Bike tour along the Elbe River

The former imperial city of Magdeburg serves as the starting point for your bike tour along the Elbe River. Affectionately known as Ottostadt the city boasts with more than 1,200-years of history- you will find evidence in every corner of the old town. Be sure to visit the Magdeburg Cathedral as it is the first Gothic-style cathedral built on German soil and one of the largest of the entire country. Another highlight is the Grüne Zitadelle, designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Take a leisurely stroll across the world’s longest canal bridge and admire the Magdeburger Reiter (=the Magdeburg Horseman) standing in the Old Market Square.

As you cycle through the expansive floodplain landscapes of Jerichower Land, renowned for its rich populations of storks and beavers, the towers of Burg, affectionately known as the Town of Towers, greet you from afar. Take a leisurely stroll through the picturesque old town and visit the Hochständerhaus which was built in 1450. Here, you can explore the historic tannery with a guided tour. In Burg you'll also find the Nicolai Church from 1186 and the  three-nave Gothic-style Church of Our Lady.

Your bike tour along the Elbe river today begins with a leisurely path to the village of Ferchland. Here the Ferchlander Steilufer rises to an impressive height of 42 meters at the renowned Galgenberg. The breathtaking views of the Jerichower Land and the Elbe lowlands are stunning. Your next stop is the Jerichow Monastery Church. It is a remarkable example of brick Romanesque architecture and as such one of the most significant Romanesque buildings in Germany. The day's journey culminates in Tangermünde, located at the confluence of the Tangier River and the Elbe. Take some time to explore the historic castle complex dating back to 925 and soak in the rich history of this charming town.

On this stage, you will cycle through the Alte Elbe nature reserve, where expansive nature and bird sanctuaries, lush reed beds, open water areas, and picturesque swamp forests await you. Your overnight stay in Havelberg is located at the confluence of the Havel and Elbe rivers. The townscape of this Hanseatic city and former bishop's seat is dominated by the cathedral, which stands majestically on a hill alongside the associated monastery buildings. The ring-shaped old town, with its charming market square, town hall, and several gabled and eaves houses, is beautifully situated on the town island, offering a delightful atmosphere.

You have the option to cycle this leisurely stage of your tour along the Elbe River through either Brandenburg or Saxony-Anhalt. After passing Werben, the state border runs right through the middle of the river. Soon, you will arrive in Wittenberge, nestled in the Elbe's glacial valley. The town derives its name from the windmills that were once built on its white sand hills. You either  spend the night here or continue your journey through the UNESCO-listed Elbe-Brandenburg River Landscape Biosphere Reserve, heading towards Gartow am See.

The next stage of the bike tour along the Elbe River goes up and down. You cycle through the Elbe floodplains either to the left or right of the river and can marvel at the typical heath landscape, lush forests and the magnificent farms that lie within them. The day's destination is Lauenburg, the old shipping town on the river. The lovingly renovated half-timbered houses nestle high up on the slopes of the Elbe. Take a stroll along the old cobblestones, through the small alleyways and enjoy the wonderful ambience of the shipping town. Visit the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum (Elbe Shipping Museum), it is well worth a visit.

The next stage of your bike tour along the Elbe River features a series of gentle ups and downs as you cycle through the lush Elbe floodplains, either on the left or right bank. Enjoy the stunning heath landscapes, dense forests, and magnificent farms that dot the countryside.

Your destination for the day is Lauenburg, a historic shipping town situated along the river. The beautifully renovated half-timbered houses are perched on the slopes of the Elbe. Take a leisurely stroll along the old cobblestone streets and through the quaint alleyways, savoring the delightful ambiance of this maritime town. Be sure to visit the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum (Elbe Shipping Museum).

You will cycle through the Elbe marshes and along the steep slopes of the Hohen Elbufer. Make sure to visit the world's largest ship lift in Scharnebeck and explore the lively town of Geesthacht. Here Alfred Nobel famously invented dynamite.

Take a  detour to the charming town of Winsen an der Luhe, beautifully located in the Lüneburg Heath. After a few kilometers, you'll arrive at the port city of Hamburg. With a population of nearly two million, this vibrant metropolis is bustling with activity. Dive into the lively atmosphere and explore iconic sights such as the Elbphilharmonie, Speicherstadt, the fish market, Reeperbahn, Schanzenviertel, and the Michel. There’s so much to see and experience!

Your bike tour along the Elbe River is set today between Hamburg and the North Sea. On your route you will be accompanied by several large ships, reflecting Hamburg's status as the second-largest container port in Europe and a popular cruise destination. After a brief visit, you’ll leave the Hanseatic city through the vibrant neighborhoods of St. Pauli and Blankenese, known for its stunning views.

The Elbe Cycle Route then takes you along the right bank towards the sea, passing through Wedel and on to Glückstadt. This charming town is well-known throughout Northern Germany for its beloved traditional Matjes. Each June, the annual Glückstädter Matjeswochen celebrates the new season with the traditional matjesanbiss. Beyond these festivities, Glückstadt is a picturesque maritime town featuring its inland port and beautifully adorned row houses, offering plenty of opportunities for exploration.

The final cycling stage of your tour along the Elbe River is here. You’ll take the Elbe ferry (not included in the tour price) to Wischhafen, then cycle through the expansive fruit-growing region of Altes Land. This area is the largest contiguous fruit-growing region in Northern Europe, boasting around 10 million apple, cherry, and plum trees.

As you ride, the Elbe widens and the scent of the sea becomes more pronounced. The dykes grow more substantial, signaling that you and the Elbe are approaching your destination: the North Sea! Cuxhaven is located right on the Wadden Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you can embark on a mudflat hike, visit Alte Liebe, see the Kugelbake, or board the museum ship Elbe 1. Enjoy the rich maritime culture and stunning landscapes as you conclude your journey.

After breakfast, your bike tour along the Elbe River comes to an end, followed by your individual return journey. If you wish, we would be delighted to assist you in extending your stay in Cuxhaven to explore more of this beautiful area.