to find the routes that match your preferences. On the route planner, you can choose between several options: “recommended” (balancing good development status and directness), “least climbs”, “most developed” and “most direct”. We recommend for beginners to select “most developed” to generate an itinerary with the best possible conditions.

Hop on your bike, and don’t forget to share your journey with us at @ecfeurovelo 🚴‍