Night 1
Hotel in Hamburg
There’s no shortage of attractions in Hamburg, with historic buildings, modern shopping districts, and boat tours of this port city available.
Cycle through the incredible German countryside from Hamburg to Berlin
Take a ride on one of Germany's most popular long-distance cycle paths. Following the Elbe and Havel Rivers, the Hamburg to Berlin by Bike Tour takes you from the tiny port town of Lauenburg through the beautiful countryside all the way to Potsdam's grand palaces and beyond.
The 10-day journey of 455km lets you 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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
With 455km 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.
This self-guided cycling tour of the Elbe Cycle Path is run as a private tour for your group only and the price per person is fixed.
Please note that the departures for this tour are available every Monday, Wednesday and Sunday from April to October.
The prices below are per person:
This tour is based in hotels and guesthouses. Hotels and guesthouses on this trip are 3-star and offer modern conveniences that can make this trip more pleasant. Rooms may have fireplaces or access to amenities such as hot tubs, steam rooms, or private decks to lounge on.
In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.
Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. If you are a solo traveller you will need to pay a supplement (please inquire for the pricing).
There’s no shortage of attractions in Hamburg, with historic buildings, modern shopping districts, and boat tours of this port city available.
The old shipping town of Lauenburg boasts beautifully-preserved half-timber houses from the 16th and 17th centuries.
Take time to explore the cobblestoned squares and colourful old-fashioned half-timber houses of Hitzacker.
This peaceful riverside town of Wittenberge has a gorgeous old castle to visit and lots of lovely architecture.
Havelberg is a traditional round village or “Wendland,” with quaint streets and a lovely Romanesque church.
This town built along the riverbanks has many lovely waterways and bridges, plus interesting statues and monuments.
Stadt Brandenburg is famous for its thousands of lakes and scenic waterways that make it a popular holiday destination.
The palaces and parks of Potsdam have earned UNESCO World Heritage status thanks to their well-preserved architecture and artistic beauty.
Germany’s bustling capital city has no shortage of amazing things to see, from the iconic Brandenburg Gate to the palace gardens and multiple museums.
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.
How hard is the Hamburg to Berlin by Bike Tour?
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 38km to 80km per day for 8 consecutive days. Active cyclists will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Can I rent a bike?
Yes, you can rent a bike during the booking process. Rental bikes are standard touring bikes or electric pedal-assist bikes.
I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?
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.
What do the rental bikes come with?
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.
Where do I pick up/drop off the rental bike?
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.
Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. If you bring your own bike, it should be a road bike suitable for the demands of the tour.
Where do I park my bike at the end of the day?
Every hotel and guesthouse along the route provides safe and secure bicycle parking.
Can I bike in the other direction, from Berlin to Hamburg?
Yes, this tour can be done in the opposite direction. Ask us about this option if you prefer it.
Are meals included on the Hamburg to Berlin by Bike Tour?
9 breakfasts are included.
Do I need insurance?
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover biking. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Hamburg to start this tour?
Fly into Hamburg Airport (HAM) to begin this tour. You will need to arrange a transfer to your hotel.
Where does the Hamburg to Berlin by Bike Tour end?
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.
Do I need a visa to travel to Germany?
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
Do I need special vaccines to travel to Germany?
Check with your family doctor.
Are there any travel restrictions for Germany?
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.
When is the best time to travel to Germany for this tour?
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.
All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.
Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.
Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.
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I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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 38km to 80km per day for 8 consecutive days. Active cyclists will be able to get the most out of this tour.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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