This summer, the Hanseatic city of Bremen will once again become a hotspot for cycling fans from all over Europe and beyond. The highlight is the international GFNY cycle race in August, a spectacular and ambitious route through Bremen and the surrounding countryside. But there are also other bike-based events and a wide range of themed trails that add up to make Bremen an excellent destination for cyclists.
International cycling: GFNY race series in Bremen
The summer of 2026 in Bremen is all about cycling. The streets will be buzzing with bicycle fever, especially when the world-famous GFNY race series (Gran Fondo New York) comes to the Hanseatic city on 30 August. The cycle race, which was first held in New York in 2011, combines ultimate sporting performance with a unique feeling of community, thus appealing to both amateur and professional cyclists. The race starts and finishes in the Tabakquartier district of Bremen and follows a 100 km route through picture-postcard scenery, passing historic villages and modern cityscapes along the way. Those who take part can qualify for the legendary GFNY World Championship in New York City. At the end of the race, there are fitting celebrations for the winners in the after-race event in the Tabakquartier.
A cycle race with a difference – The Bremen Cargobike Race
Cycling fans can look forward to a race with a difference in Bremen in June 2026. The 10th Bremen Cargobike Race (4th United Cargobike Race) takes place on 20th June. This entertaining competition is a chance for cyclists with modern cargobikes to show off their skills. The challenging course not only requires speed but also features awkward obstacles which take a great deal of skill to navigate. As well as races featuring electric and standard cargobikes, there is also a family race where the little ones can join in with the fun.
Pure cycle culture on Überseeinsel: the BIKE IT! Festival in late summer
BIKE IT!, Bremen’s festival of cycling culture on Überseeinsel proves just how well sport and culture can go hand in hand. The event, held on 5-6 September 2026, is an inspirational combination of a bike fair, technical talks, bike test ride opportunities, excursions, street food and a wide range of art and culture. The atmosphere among the old shipyards and artists’ workshops in the most innovative, developing district of Bremen makes the event a real experience whose appeal extends beyond just bike lovers.
Art and cycling trail to mark the 150th birthday of Paula Modersohn-Becker
The new 107 kilometre ‘Moors, magic and great art’ cycling trail marks the 150th birthday of one of Bremen’s most famous daughters, artist Paula Modersohn-Becker, and can be enjoyed throughout the year. The route covers important places where the expressionist artist lived and worked, as well as museums in Bremen, Worpswede, Vegesack and Fischerhude, making it the perfect way to combine art, fresh country air and exercise. The route is available from now and can be ridden over one or more days.
Bremen – one of the best cycling cities in the world
Cycling is part of everyday life in the Hanseatic city, which makes it perfect for visitors to explore by bike as well. With an excellent network of cycle paths and a very good cycling infrastructure, Bremen is the perfect destination for cycling holidays of any kind. A range of themed discovery trails offer something for everyone, from the family-friendly sightseeing through Bremen and Bremerhaven by bike to a complete cycle tour of the region. More information about cycling in Bremen can be obtained from Bremen Tourismus.
Marco Skora
+49 421 3080024
Bremen is a Hanseatic City on the Weser in the North of Germany. The city has its own airport and great connections to the railway network. From London Stansted (STN), Bremen (BRE) can be reached by Ryanair in approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes.