Cycle from the vibrant harbour city of Hamburg to Germany’s energetic and colourful capital, Berlin
Cycle in perfect tranquillity along the Elbe and Havel cycle paths
Discover charming riverside villages with traditional half-timbered houses
Look out for wildlife as you cycle through the Elbe Floodplain UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Explore the Brandenburg Lakelands and the stunning palaces and gardens of Potsdam
Self guided cycling holiday from Hamburg to Berlin
A wonderful 10-day cycling holiday along the Elbe and Havel cycle paths – two of Germany’s most popular long-distance cycle routes.
The rivers Elbe and Havel connect the lively harbour-metropolis of Hamburg with the German capital Berlin. On this bicycle tour along the two rivers you will pass tranquil floodplains, sleepy villages and charming half-timbered towns. From Hamburg to Wittenberge you will cycle along the Elbe River, before following the Havel River to Berlin.
The Havel River Cycle Path will lead you through the extensive landscape of the Westhavelland Natural Reserve. Passing through the towns of Brandenburg and Werder, you will reach Potsdam with its magnificent Palace and Park Sanssouci. Having crossed the large Wannsee Lake by ferry, you will soon reach Berlin-Spandau. From here you will follow the Spree River Cycle Path right into the centre of Berlin.
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS | From €1,160 per person sharing*
*A high season supplement of €45 will apply from 6/5 to 7/9. |
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BIKE RENTAL | If you don’t bring your own, you can rent a bicycle from us. All bikes are provided with bicycle locks, repair kit, map holder and one 10L waterproof Ortlieb pannier bag per bike.
We deliver the bicycle at your first accommodation and pick it up from your last accommodation after your last cycling day. You just need to give us your body length, so that you receive the correct bike size, and we take care of everything else. Bike hire prices
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ACCOMMODATION | 9 overnight stays in comfortable 3* standard hotels and guesthouses with continental breakfast. Extra nights can also be booked at any of the hotels along the way. | ||||||||||||||
AVAILABILITY | You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April 1st and October 31st. | ||||||||||||||
INCLUDED |
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NOT INCLUDED |
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OPTIONAL EXTRAS |
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DIFFICULTY | This trip is rated as moderate overall and is suitable for leisure cyclists. There are no major ascents or descents and cycle route is mostly flat. The longest daily cycle is 78 km, but that is also possible to split over two days. |
Day 1: Arrival in Hamburg
Your cycling holiday begins in the vibrant port city of Hamburg. Germanys second largest city has a wealth of cultural attractions, as well as excellent bars and restaurants. You can soak up the maritime spirit of this Hanseatic city either on a boat trip through the harbour or by taking a walk along the jetties and through the old warehouse district.
Overnight: Hamburg
Day 2: Cycle from Hamburg to Lauenburg
Distance: 55 km approx.
On the first stage of your trip you cycle on raised banks through the Elbe marshlands to the picturesque old shipping town of Lauenburg. After leaving Hamburg on the Elbe Cycle Path you will pass the health resort of Lütjenburg, with its historic marketplace, Baroque town hall and former dyer’s house with richly ornamented doors – a must-see! You continue through this rural area, passing numerous small villages and farm buildings, until you reach Lauenburg. Take a stroll around the town and admire its beautifully restored half-timbered houses from the 16th and the 17th centuries.
Overnight: Lauenburg
Day 3: Cycle from Lauenburg to Hitzacker
Distance: 55 km approx.
Today’s cycle tour takes you through sleepy villages and the Elbe Floodplain UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This unspoilt and sparsely populated area has wide open views and an impressive diversity of wildlife. The stage ends in the pretty town of Hitzacker, located on an island in the Elbe Floodplain.
Overnight: Hitzacker
Day 4: Cycle from Hitzacker to Wittenberge
Distance: 78 km approx.
Leaving Hitzacker, you continue to ride through the peaceful Elbe floodplains. Enjoy the tranquillity and wildlife of the “Wendland” as you cycle along the raised embankments. The old town and fortress of Dömitz are well worth a stop to explore. Today’s route also takes you across the former border that once divided West and East Germany. Soon after that, the distinctive towers of Wittenberge will appear on the horizon.
Overnight: Wittenberge
Note: If you feel that today’s cycle tour is too long, we can also split this section into two days. Just enquire for an individual itinerary.
Day 5: Cycle from Wittenberge to Havelberg
Distance: 38 km approx.
Your route today offers peaceful tranquillity, as well as the chance of spotting storks in the village of Rühstädt. The riverbanks and forests of this sparsely populated region are home to many endangered species of animals and plants. In the afternoon you will arrive in Havelberg – or “the Green Island and Cathedral City”, as its residents lovingly refer to it. This charming city at the confluence of the Havel and Elbe has an impressive cathedral and a rich history as an episcopal see.
Overnight: Havelberg
Day 6: Cycle from Havelberg to Rathenow
Distance: 53 km approx.
Today you say goodbye Elbe and hello Havel! From now on your tour continues along the Havel-Radweg (Havel Cycle Path). Your new companion will guide you through the green fields and hamlets of the Schollener Land to the “Optical City” of Rathenow. The town is known for its production of optical instruments and has a museum and park dedicated to this tradition.
Overnight: Rathenow
Day 7: Cycle from Rathenow to Stadt Brandenburg
Distance: 65 km approx.
Today you should pack your swimwear because the cycle path will lead you through the network of lakes to the north of the city Brandenburg. The city itself is scattered over several islands and peninsulas, which are waiting to be explored!
Overnight: Brandenburg an der Havel
Day 8: Cycle from Brandenburg to Potsdam
Distance: 60 km approx.
For the first part of today’s stage, you will cycle on dyke-top tracks along the Havel. Allow some time for a look around the flower town of Werder, which stretches across a number of idyllic islands in the Havel. The last part of your route leads you along the promenade of tranquil Lake Templin to Potsdam. This cultural gem of a town was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status due to its magnificent collection of gardens and palaces.
Overnight: Potsdam
Day 9: Cycle from Potsdam to Berlin Mitte
Distance: 50 km approx.
On your final cycling day, you will cross the Havel via the famous Glienlicke Bridge. Known as the ‘Bridge of Spies’, this was a legendary site where the U.S. and Soviets traded secret agents during the Cold War. You continue past the Greater Wannsee Lake, which you can also choose to cross by ferry (ticket not included), before reaching the district of Spandau. Here you meet the river Spree, which you follow along a riverside cycle path right into the centre of Berlin.
Overnight: Berlin
Day 10: Departure
Your cycling holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us. If you wish to book some extra nights to explore the fascinating city of Berlin then we would be happy to arrange that for you!
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