Best european route maps

[BigonaBianchi]

I really like the ACA maps i used in america recently. Are there similar quality maps and gpx files available for european routes? Being a lazy git I like the idea of just buying a tried and tested cycling route with all amenities clearly marked, rather than having to do it myself

 

[Brains]

Every European country has a "best" option
In Germany look at the bike line esterbauer books
And then see if you can find anything close to that standard elsewhere

 

[mcr]

Every European country has a "best" option
In Germany look at the bike line esterbauer books
And then see if you can find anything close to that standard elsewhere

Germany doesn't just have Esterbauer, but a whole ream of competitors publishing maps and guides for all the named routes. I particularly liked the Leporello ones - a handy concertina map, waterproof, cheaper and much lighter than the Esterbauer. The ADFC (Germany's CTC equivalent) also publishes a national series of maps that highlights all the routes and, more usefully, the local networks for when you want to go 'off-piste'. I've only ever seen Esterbauer and ADFC for sale in the UK, though, so you wouldn't easily find the others until you get there.

The Esterbauer, though, do do a number of overseas routes (eg Loire, I think), plus some of the international routes such as Claudia Augusta. And Cicerone in the UK do a smattering of routes as well as guides to specific areas (eg Loire again, Alps).

 

[vernon]

The Huber Verlag maps cover Euro Velo Six quite well. The eastern section from St Nazaire to Basle is more detailed in the mapping than the section from Budapest to Constanta.

 

[JC4LAB]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EuroVelo

 

[BigonaBianchi]

I saw those....but I couldnt see any cycle maps of those routes available to buy

 

[psmiffy]

I saw those....but I couldnt see any cycle maps of those routes available to buy

I have have discovered retrospectively that I have ridden large tracts of the Eurovelos - very rare to see anything on the ground actually saying you are on one - so likelihood (apart from the bits in Germany - and even then very few eurovelo signs - just part of the national routes) that definitive/official routes and the corresponding guides exist is small.

 

[BigonaBianchi]

hmmm..seems the americans have a better system then...well at least its mapped out better. The ACA routes maps are first class...and cover all their national routes....surely somebody has done this in europe no???

 

[willem]

See http://europafietsers.nl/klik/routes-all.htm for nearly all Dutch guide books for much of Europe, with maps. Many now also have gps tracks.
Willem

 

[snorri]

hmmm..seems the americans have a better system then...well at least its mapped out better. The ACA routes maps are first class...and cover all their national routes....surely somebody has done this in europe no???

I have followed routes in various countries in mainland Europe without any great difficulty and find the mapping adequate. I always ensure I have one map of Europe simply to have a rough idea where I am in relation to major cities and other countries then I pick up more localised maps as I go along from bike shops, book shops and tourist info offices.
I realise my method does not suit those who like to plan the fine detail of their tours weeks or months in advance!

 

[BigonaBianchi]

i think the reason im after such maps is because I dont have to plan anything really...just follow the red line across a continent...with all the info i need about camping sites, hostels, stores, etc already marked on the maps. I find that frees my head up to concenrate on doing nothing but enjoy the ride.

It amazing that there seems to be no european equivalent of the ACA transam maps...

 

[vernon]

I saw those....but I couldnt see any cycle maps of those routes available to buy

Eurovelo Six is amply covered. It helps if you also look for the Danube Cycle Route (Bikeline books - four volumes) which is the easternmost stretch of the Eurovelo Six.

Eurovelo One i.e. the North Sea Cycle Route has the UK section well covered by Sustrans.

The other Eurovelo routs are a bit of a mystery.

You could always go over to London and pay a visit to Stanfords map shop.

 

[slowmotion]

I've used an online Dutch map supplier, DeZwerver....
http://www.dezwerver.nl/
They are really good for bike maps for all Europe. Within Holland, Falk maps are good and they mark the cycle paths really well.

www.falk.nl
If you want to buy from DeZwerver and don't speak Dutch, pick up the phone and the friendly Dutch peeps on the other end will talk you through it.

 

[willem]

And as I said, I think the routes here http://europafietsers.nl/klik/routes-all.htm are a far more extensive network than anywhere in the States, with detailed information about campsites, etc. The guides are in Dutch, unfortunately, but the maps in them speak a universal language. And so do the GPS tracks. When I retire and if physical books still exist at that time, I may offer to translate all these guides into English. De Zwerver are a really good travel book shop (they are also a physical shop), and I use them for all my map and guidebook purchases.
Willem

 

[JC4LAB]

I ve dozens of europenan bike route books picked over the years, that are mostly dreamt over than used...So so many choices..theres prob no one set route for each country...My favourite is Nick Cranes Cycling guide to europe in .which he gives a recommended routes for each country.Ive used his guide to Britain and ireland.Its been good ..My last few visits to europe have been French riveria,Haute Provence,Bavaria ,Switzerland, & Holland and more recently New england in the US..inspite of scouring the web for maps and routes beforehand have generally found the best cycling maps are bought locally when there.and in amercia in particlar found the route advice of local bike shops who know the area better.less a risk than DIY.I like to googleearth an area too