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Discover
Germany by Bike
www.germany.travel
Explore Destination
Germany by bike.
Dear reader,
In cooperation with
Petra Hedorfer
Chief Executive Officer
German National Tourist Board
3
4 www.germany.travel
PICTOGRAMS
The following symbols indicate how demanding the route is:
Mainly at
Hilly in parts
Steep gradients
WEBCODES
The webcode listed beneath each route description puts even more
information at your ngertips.
Please enter this webcode into the search eld at
www.germany.travel.
6 www.germany.travel
8 www.germany.travel
Bett+Bike Germany
In the mid-90s, the ADFC began to keep a list
of hostels and hotels with exemplary facilities
for cyclists. The directory quickly gained a
reputation as the cyclists bible for Germany.
Cycling online
Cities and culture, leisure and recreation: there are
so many different facets to Destination Germany
and these are all covered by the German National
Tourist Boards website www.germany.travel.
10 www.germany.travel
Tip: for an even quicker way to nd your cycle route enter the
webcode into the search eld at www.germany.travel.
11
D-Route 3 / Europaradweg R1
A cross-section of Germany
960km of cycling right across Germany: the
German section of the R1 European Cycle Route
has been upgraded to an ADFC 3-star route and
offers a varied mix of holiday fun and relaxation.
Terrain: at route without any major hills, mostly on asphalt and away from
busy roads.
Scenery: long-distance cycle route along canals, bascule bridges and moors and
through historical towns and villages.
Webcode: AUR72 13
Weser-Radweg
www.bremen-tourism.de/cycling
Ammerlandroute
Tour of discovery
Between the Weser and Elbe rivers and the
North Sea: the landscape here is dominated by
rivers, moorland and coastal mudats, and is
complemented by historical towns.
This circular tour follows natures trail all the way on a tour of
discovery between the North Sea and the Elbe and Weser rivers.
Expect rivers, moorland and coastal mudats. Theres lots to see
and do en route: ride the moorland railway, go on nature-watching
tours and boat trips, discover nature at museums, and visit idyllic
villages, coastal towns and
Hanseatic cities.
Peat barge tours are also
available along sections
of the river as you head
towards the Elbe riv-
er and the North Sea.
The tranquil rivers and
coastline offer the chance
to unwind both during
your tour and on a walk
across the mudats.
Webcode: AUR83 17
Weites Land
After leaving the Hanseatic city of Bremen, your rst port of call
is the Wmme marshes, a breeding ground for rare birds. At the
harbour in Vegesack you can watch passing ships, before the
gentle hills of the Bremen Switzerland region welcome you with
heathland, forests and orchid-lled meadows. Popular activities
include peat barge tours on the Hamme river and watching
artists at work in
Worpswede.
Back in Bremen, you
can end the tour in
style with a spot of
sightseeing or a coffee
on the market square.
The cycle route tracks the river Aller from its conuence with
the Weser back to its source. An alternative route diverts to
Hohenwarte. There is so much to see along the way, not least
the equestrian town of Verden, which rose to fame through its
world-class tournaments and horse shows. The former ducal town
of Celle boasts more than 500 timber-framed buildings in its old
quarter under historical protection. Many rare species of bird can
be seen in the Ilkerbruch conservation area. Alternatively, you can
learn all about the history of the automobile at VWs Autostadt
exhibition complex in Wolfsburg or visit the Phno science centre
to discover for yourself how natural phenomena work.
Terrain: mainly at, occasional gentle hills in certain stages. The route is mostly
on asphalt and traffic-free in the main, and links the Weser Cycle Route with
the Elbe Cycle Route.
Scenery: idyllic countryside along the river Aller and through its catchment
area: Aller-Leine valley, Sdheide (southern heath), Drmling nature reserve.
Beyond Lower Saxony: Flechtingen hills, Elbauen Park in Magdeburg,
headwaters of the river Aller.
