Experience natural spaces on the Geest Cycle Route

Welcome to the Geest Cycle Route, a flat path through north-west Germany’s Geest landscapes. The official route is 180 kilometres (112 mi) long. With a few detours to highlights off the route and extending the first stage to Lindern, my version has even more cycling fun in store – 193 kilometres (120 mi), to be precise.

But what does ‘Geest’ actually mean? Geest is a type of landscape in northern Europe – Germany, Denmark and the Netherlands – that originated during the Ice Age. Formed by glaciers, the distinct ridges, ‘Geestrücken’, are characteristic landscapes along the route. Rest assured, this adventure runs along ridges and not over them. You don’t have any noticeable climbs between the starting point in Meppen and Bremen, your final stop.

A touring bike with good tyres is an ideal steed as you sometimes ride on gravel and loose forest tracks. The route is signposted – you can recognise it with a white sign with blue-green-orange stripes and the words Geest-RADweg.

Along the way, you’ll experience varied nature: dense forests, extensive farmland, moors and lakes – depending on whether you're in Emsland, along the Hümmling, in Oldenburger Münsterland or in the Wildeshauser Geest Nature Park. You regularly pass the region’s typical megalithic tombs and small villages with hospitable residents.

Only one larger town, Cloppenburg, lies en route aside from Meppen and Bremen, the start and endpoints. You can immerse yourself in nature for three days on your saddle, riding along cycle paths, fields, forest paths and lanes.

By the way, you can reach Meppen by train, so you don’t have to rely on your car (like in all my Collections). You can also return home by regional and long-distance trail from Bremen. Meppen is just one change away. Have fun in the Geest!