Hamburg to Berlin by Bike
Cycle through the incredible German countryside from Hamburg to Berlin
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Hamburg to Berlin by Bike Overview
Imagine cycling from two of Germany's great cities, from Hamburg to Berlin. This self-guided bike tour let's you follow the Elbe River and Havel River cycle paths as you ride from Hamburg to Berlin. You'll cycle from the tiny port town of Lauenburg through the beautiful countryside all the way to Potsdam's grand palaces and beyond.
The 10-day self-guided bike tour is 455 km long. Over this journey you will experience a great mix of Germany's rural landscapes, castles, cathedrals and dreamy gardens, gorgeous lakes, and of course the bustling city centres that start and end your adventure. Each night you'll rest your head in a new location and wake up to a day full of exploration in the German countryside. Get ready for an amazing ride from the waterways of Hamburg to Germany's vibrant capital city!
Trip highlights
Stay in charming small towns and quaint villages along the Elbe and Havel Rivers between your rides.
Watch wildlife in the vast Westhavelland Nature Reserve, an oasis in the countryside.
Set the bike aside for a bit and cool off in the clean waters of the Havel Lakes in Brandenburg.
Explore the glorious palaces and parks of Potsdam, discover vibrant Berlin, and explore the northern gem of Hamburg.
Day By Day Itinerary
After your arrival, check in to your hotel and pick up your welcome package which has all the information and maps for your biking holiday.
The old Hanseatic city of Hamburg boasts a beautiful port full of bridges and canals, plus a long list of landmarks and sights. Spend some time exploring tonight!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hamburg
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
It's time to start riding! On the first stage of the tour, follow the dykes along the Elbe River to reach the old shipping town of Lauenburg. Take time to walk around and see its beautifully-preserved half-timber houses dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Lauenburg
- Distance:
- 55km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Making your way through quiet villages that dot the riverside route, you'll soon arrive in the charming old town of Hitzacker, with a pretty cobblestoned market square and well-preserved half-timber houses.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hitzacker
- Distance:
- 55km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
From Hitzacker you'll cross what was once the German border and ride past a number of round villages, a style known in this area as 'Wendland'. Soon you'll see the many towers of Wittenberge rising in the distance as you approach this small town.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Wittenberge
- Distance:
- 78km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
After leaving Wittenberge you'll cycle towards Ruehstaedt, which is home to large populations of storks. You’ll reach Havelberg, a quaint village at the confluence of the Havel and Elbe Rivers. See its many cathedrals and visit the lovely Romanesque church.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Havelberg
- Distance:
- 38km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Today you bid farewell to the shores of the Elbe River and travel along the Havel River with scenic green meadows and hamlets. You'll arrive in Rathenow, a town built along the riverbanks with many lovely waterways and bridges.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Rathenow
- Distance:
- 53km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
We hope that you packed your swimwear, because there are plenty of opportunities to take a dip at the many lakes and islands you pass on today's ride to Stadt Brandenburg. You'll stay overnight in the northwest part of Brandenburg.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Brandenburg
- Distance:
- 65km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Riding along the top of the dykes, pass through Werder, a quaint town built on a small island. Your destination today is Postdam, home to the opulent Sanssouci Palace and New Palace plus a number of other impressive architectural treasures.
Take time to see the heritage sites that Potsdam has to offer before settling in for the night.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Potsdam
- Distance:
- 60km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
It's the final stage of your cycling adventure! Leaving Potsdam behind you, ride until you cross the Glienicke Bridge that connects to Berlin. You can buy a ferry ticket to cross Wannsee Lake and then follow the Spree Cycle Path right into the city centre.
Soak up the energy of Berlin, perhaps finding a restaurant or club to celebrate your accomplishment at.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Berlin
- Distance:
- 50km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
With 455 km under your belt, your biking tour from Hamburg to Berlin comes to an end today. Enjoy the city for an extra few nights or have safe travels home.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- 9 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 9 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour can be added as a supplement. Tour participants can also extend their stay at any of the overnight locations along the tour route.
- Transportation for your luggage from hotel to hotel is included throughout the bike tour.
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the tour
Not included
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Entrance fees to attractions
Optional Extras
- Bike and biking equipment rental:
- Touring bike
- E-Bike
- Speedometer
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Transfer service for participants, their luggage, and their bicycles back to the starting point of the tour
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 4/5. Though the cycle path is fairly flat, this tour does require participants to be fit enough to bike anywhere from 38 km to 80 km per day for 8 consecutive days. Active cyclists will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are standard touring bikes or electric pedal-assist bikes.
Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.
All rental bicycles are supplied with the following accessories: one cable lock with key and one waterproof pannier per bicycle, one map holder and one complete tool kit per room (tool kit: inner tube, pump, puncture repair kit, tire levers, cleaning cloth, allen key). Speedometers can be rented for 5 EUR per day.
The rental bikes will be delivered to your hotel at 8 am on Day 1. The bike will be picked up from the last hotel when the tour finishes.
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Every hotel and guesthouse along the route provides safe and secure bicycle parking.
Yes, this tour can be done in the opposite direction. Ask us about this option if you prefer it.
9 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Hamburg Airport (HAM) to begin this tour. You will need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.
The tour ends in Berlin when you check out of your hotel. You can fly out of Berlin Airport (BER), or take a train back to Hamburg.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Check with your family doctor.
Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.
The best time to travel to Germany for this biking tour is from May to September when the weather tends to be warm and mostly clear.
Why book Hamburg to Berlin by Bike with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
Let's start talking about your next adventure!