Length: 328 km | Starts: Verden (Aller river) | Ends: Eggenstadt (source of the
Aller)/Hohenwarthe (Magdeburg) Bremen 43 km | Magdeburg
Webcode: AUR1 19
Leine-Heide-Radweg
On quiet paths, away from busy roads, the route traverses the
habitat of numerous rare plant and animal species and passes
through historical heathland villages with idyllic medieval
houses. It runs along the banks of the river for much of the way,
but also uses unmade trails and paths that are off the beaten
track. There is lots
to see in the towns
as well, such as the
Hundertwasser train
station in Uelzen and
the old quarter of
Hanseatic Lneburg.
Another highlight
is the ride along the
Ilmenau Canal, where,
depending on the
time of year, you can
spot white storks,
lapwings and many
other types of bird.
Webcode: AUR85 21
Emsland-Route
Terrain: about half the paths are asphalt; all others are either paved, on gravel
or surfaced with crushed brick/stone. The route is mainly at; the outdoor
artworks begin at Ohne.
Scenery: the route runs along the banks of the Vechte river. Gentle hills in
the rst section, followed by level agricultural land. Towns in the county of
Bentheim and the Overijssel Salland region of the Netherlands.
Webcode: AUR29 23
Terrain: predominantly at coastal area; there are occasional hills and a few
steep gradients; mainly asphalt paths, but some stretches are paved, made of
concrete or surfaced with sand/gravel. Signposting is not standardised.
Scenery: the coastal landscape boasts various features and formations, inclu-
ding steep cliffs, at white sandy beaches, dykes, rths, Bodden (shallow bays),
forests, islands and peninsulas.
Terrain: the route is asphalt-covered most of the way, with some paved sections
and farm tracks. the going is hilly in parts and the route is not always car-free.
Signposting is not standardised.
Scenery: from the city of Hamburg the route runs through the Elbe river
scenery with its canals, lakes and nature reserves. Hills, forests, coastal
landscapes and beaches await in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Webcode: AUR51 25
Starting from Lneburg, you head through the Elbe Valley nature
reserve on course for Bleckede, where you cross the Elbe by
ferry. Beyond Neustadt-Glewe, you roll through riverside scenery
and past meadows, lakes and forests rst to the town of Lbz
and then to Lake Plau and Lake Mritz. En route through the
Mecklenburg lakes and Mritz National Park you might be able
to spot cranes, ospreys and white-tailed eagles. The route then
continues through Neustrelitz and Neubrandenburg to Szczecin
Bay. As you arrive on Usedom Island, where your journey ends,
the views open up across the Baltic Sea and neo-classical seaside
villas.
Terrain: mainly on asphalt paths, the route is largely at with some hilly
sections and just a few steep climbs worthy of mention. The route is not always
car-free.
Scenery: marshland and sandy heaths in the Elbe Valley nature reserve,
lakeland region with meadows, forests and tree-lined avenues, Mritz National
Park, Szczecin Bay, and the Baltic coast on Usedom Island with its dramatic
cliffs.
Tour Brandenburg
Webcode: AUR86 27
Spreeradweg
DahmeRadweg
Webcode: AUR10 29
IDS 2012
Mrkische Schlssertour
Bischofstour
The best way to explore the places associated with the bishops
is by bike, thanks to the at terrain. A premium cycle route, the
Bishops Tour begins in Havelberg, the cradle of Prignitz, and
ends in Wittstock where the bishops rule came to an end in
the 16th century. The route through the at countryside is lined
with pilgrimage sites,
bishops palaces and
small towns with
centuries of history.
Naturally, there
are also plenty of
attractions without
a religious back-
ground on or near
the route, such as the
narrow-gauge railway
museum or the Gross
Woltersdorf edu-
cational forest park.
Webcode: AUR8 31
Havel-Radweg
On its way to join the Elbe, the river ows at a leisurely pace,
leaving behind a chain of interconnecting lakes. The majestic
tranquillity of this waterway is reected in the palaces, gardens
and parks from the days of the Prussian kings. Potsdam, the
home of Babelsberg Palace and Sanssouci Palace, is particularly
impressive. In the Optikpark in Rathenow you can gain an insight
into the mysteries of colour, light and form. This historical route
is also a treat for nature lovers, who will enjoy the unspoilt
scenery of the Lower Havel basin.
