If you’re looking to explore and get a little exercise on your next European river cruise, you’ll be glad to know that an increasing number of river cruise lines are offering the use of bicycles while docked, offering guests a great way to keep in shape and enjoy a relaxing ride through some spectacular scenery. Some river cruise companies, such as Scenic Tours, even offer electric-assist bicycles. Push a button and get a boost when needed.

A caveat, however: Even if your chosen line offers bicycles, they may not be available during inclement weather conditions or in the winter months – though we did spy them in Regensburg on our Christmas Markets cruise last year aboard AmaWaterways’ AmaLyra.

So who offers bicycle rentals?  Here’s the latest rundown:

If your river cruise line or itinerary doesn’t offer onboard bicycles, fear not: Many major European cities offer very affordable bicycle rentals by the hour or in time-duration packages that usually cost just a handful of Euros. Particularly bike-friendly cities like Amsterdam seemingly have bicycle rental shops on every other street corner, and chances are there will be one close to your docking location.

Even if you’re in a small town, be sure to ask one of the locals; you never know when a prime opportunity to cycle the European countryside will present itself.

A word of caution, though: Most river cruise lines that offer bicycle rentals do so under the condition that you assume all the reasonable risks inherent within. It may sound like common sense, but use is at your own risk.