A motorhome and a bicycle in Lower Saxony: a golden match!

Did you know that Lower Saxony is known as a cycling region? Located in the north-west of the country, this German state has been known for its many cycling facilities for several years. With over 11,000 kilometres of cycle paths, spread over several well-known routes, this is not a surprise. Do you want to get active and get out and about by bike during your motorhome-trip to northern Germany? Then read on quickly to discover where you can find the most beautiful cycling routes and where to stay overnight!

- © Dam.Germany.travel | Felix Meyer

By far the most iconic and famous cycle route in Germany is the Weser-Radweg. This route covers about 520 kilometres and follows the course of the Weser River in its entirety. The starting point is at the river's source in Hannoversch Münden, where the Werra and Fulda rivers meet. Away from the busy traffic, you cycle through nature, across hills without ascending or descending too much and past several cultural gems. The route ends in northern Germany, where the Weser flows into the German Wadden Sea near Bremerhaven.

Throughout the route you will pass beautiful historical features. The town hall in Hannoversch Münden is a real eye-catcher, you have to stop at the imposing Benedictine monastery of Bursfelde and you will cross the white baroque town of Bad Karlshafen. Up to Hӧxter, the paths are somewhat narrower and higher, yet the hills are not alarmingly steep, and cycling is pleasantly flat on paved paths. The further north the route continues, the flatter the landscape becomes. Built in Weser Renaissance style, the Schloss Hamelschenburg near Hameln is an example of how life used to be in Lower Saxony. Do you enjoy asparagus? Then be sure to stop in asparagus town Nienburg! In cosy Bremen, enjoy a drink in the sun on the Marktplatz before cycling further north through green surroundings and ending the tour in Bremerhaven. 

You can choose to complete the whole route or just one or a few stages. Overnight stays can be found at several motorhome stopovers on or near the route: 

- Hannoversch Münden: Am Weserstein  
- Bad Karlshafen: Am Rechten Weserufer   
- Hӧxter: Wohnmobilhafen Floßplatz  
- Hameln: Campingplatz Hameln  
- Nienburg: Reisemobilstellplatz Nienburg/Weser 
- Bremen: Am Kuhhirten 
- Bremerhaven: Reisemobil-Parkplatz Doppelschleuse 

- Enjoy Germany's most iconic and famous cycling route! © TMN – Markus Tiemann

Situated on, as its name suggests, the river Elbe, the Elbe-Radweg is also high on the list of Europe's famous cycling routes. Originally, this route runs from Prague in the Czech Republic to Cuxhaven in northern Germany, where the Elbe flows into the North Sea, but the reverse direction is also great for cycling. The section that runs through Lower Saxony covers about 200 kilometres, making it ideal for a short cycling holiday! ‘’Diversity‘’ is a synonym for the Elbe-Radweg, as you will cross vast nature as well as traditional and cultural places. If you like variety, then this route is definitely for you!! 

From Cuxhaven to Hamburg, the Elbe-Radweg takes you past vast views over the waters of the Elbe, which is still wide there. The further inland you go, the narrower the river becomes. One of the things that makes this route so special is its variety: nature and culture constantly alternate. Besides beautiful nature in the UNESCO biosphere reserve Niedersächsische Elbtalaue, for example, you will also pass many traditional farms and picturesque villages. Do you like herring? Then be sure to stop in herring town Glückstadt! In Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city, you will experience the importance of German water traffic. The Elbe connects this city to the North Sea, making Hamburg an important trading centre. Be sure to make a stop here to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and discover both the history and modernity of this interesting city! Through Lauenburg on the Elbe, and its quaint marina, you will cycle to the end point of the Elbe Road in Lower Saxony, in the meadow nature of Hitzacker. 

Along the Elberadweg there are many motorhome stopovers, almost directly on the route or close to it. With cycling distances varying between 50 and 60 kilometres, these motorhome stopovers are ideal for overnight stays:

- Cuxhaven: Wohnmobilstellplatz am Fährhafen 
- Glückstadt: Wohnmobilparkplatz am Außenhafen Elbe 
- Hamburg: Am Strand Pauli 
- Lauenburg/Elbe: Marina Lauenburg/Yachthafen 
- Hitzacker: Bleichwiesen

- River landscape along the Elbe! © TMN – Dieter Damschen

Do you like to cycle, but not spend the whole day on the road? That is also possible in Lower Saxony! In the versatile Osnabrücker Land, around Osnabrück, there is a large and convenient cycle network, ideal if you are travelling with children! Several shorter routes have been mapped out, but if you want to challenge yourself and ride longer distances too, this region is the perfect fit for you!

The Germanic Road is a very fun and rather short cycle route for children! During the tour, which starts in Rieste and is just over 16 kilometres long, you will find yourself in the world of the former Germanic people. While cycling through the ‘Germanic Land’ you will discover the historical ambience and pass an exhibition where you will learn more about the battle between Varus and Arminius at the Teutoburger Forest. A fun cultural lesson in nature! Spend the night in Rieste at Wohnmobilstellplätze-Alfsee.

For a day tour where you can explore the city of Osnabrück and its surroundings at your leisure, the Osnabrücker-Rund-Tour is a must! This cycle route takes you past the city's highlights in about 50 kilometres. The city is also known for its young university character with a long history and its diverse surroundings. Discover nature, culture and Osnabrück's industrial past and get inspired by the cosy atmosphere that characterises this undiscovered region! In the inner city of Osnabrück, you will stay overnight at motorhome stopover Schlosswallhalle. 

If you are interested in spas, then the Sole & Kneipp Tour is for you! This cycle route takes you past three different spas: Bad Iburg, Bad Laer and Bad Rothenfelde. These towns also have a charming centre to enjoy a coffee on a terrace. Along the way, you cross beautiful expanses of nature and pass several farm cafés where you can enjoy local delicacies, fresh from the land! Spend the night along the route at Wohnmobilpark Osnabrücker Land in Bad Rothenfelde.

- Osnabrücker Land is also ideal if you are out and about with children! © Christop Steinweg

Would you like to discover even more of the surprisingly versatile north of Germany? You can also relax in one of the many thermal baths here! After all that cycling, you deserve it, right? Read more about which baths to visit and where to stay here!