Flaeming Skate
This route is ideal for leisurely tours and has
a number of places to explore along the way.
It consists of eight circuits through the at
countryside of the Lower Flming region and the
Baruther glacial valley south of Berlin.
Flemish people settled here between the Elbe, Havel and Spree
rivers in the 12th and 13th centuries, giving the region its name.
Today, the area is more popular with cyclists and skaters who
come to enjoy traffic-free fun on the broad asphalt paths. At
the heart of the route is a circular tour covering just under 100
kilometres. It also has several shorter circuits, which are perfect
for a tour divided into one-day stages. The swimming lakes and
outdoor pools en route are great in the warm weather. Theres
also plenty of variety on offer in the medieval towns and villages.
Terrain: the path for cyclists and inline skaters runs along several circuits away
from traffic and is on asphalt throughout. The tracks are between two and
three metres wide and there are only a few steep inclines.
Webcode: AUR49 33
Travelling along the Berlin Wall Trail, the traces of Cold War
tensions are never too far away. Much of the trail runs on border
patrol paths in the west (Zollwege) and their equivalents in the
east (Kolonnenwege). You cycle through the city centre, past the
museums, memorial sites and the last remaining watchtowers,
and along the old border outside the city. This mix of nature and
dramatic history means the Berlin Wall Trail offers the best of
both worlds. It is a themed city tour and scenic route rolled into
one.
Scenery: city sights and sounds in the Berlin metropolitan area, followed by
quieter, scenic stretches in leafy surroundings or by the water. Numerous
sections where fragments of the wall remain or its history can be traced.
Radfernweg Berlin-Usedom
The route begins in Berlin. With the river Panke by your side, you
head for Bernau. The route takes you through forests and across
hills in a landscape shaped by the ice age. Barnim nature park and
Schor eide-Chorin biosphere reserve offer unspoilt nature. Along
the route you can nd
cultural treasures such as
stately homes, churches,
abbeys and museums. At
Nieden the river you are
following changes its name
from Ucker to Uecker, then
accompanies the route
to Ueckermnde. After
Anklam, the tour continues
to Usedom Island, home
to the old imperial resorts
of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf
and Bansin. Your tour ends
in Peenemnde on the
Peenestrom strait.
Webcode: AUR53 35
Oder-Neie-Radweg
A owing border
The Oder-Neisse Cycle Route follows the two
rivers along the German-Polish border. The
German Cyclists Federation has given it a
four-star rating in recognition of its excellent
signposting and low traffic volumes.
Length: 628 km | Starts: Nov Ves near Jablonec nad Nisou (Czech
Republic) | Ends: Ahlbeck Dresden 117 km | Stralsund 120 km
Radweg Berlin-Kopenhagen
Webcode: AUR50 37
Scenery: the paths run past lakes, parks, villages, palaces and through towns
and forests in the Lusatia region, highlighting the contrast between the
historical countryside and the former open-cast mines, and how the latter are
being transformed into an area of man-made lakes.
An energy-packed history
Energy is the theme of this premium cycle route,
awarded three stars by the German Cyclists
Federation. The route covers 14 locations in the
Elbe-Elster-Land region devoted to generating
energy from coal, wind and water.
Scenery: the route runs through river valleys, forests, elds, villages and towns.
Other characteristic features include lakes, meadows and lowlands, as well as
plateaus with deciduous and coniferous forests and fruit trees.
Webcode: AUR27 39
From out of the Czech Republic, the Elbe ows into the sandstone
outcrops of the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany.
