North German nature by bike – from the Devil's Moor to the Wadden Sea
Bike Touring Collection by Hannah
11
Tours
40:57 h
414 mi
4,500 ft
Cycling 450 kilometres (279 miles) through the gently undulating North German landscape between the Elbe and Weser rivers is a special way to experience nature. The fresh North Sea breeze will cool your cheeks and you’ll discover the unmistakable smell of wet moorland meadows as you ride through the secluded landscapes of the Teufelsmoor. Following idyllic dike paths, you encounter grazing sheep and cows peacefully munching on cud. There are exciting Hanseatic towns, idyllic villages and maritime coastal towns to discover en route too.
This circular route begins in the cycling city of Bremen and passes through the towns of Bremervörde, Hemmoor, Cuxhaven and Bremerhaven. The classic loop has eight stages, but you can choose from three alternative routes to vary the length depending on your preferences. In total, there are 690 kilometres (429 miles) of great routes at your disposal that lead across the lonely expanses of the Devil’s Moor and marshland, and along the Wadden Sea in Lower Saxony.
The route is predominantly flat and is therefore wonderful to cycle for everyone. Nonetheless, it won’t be boring as the region has an extraordinarily varied nature and culture. The route is signposted with a small lapwing bird, which is native to the moors here.
Each stage varies in length from just under 40 kilometres (25 miles) to up to 100 kilometres (62 miles). The stage destinations have accommodation, but it’s best to book in advance. From idyllic campsites on the water’s edge to comfortable holiday flats, there’s something for everyone. You can also stop for freshments at traditional fishermen's cottages, Melkhüs (a milk roadhouse where farms sell their milk), and farm cafes, that will make sure your physical well-being is catered for.
You can easily reach the starting point in Bremen by train. There are direct connections to Hamburg, Hanover, Magdeburg and Osnabrück. As this is a circular Tour, you can also consider travelling by car. Other entry points to the route such as Bremerhaven or Cuxhaven are also well connected by train. So, nothing stands in the way of your adventure through moorlands and mudflats.
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Last updated: November 23, 2021
Tours & Highlights
- Intermediate03:2533.7 mi9.9 mph400 ft425 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
The first stage of your tour starts in one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in Germany: Bremen. It is worthwhile to linger a day here and explore the city on two wheels.
Your route takes you out of the city for a good 54 kilometers and into the middle of the special landscape of the Teufelsmoors. Halfway…
by Hannah
- Intermediate02:1922.6 mi9.7 mph275 ft275 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The second stage is only 36 kilometers long - if you are motivated, then add it directly to the first. The tour is also recommended as a day's stage, as it gives you enough time to get off your bike, watch birds or explore your destination Bremervörde.
You cycle a bit along the Oste-Hamme Canal and then…
by Hannah
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- Expert02:2825.2 mi10.2 mph425 ft425 ftExpert bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike.
On your third stage you cycle a good 40 kilometers to the idyllic Horstsee in the middle of Stade. It starts on a wonderfully tarred forest path, where a small refuge invites you to have a second breakfast.
Now you are driving through the idyllic little villages and fields of the Stader Geest. Before…
by Hannah
- Intermediate03:4638.2 mi10.1 mph625 ft650 ftFerryIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
The fourth stage is a little longer with a good 61 kilometers and takes you to the friendly small town of Hemmoor. You start with a farewell tour through the old town of Stade and cycle into the rural surroundings.
Past an alpaca farm and carp ponds, through wide fields and on shady forest paths you reach…
by Hannah
- Intermediate04:1545.3 mi10.7 mph250 ft250 ftFerryIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
Today you cycle almost 73 kilometers in a curve along the Elbe to Otterndorf at the mouth of the Elbe. The path is flat throughout, so you can do the longer tour without any problems.
After Hemmoor you cross the Oste in a special way: with a transporter ferry. Then you cycle relaxed along the east bank…
by Hannah
- Intermediate04:3345.7 mi10.1 mph425 ft425 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
In the meantime you have cycled well and master the next 73 kilometers to the spa town of Bad Bederkesa with your left. You cycle on the usual flat terrain and can look forward to the North Sea beach today.
Behind Otterndorf you cycle along idyllic fields and after about 15 kilometers you reach Cuxhaven…
by Hannah
- Intermediate03:2934.0 mi9.8 mph375 ft375 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today it's almost 55 kilometers to the idyllic village of Sandstedt. It starts in Bad Bederkesa and you cycle through the rural surroundings back towards the coast.
After about half of your route you will reach the port city of Bremerhaven, which is located on the Elbe-Weser triangle and the North Sea…
by Hannah
- Intermediate03:2134.7 mi10.3 mph450 ft425 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today your last leg back to your starting point Bremen begins, which you will reach after a good 56 kilometers. Your way leads you on dreamlike dyke paths along the Weser and you can cycle your head again before the urban pavement welcomes you.
After your breakfast at the Sandstedt natural harbor or…
by Hannah
- Intermediate04:1941.3 mi9.6 mph625 ft625 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
You can connect this route to the second stage and then start stage 7. This shortens the circular route to around 240 kilometers and can comfortably cycle it in three to four days. The alternative route takes you 66 kilometers to the port city of Bremerhaven.
You cycle out of Bremervörde and meander…
by Hannah
- Intermediate03:0632.0 mi10.3 mph300 ft325 ftIntermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
On this alternative route from Cuxhaven to Bremerhaven, 52 kilometers of watts await you. You can connect it to the sixth stage, on which you will reach Cuxhaven after 20 kilometers.
You cycle on wonderful dike paths and always have the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park on your right side. At one…
by Hannah
- Expert05:5761.7 mi10.4 mph375 ft350 ftFerryExpert bike ride. Very good fitness required. Some portions of the Tour may require you to push your bike. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
If you want to go on a longer tour towards the end of your trip, then this tour is for you. It is almost 100 kilometers long and takes you to the train station in Bremen-Vegesack.
Your tour starts directly with a ferry ride across the Weser. Now you cycle through the Blexen district of Nordenham and…
by Hannah
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Collection Stats
- Tours11
- Distance414 mi
- Duration40:57 h
- Elevation4,500 ft
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