The founding meeting of the ADFC took place on 27 September 1979 in Bremen, after the idea to establish such an organisation arose during the International Bicycle and Motorbike Exhibition (IFMA) on 18 April 1978.

The local and district associations of the ADFC offer members and non-members throughout Germany cycle tours of varying difficulty and duration.

The Dachgeber ("roof giver") is a sub-organization of the ADFC and a hospitality exchange service, which mediates on a basis of mutual free accommodation for cyclists on tour.

[4] The hosts are members of ADFC and provide accommodation free of charge on a reciprocal basis, which by rule only includes a place to sleep for the air mattress to be brought along.

Bed & Bike undertakings are guest establishments from five star hotel to youth hostel and camping site, which commit themselves to cater for the expectations of cycle tourists.

In rented information centres the ADFC offers advice on topics concerning bicycle and traffic, gives tips on cycle holidays, helps with the planning of tours, and lends books, magazines, bikes and accessories.