The route runs through the Elbe valley with views of the dramatic
rock formations. Other highlights include Dresdens Semper
Opera House and Church of Our Lady. Heading northwards, the
route passes through fascinating towns such as Torgau, Witten-
berg and Dessau. The canal bridge just outside Magdeburg is a
true sight to behold. Hamburg alone would be ample reward for
the journey so far, but its really just a landmark on your way to
the coast where you can wave to the ocean liners as they enter
the North Sea from the Elbe estuary at Cuxhaven.
Terrain: the route mostly runs on dedicated, asphalt cycle paths, often
on or alongside the Elbe embankment. Mostly traffic-free. Asphalt is the
predominant surface. Be prepared for headwinds when cycling downstream.
Thringer Stdtekette
Webcode: AUR79 41
Ilmtal-Radweg
Length: 125 km | Starts: Allzunah (on the Rennsteig hiking trail) | Ends:
Grossheringen/Kaatschen-Weichau Erfurt 42 km | Weimar 37 km
Saale-Radwanderweg
Webcode: AUR62 43
Terrain: the route runs close to the river for most of the way. The plain of the
Thuringian Basin is a dominant feature with its river meadows and meadow
orchards. However, there are also hills and vineyards.
Scenery: the route is mainly at and runs mostly on asphalt; only a few
sections are paved or concrete. Some unsurfaced paths in the nature
conservation area.
Terrain: this long-distance cycle route runs on back roads, asphalt paths or farm
tracks. Steep descents at the outset, followed by gently rolling hills and then a
largely at stretch of countryside.
Scenery: lofty peaks in the Thuringian Forest, at river plains along the Werra,
dense areas of woodland and a number of small half-timbered towns, primarily
in Hessen.
Webcode: AUR71 45
Fulda-Radweg
Diemelradweg
Webcode: AUR12 47
Lahntalradweg
Forests, meadows and lush riverbanks, steep slopes and rocks: these
are the features of the Lahn river from its source in the Rothaargebirge
hills. You cycle beside its waters for the majority of the journey
through Bad Laasphe, Biedenkopf, Marburg, Giessen and Wetzlar with
its Goethe connections. In Weilburg, look out for canoeists paddling
through Germanys
only ship tunnel, then
discover the fairytale
charm of Limburgs old
town. Also of interest
are Oranienstein
baroque palace in Diez,
Obernhof (the Lahns
only wine village) and
Nassau Castle, ancestral
seat of the House of
Nassau-Orange. After
Bad Ems is Lahnstein
where the Lahn joins
the Rhine.
Terrain: the route runs along disused railway lines with some hilly sections.
The Hessen Railway Cycle Route is well-maintained and uses asphalt paths.
Mostly traffic-free.
Webcode: AUR6 49
Scenery: Senne heathland with the headwaters of the Ems river, forests in the
Egge hills, karst landscape on the Paderborn plateau, foothills in the northern
Sauerland with the Aabach reservoir and the Lippe marshes.
EmsRadweg
Webcode: AUR16 51
NiederRheinroute
Scenery: the circular routes run mostly through leafy parks, meadows and
pastureland and visit the nest palaces, castles and stately homes in the
Mnsterland region for a cultural and historical experience to remember.
Webcode: AUR65 53
Terrain: network of cycle paths consisting of two main routes. These mainly use
disused railway lines, riverbanks, forest paths and side roads. Mostly level paths,
surfaced with asphalt or crushed brick/stone.
Scenery: the Industrial Heritage Cycle Route explores the industrial monuments
of the Ruhr region as well as its scenic highlights such as Emscher Landscape
Park, forests, rivers and canals.
Length: 700 km | Network of cycle routes in and around Duisburg, Essen and
Dortmund
RuhrtalRadweg
Webcode: AUR61 55
Rmer-Lippe-Route
Traces of the ancient Romans follow one after another along this
route, which follows the longest river in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Beginning at the location where Hermann defeated the Roman
armies, the route moves on to museums and sites of former Roman
camps, and brings the history of the Romans to life. The river was
once the lifeblood of this region. Water and its usefulness for
mankind is a constant feature of the route: from Odins eye at the
source of the river to swimming lakes, river meadows, canals and
locks. Along the way you pass through varied landscapes in the
Teutoburg Forest, the Mnsterland, Sauerland and Ruhr regions.
