Located an hour north of Queenstown, the picturesque mountain town of Wānaka lies beside Lake Wānaka, set against the backdrop of the Southern Alps. The biking community is rapidly expanding, primarily due to Bike Glendhu, an excellent pedal-powered mountain bike park just ten minutes from the town center. With 25 miles (40 kilometres) of singletrack created on land steeped in Māori cultural history and sustainable agriculture, Glendhu offers a unique mountain biking experience suitable for cyclists of all levels. Few locations on Earth are as breathtaking as Bike Glendhu. You’ll be amazed if you tackle the challenging Adze Up climb trail, which takes you to the top of the trail center. From there, the views over Glendhu Bay, looking back toward Wānaka, are stunning. And it’s all downhill from there back to the base, where you can grab a bite to eat and enjoy a cold drink.

Along the journey, take advantage of the excellent hut system, allowing you to spend several nights immersed in the Icelandic mountains while enjoying the trail at your own pace. The Laugarvegur reveals a stunning spectrum of Iceland’s unique geology—from vibrant moss and dark sand deserts to snow and steaming springs, blooming pink flowers in the harsh terrain, to turquoise lakes and lava fields. The Laugarvegur trail is genuinely extraordinary and exemplifies authentic adventure. Enjoy the natural hot springs and remember to pack a reliable raincoat; it will come in handy.

We suggest basing your adventure in Aosta, the region’s capital and a historic Roman city. You can easily access countless trails from there through self-powered pedaling or van shuttles. The town features excellent restaurants, wine bars, shops, and Roman monuments to enjoy after your rides. Consider booking a few days with the local guide company, Aosta Valley Freeride, for a complete experience with local guides familiar with the hidden gems within the extensive trail network.

Following this, the allure of the “Mountain of Mountains” grew steadily. Zermatt became “the” place for British aristocrats to hike and climb, laying the foundation for today’s impeccable focus on meeting the needs of European visitors and beyond.

In modern times, it is one of the most popular ski resorts globally, and even when the snow melts, tourists never stop coming, thanks to the Matterhorn. Nowadays, they also visit for mountain biking, which is well worth it; few places in the Alps can offer such a good and diverse biking experience.

Fruita has earned its reputation as the mountain biking mecca of western Colorado and is often one of the first places that comes to mind when discussing flowy singletracks. Mention trails like Kessel Run, Joe’s Ridge, Horsethief Bench, Zippity Do Dah, and mountain bikers worldwide will smile. If you enjoy distance, you can easily ride a mountain bike from Fruita to Moab, Crested Butte, Durango, and much farther without encountering a single inch of concrete. And while the legendary trails at 18 Road form the backbone of Fruita’s extensive trail network, the bike shop Over the Edge Sports serves as the heart and soul of the town’s incredibly dedicated bike community.

You can stay in their charming, rustic lodge, start pedaling from the door, or opt for a short, exciting, and highly efficient float plane drop. From the drop-off point, you can ride for days before returning to civilization – an experience for a lifetime — but make sure you’re well prepared.

This unique natural wonder is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks, fjords, and small glaciers, offering stunning views in every direction. Locals refer to it as “Scandinavia’s Moab,” and this comparison fits perfectly. Riding a bike here is truly remarkable, and unless you visit on a busy summer day, you can almost guarantee that you’ll have the place to yourself.