Through open meadows on the Wümme Cycle Route

Bike Touring Collection by Hannah

Tours

15:35 h

160 mi

2,650 ft

Purple heath and lush green meadows, the Wümme river lapping leisurely beside you – the Wümme Cycle Route is a joy to ride. Between Bremen and Hamburg, in northern Germany, it takes you into idyllic countryside, through picturesque meadows and majestic moorland. Along the way, the typical Lower Saxon Melkhüs (rest stops) offer some refreshment.

The circuit is around 250 kilometres (155 mi) long and consists of a southern and a northern route. It’s entirely up to you whether you ride the entire circuit or choose a section for a day trip. You can easily shorten the circuit and choose your loop. As the landscape is mainly flat, it’s also ideal for beginners or those with children.

In this Collection, I have divided the route into five stages, each between 40 and 68 kilometres (24 - 42 mi) long. I have chosen this itinerary so that you find a good selection of accommodation at the end of each stage. The Tours can easily be completed in one day, giving you enough time to explore the surroundings and take extended breaks.

The starting point is in Bremen-Vegesack, directly at the railway station. You have excellent connections to Bremen's main railway station, from where you can continue your journey in various directions. Alternatively, you can start the route by train in Rotenburg or Scheeßel.

The Wümme Cycle Route enables you to discover the special atmosphere of the Borgfelder Wümme meadows, the artists' village of Fischerhude and the magical colours of the Lüneburg Heat. I wish you lots of fun cycling!

On The Map

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Wümme-Radweg

160 mi

2,625 ft

Last updated: December 20, 2022

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 1: Vegesack to Rotenburg (Wümme) – Wümme Cycle Route
Intermediate
04:07
42.6 mi
10.4 mph
650 ft
600 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The first stage takes you on the first section of the northern route from Bremen-Vegesack to Rotenburg. The 68 kilometers run flat throughout and are therefore very doable. After about ten kilometers you will meet the Wümme for the first time - here it flows together with the Lesum, which in turn flows…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 2: Rotenburg (Wümme) to Handeloh – Wümme Cycle Route
Intermediate
02:38
27.3 mi
10.4 mph
575 ft
475 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today it's just 44 kilometers to Handeloh, which is picturesquely situated on the edge of the Lüneburg Heath. You cycle out of Rotenburg along the Wümme and after about ten kilometers you reach Scheeßel.

The small resort has a few museums and a special tradition of traditional costumes. Shortly thereafter…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Stage 3: Handeloh to Fintel – Wümme Cycle Route
Intermediate
02:41
25.4 mi
9.4 mph
700 ft
700 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today's stage is all about the heathland. At 40 kilometers you turn a big curve through the Lüneburg Heath and then get back to the southern part of the Wümme cycle path in the direction of Vegesack.

I can only advise you to stock up on provisions at the beginning of the tour so that you can enjoy the…
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Stage 4: Fintel to Hellwege – Wümme Cycle Route
Intermediate
02:43
28.2 mi
10.4 mph
325 ft
400 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
The program for the fourth stage is 45 kilometers to Hellwege. After breakfast at Melkhus Fintel you jump on your bike and follow the Wümme to Lauenbrück.

Continue along the tracks to Scheeßel, shortly thereafter you cycle past a beautiful farm café and farm shop - here you can get a delicious second…
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Stage 5: Hellwege to Vegesack – Wümme Cycle Route
Intermediate
03:27
36.9 mi
10.7 mph
425 ft
475 ft
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your journey is now coming to an end: the last 60 kilometers take you back to the starting point in Bremen-Vegesack. You start in Hellwege and cycle through wide meadows and fields, sometimes with asphalt, sometimes with gravel under the tires.

You can look forward to a second round of Borgfelder Wümmewiesen…
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