Length: 449 km (295 km main route, 11 themed loop trails totalling 154 km) |
Starts: Detmold | Ends: Xanten Bielefeld 31km | Mnster 42 km
Emscher-Weg
Webcode: AUR90 57
Grnroute
Terrain: more than half the route is at. Hilly sections with some steep
gradients are found in the upper reaches of the river. The route is almost all
surfaced with asphalt or crushed brick/stone and is mainly traffic-free.
Webcode: AUR60 59
Rheinradweg
Vennbahn
With hardly any notable climbs, the railway tracks meander along the
German-Belgian border, which they regularly cross. Upland moors
and heaths dominate the landscape in the Hohes Venn (High Fens)
nature reserve. Around Monschau, Robertville and Weywertz, huge
hedges offer protection from
high winds. The route also
passes through the picturesque
Our valley with its gently rising
uplands and narrow ravines.
The Vennbahn Route is nothing
if not diverse with UNESCO
World Heritage sites in Aachen
and an idyllic old town in
Kornelimnster.
Webcode: AUR91 61
Kraut-und-Rben-Radweg
Webcode: AUR28 63
Mosel-Radweg
The German section of the international Velo Tour Moselle takes you
on a journey of richly varied scenery along predominantly level cycle
paths. Trier is home to a number of impressive Roman monuments.
At Schweich the Moselle starts cutting its way through the Rhenish
slate mountains, twisting and turning through the ever-narrowing
valley. Cultural high-
lights along the way
include the famous
wine ship in Neu-
magen-Dhron and the
Middle Moselle Roman
wine presses. Numer-
ous castles, including
Burg Arras and Burg
Metternich, are tucked
away in romantic side
valleys. The route ends
in Koblenz where the
Moselle ows into the
Rhine.
Saar-Radweg
Webcode: AUR64 65
Terrain: the route runs through hilly stretches with occasional steep gradients.
Mainly asphalt trails but also old towpaths, mostly free of traffic. Part of the
route dips into France.
Scenery: densely wooded hills with meadows, river meadows and streams, Saar
Bow, Lake Bostalsee, Saar-Hunsrck nature reserve and the high ridges of the
Schwarzwlder Hochwald forest.
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On the Southern Black Forest Cycle Route its about using the
hills to your advantage. The only real climb can be done by train,
after which its downhill to the southern Black Forest. Along the
way you can enjoy a number of scenic highlights such as Wutach
Gorge, the Markgrerland region and, with a detour to France,
the Petite Camargue nature conservation area. The many
small medieval towns, as well as Basel and Freiburg, provide
interesting cultural accents. A train takes cyclists up the hill from
Kirchzarten to Hinterzarten, traversing the beautiful Hllental or
hell valley.
Terrain: the cycle route goes right around the Southern Black Forest nature
reserve with very few climbs. Mainly asphalt paths that are virtually traffic-free.
Some short stretches run through Switzerland and France.
Schwarzwald Panorama-Radweg
Webcode: AUR92 69
Donau-Bodensee-Weg
This link between the Danube and Lake Constance cycle routes runs
from Ulm on the Danube to Kressbronn on Lake Constance. After
stopping for a break on the market square in Biberach, you con-
tinue through meadows
and woodland to Bad
Waldsee. The route then
heads down into the valley
of the Wolfegger Ach
river, after which villages,
ower-lled meadows
and copses begin to line
the path. Kisslegg with its
historical buildings and
Wangen with its old town
both merit a visit. The nal
stage is a downhill section
to Kressbronn through
conservation areas, apple
and cherry orchards and
elds of hops.
Oberschwaben-Allgu-Weg
Webcode: AUR94 71
Some 14.5 million years ago, a meteorite smashed into the eastern
Swabian Alb, creating two craters with diameters of 25 and four
kilometres. In 2006 the area became the Ries National Geopark.
