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Magdeburg – Hamburg, 8 days
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Beach chairs near Cuxhaven

Elbe Cycle Path, Magdeburg – Hamburg

The northern Elbe cycle path

8 Days / 7 Nights
Easy
Beach chairs near Cuxhaven

The essentials at a glance

Follow the Elbe Cycle Path from Magdeburg to Hamburg through flat to slightly hilly terrain. Discover medieval Tangermünde with its castle, the Romanesque monastery church in Jerichow, and the island town of Havelberg with its Gothic brick cathedral. Cycle through the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Elbe-Brandenburg, visit Hitzacker on the German Timber-Frame Road, and explore Lauenburg Castle before reaching Hamburg with its harbor atmosphere and cultural attractions. Daily distances average 50-70 km.

Around the river Elbe there is one of the most beautiful river areas Germanys. Floodplain forest, giant grasslands and small inland waters impress the landscape. Follow the river across the wonderful nature of Magdeburg till to the North Sea. The landscape shows you impressive human architecture: for example the mediaeval castle from Tangermünde, the Lauenburger palace and a lot of impressive constructions. The final destination is the cosmopolitan city, Hamburg. Nowhere else in Germany you find the impression of the width of the sea.

Impressions of the bike tour from Magdeburg to Hamburg
Sailing ship in the port of Hamburg
Cyclists at the Elbe-Canal
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Antonia Kreiseder
Antonia Kreiseder
+43 6219 60866 140
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The route leads from Magdeburg to Tangermünde and past the Storkau Castle (Schloss Storkau) to Havelberg on day two. Then the journey takes you either to Wittenberge or Gartow am See, depending on the tour category. From either place, continue along the beautiful river Elbe to Hitzacker, before cycling into Lauenburg, and on the last day, pedal past Geesthacht to the Hanseatic city of Hamburg.

Tangermünde: this north German city has retained its rustic charm. A medieval fortress, built about 800 years ago and designed to protect the region, dominates the mouth of the river Tanger.

Havelberg: this island and cathedral city in the countryside sits at the confluence of the Elbe and Havel rivers. Here you can explore the enchanting cathedral, built in the Renaissance and Baroque styles.

Lauenburg: you can visit the imposing castle and the impressive Church of Mary Magdalene in the nostalgic old town. The magnificent Prince’s Garden is also well worth seeing.

Hamburg: The modern ‘HafenCity’ district and the glamorous Elbphilharmonie building await you in the cosmopolitan Hanseatic city. Stroll along the Jungfernstieg promenade to the Binnenalster Lake and pause at a cosy café by the Außenalster Lake! Other highlights of the city include the Landungsbrücken, the giant piers for landing goods, and the Miniatur Wunderland in the Speicherstadt district, which is the largest model railway system in the world.

If you are looking for an amazingly simple cycling holiday, this is it. This route is ideal for beginners and occasional cyclists who want to relax and enjoy a bit of exercise in fresh air. The route leads through flat to slightly hilly terrain. You can enjoy the diverse landscape along the Elbe cycle path, and cycle on trails and small roads with little traffic. This is what makes a cycling holiday fun!

Impressions of the bike tour from Magdeburg to Hamburg
Sailing ship in the port of Hamburg
Cyclists at the Elbe-Canal

Itinerary at a glance

Lauenburg Castle, the German Timber-Frame Road, and the charming town of Havelberg are just a few stops on your journey. The destination is Hamburg, where numerous attractions and a delicious fish sandwich await you.

Welcome briefing and distribution of rental bikes. We recommend strolling through the beautiful city!

You cycle through small and picturesque villages before you reach Tangermünde. This town was founded about 800 years ago and kept its medieval townscape until now. The medieval castle and the town, which was built under its protection about 800 years ago, are situated on a plateau above the distinctive floodplain landscape and the mouth of the small river Tanger into the Elbe.

The nature park “Alte Elbe” offers habitat for numerous and seldom species of birds and allows a relaxed start in your bike day. The route leads you along palace Storkau to Havelberg, the island and dome city. This small and unimpressive city is located on the meeting of river Havel and river Elbe. Worth visiting is the dome in renaissance and baroque style.

This tour leads you via Wittenberg (second largest clock tower of Europe) and the UNESCO: Biosphere Reserves Elbe-Brandenburg through an amazing stream landscape to Schnackenburg (well-known museum). Your overnight stay is in the area around Gatow am See area or in Wittenberge.

You still follow the river Elbe until you reach Hitzacker with picturesque old city and typical half-timbered houses.

Today’s tour course to Lauenburg is slightly hilly. Characteristic for this city is the silhouette, framed by the high banks of river Elbe. There are a lot of places of interest awaiting you: palace and tower, Maria-Magdalena church and emperor garden.

You cycle along river Elbe and via Geesthacht to harbour city Hamburg. Numerous memorials, art, culture and a special atmosphere invites you!

Day
08

Departure or extension

View over the port of Hamburg
Frame house
Impressions of the bike tour from Magdeburg to Hamburg
Cyclists passing a flock of sheep near Hamburg
Tourists in beach chairs and ship at the sea
Elbe Cycle Route North

Difficulty level

Easy

This is an easy bike tour which leads you through flat and slightly hilly terrain. On the Elbe cycle path, small country roads and roads with less traffic through the diversified river landscape.

Prices & Dates

 

 

Prices per person in EUR

Our Rental Bikes

The different types of rental bikes at a glance

Unisex Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Unisex bike

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Men's Rental Bike - Symbol photo
Men's bike

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

Renatl bike PLUS - Symbol photo
Rental Bike PLUS

Sportier, lighter and more precise premium rental bike with men's or unisex frame

Available gear options can be found in the price table

 

E-Bike rental bike - Symbol photo
Unisex Electro bike

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****- hotels and guesthouses
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing (German, English)
  • Luggage transfer
  • Carefullly elaborated route description
  • Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English)
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return journey by minibus to Magdeburg, costs from Hamburg Euro 150,- per person, from Cuxhaven Euro 185,- per person, min. 4 persons, for own bike additional EUR 39,- reservation is necessary, to be paid for on site, minimum 4 persons, for your own bike additional EUR 39

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Magdeburg train station
  • Public parking garage, costs approx. EUR 12 per day
  • Good train connections from Hamburg and Cuxhaven to Magdeburg

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Ticket Elbferry not inclueded in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of EUR 20 per room.

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation in 3***- and 4****- hotels and guesthouses
  • Breakfast
  • Welcome briefing
  • Luggage transfer
  • Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
  • Service hotline

Optional extras

  • Printed route book, per room EUR 20
  • Bike rental, including rental bike insurance
  • Return journey by minibus to Magdeburg, costs from Hamburg Euro 155, - per person, to be paid for on site, minimum 4 persons, for your own bike additional EUR 45

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Magdeburg train station
  • Public parking garage, costs approx. EUR 14 per day
  • Good train connections from Hamburg and Cuxhaven to Magdeburg

Things to note

  • Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price!
  • Ticket Elbferry not included in the price!
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.
Antonia Kreiseder

"We look forward to making your holiday dreams come true"

Antonia Kreiseder
Travel Specialist
One call to vacation bliss
+43 6219 60866 140
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 AM - 6.00 PM
Friday: 9.00 am - 5.00 pm
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