Cycling Hamburg to Berlin

“The gateway to the world” might be a bold claim, but Germany’s second-largest city and largest port (despite being on a river and 100 km from the coast) has never been shy. Hamburg has engaged in business with the world ever since it joined the Hanseatic League back in the Middle Ages, and this “harbourpolis” is now the nation’s premier media hub and its wealthiest city. We’ll enjoy a special welcome dinner tonight.

Enjoy a harbor cruise this morning and some free time to visit some of the local attractions like the impressive Rathaus (city hall) or one of the museums in the newly popular warehouse district. Or perhaps you’d like some shopping in the main streets around the train station, or a stroll along the Alster River and harbor to see the bustle.

Terrain | Day level: 2.0

Take a ferry out of Daily Hamburg and find yourself transported to another world – the “Alte Land” a rural paradise famous for its orchards. As the landscape changes we’ll ride through the Lüneburg Heath, a nature reserve, on our way to Lüneburg town whose prosperity for centuries came from its salt. The town sat upon a massive salt dome which was mined, sold/traded throughout Northern Europe. Though salt is no longer the primary economic driver, Lüneburg has more than that going for it. For instance our hotel is the location for the German TV series, “Red Roses”. Stroll around and enjoy this fairy tale setting.

Distance: 71km (44mi) | Gain: 422m (1384ft) | Terrain | Day level: 2.0

Today’s ride follows the Elbe river along a natural area of the Lower Saxony Elbtalaue. With such a picturesque landscape it’s difficult to imagine that you are traveling along the Iron Curtain. We’ll regather in Hitzacker and take a 1.45-hour shuttle to the final destination of the day, Tangermünde. Our hotel for the night is the former residence of the emperor of Tangermünde, the castle’s unforgettable charm casts a spell on all who visit. Enjoy the pool or spa this afternoon.

Distance: 55km (34mi) | Gain: 408m (1338ft) | Terrain | Day level: 1.5

You will continue riding along the Elbe valley, a paradise for bird watchers because its extensive alluvial flats offer perfect conditions for a wide variety of birds. After crossing the Elbe by ferry we will be heading toward the next river, the Havel. Actually, it is more of a series of lakes rather than a river that you will be following as you enter the town of Brandenburg.

Distance: 69km (43mi) | Gain: 298m (977ft) | Terrain | Day level: 1.5

Today you will follow bike paths along the Havel River to the final destination for the day, Potsdam. This was the royal residence for Prussian kings and the German Kaiser until 1918. The palace’s name Sans Souci, translates to “without concerns”. King Frederick set-up his summer residence here in the 18th century to relax and escape the spectacle of the Berlin court. You’ll pedal through the city’s impressive park itself to reach our hotel in the center of town. Take the rest of the day to enjoy the town, its many palaces, and parks.

Distance: 58km (36mi) | Gain: 222m (728ft) | Terrain | Day level: 1.5

Today we cycle to our final destination and Germany’s largest city, Berlin. Our route will take us across the bridge of spies, through the Grunewald, past the Olympia Stadium of 1936, and along bike paths to the Victory Column, through the Tiergarten Park to the Brandenburg Gate and back on bike paths to the Reichstag!

Distance: 40km (25mi) | Gain: 271m (889ft) | Terrain | Day level: 1.0

Your cycling adventure is complete, but we will spend our last morning together with a guided visit through the city. Once we finish our tour back at the hotel at around 1 p.m., we hope you have a bit more time to spend in one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities. It offers a little of everything for its many visitors — Happy travels! If you must depart, we recommend you book your home bound flight for the next day as most international flights leave in the morning.