On the eastern route from Nrdlingen, you are taken across the
basin and up onto the rim of the crater near Kirchheim. Along
the western loop, you ride through an enchanting landscape of
juniper scrub and solitary oaks. Near Oberkochen you encounter
the source of the Schwarzer Kocher river. At the meteorite crater
museum in Steinheim you can learn all about the impact, before
stopping to visit a castle or take a swim in a lake on your journey
back to Nrdlingen.
Terrain: the route has an eastern and a western loop, is mainly on asphalt
and is mostly traffic-free. Flat stretches alternate with hilly sections and steep
climbs.
Scenery: the route links two meteorite craters in Ries Geopark, alternating
between at and hilly landscapes. Heathland, conservation areas and
riverscapes.
Scenery: in the Odenwald forest, the long-distance cycle route runs through
the valleys of the Neckar and Main valleys, which are surrounded by densely
wooded hills and feature enchanting medieval towns.
Webcode: AUR31 73
Terrain: the Kocher-Jagst Cycle Route has a few challenging climbs. It runs
predominantly on asphalt paths, as well as on some gravel tracks, and is mostly
traffic-free.
Scenery: the route runs through the river landscapes of the Kocher and Jagst
between the eastern edge of the Swabian mountains, the Hohenlohe region
and the river Neckar with meadows, farmland, mixed forests and vineyards.
Terrain: surfaced with crushed brick/stone for the most part, with some
asphalt paths. The majority of this family-friendly route is traffic-free and there
are only a few steep inclines.
Webcode: AUR68 75
Main-Radweg
The river Main begins in two places and so does this tour: you
can start either with the Red Main in the Franconian Switzerland
region or follow the White Main through the Franconian Forest.
The route then runs through the area known as Gods Garden
in the Upper Main Valley-Coburg region to Bamberg and its Old
Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Winding its way through
the Steigerwald Forest and Hassberg hills to Schweinfurt, the
river then enters Franconian wine country and the Liebliches
Taubertal holiday region. The tour continues through Frankfurt
and ends in Mainz, where the Main ows into the Rhine.
Webcode: AUR33 77
Terrain: route runs mainly on asphalt tracks with few climbs. Predominantly
traffic-free, the canal route is quieter and therefore ideally suited for groups
and family tours.
Tourismus Coburg 96450 Coburg Tel. +49 (0) 9561 89-80 00 info@tourist.coburg.de
Herrngasse 4 GERMANY Fax +49 (0) 9561 89-80 29 www.coburg-tourist.de
Paneuropa-Radweg
Euro-Vision
The countries of Europe are growing ever closer.
Now, you can cycle almost right across the
continent on the Paneuropa, which runs from
Paris to Prague on existing long-distance cycle
routes.
Donauradweg
Webcode: AUR13 81
Fnf-Flsse-Radweg
The routes ve rivers are the Danube, Altmhl, Naab, Vils and
Pegnitz, and you also cycle along the Ludwig-Danube-Main Canal.
Historical buildings are abundant at a number of places along the
way, including Nuremberg, Amberg, Kelheim and the UNESCO World
Heritage town of Regensburg. They provide the perfect setting
for enjoying delicious Bavarian cuisine. A changing backdrop of
spectacular natural
sights, such as the
Danube Gorge
near Weltenburg
and the rock
formations of the
Upper Palatinate, is
complemented by
a host of architec-
tural monuments
its everything
you could ever want
from a cycling tour.
Bodensee-Knigssee-Radweg
Picture-book backdrops
This long-distance tour from Lake Constance to
Lake Knigssee offers stunning views of the Alps
and the Alpine foothills. The route, however, is
not without its challenges.
Webcode: AUR97 83
Isarradweg
Tourismusverband Ammersee-Lech
Hauptplatz 152
D-86899 Landsberg am Lech
Tel: +49 (0)8191/128-246 or -247
Fax: +49 (0)8191/128-160
info@ammerseelech.de
www.ammerseelech.de
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