Finding rest – ride Germany’s Hunte Cycle Path

Lush green meadows, maritime towns and blossoming nature – the Hunte Cycle Path has a lot to offer. The route follows the course of the second-longest tributary of the Weser – the Hunte – as it makes its way through the Wesermarsch, revealing the ecological diversity of the Hunte Valley.

At 135 kilometres (83 mi) long, the Hunte Cycle Path leads from the maritime town of Elsfleth on the Weser to Lake Dümmer near Diepholz. You cross the Wildeshauser Geest Nature Park, riding through vast heathlands, shaded mixed forests and mystical moors. The route is relatively flat with no hills worth mentioning. The gently undulating Geest landscapes still give you some variety and momentum.

In this Collection, I’ve divided the route into three stages. At 38 kilometres (23.6 mi), the first stage is relatively short – you can even ride it in an afternoon or early evening. This makes the Hunte Cycle Path a great choice for a weekend trip from Bremen or the surrounding area. At 53 and 46 kilometres (33 and 28.5 mi), the second and third stages are also undemanding.

This adventure is wonderful for beginners and families. If you are a speedier rider, you can cycle the route in one or two days. If you’re looking for a nice weekend in nature, the Hunte Cycle Path is ideal.

The stages always end near places where you can either camp and find accommodation. At the end, a campsite is located directly at the lake too. Along the way, you’ll be surprised by the wonderful rest areas designed for bike travellers. It’s worth slowing down and taking plenty of picnic breaks. The cities of Oldenburg, Diepholz and the Wildeshausen spa town have a lot to discover. This region is full of hidden treasures.

The best way to get to Elsfleth is to take the Regio-S-Bahn line 4 from Bremen or Nordenham. You can also join the cycle path in Berne, Oldenburg, Sandkrug or Wildeshausen and just ride part of the route. To return home, you can catch the train from Diepholz to Bremen or Hamburg, among other places. So grab your bike and treat yourself to a little time out along the rippling Hunte River through the Wesermarsch.