Magdeburg to Hamburg Cycling Tour
Ride through German countryside from Magdeburg to Hamburg
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided

Magdeburg to Hamburg Cycling Tour Overview
This is another section on the wonderful Elbe Cycle Path, and this route goes from countryside to city. The self-guided Magdeburg to Hamburg Cycling Tour offers the perfect combination of nature, history, and culture. It’s the perfect way to explore Saxony, from the picturesque countryside to the bustling cities.
From Magdeburg you'll begin your journey north, stopping in charming small towns along the Elbe Cycle Path like 1000-year-old Tangermünde and Wittenberge. After a long day of riding, you'll rest your head in the unique round villages that dot the riverside. After passing the old skipper's town of Lauenburg, you finally reach the vibrant waterfront city of Hamburg, where you can toast your journey and soak up the atmosphere of the city. Enjoy the beauty of the small towns along the Elbe River during this 355 km biking adventure!
For more detail on the northern Elbe route, our Elbe Cycle Route guide covers Magdeburg to Hamburg, longer Elberadweg sections, timing, difficulty, and e-bike planning.
Trip highlights
Admire the splendid, well-preserved architecture in Magdeburg and Tangermünde.
Pedal through protected biospheres along the Elbe River, discovering local wildlife and enjoying the abundant natural beauty.
Overnight in quaint round Wendland villages nestled in the countryside, living evidence of Germany’s history.
Explore the sights in the bustling port city of Hamburg, where modern energy and years of history combine.
Day By Day Itinerary
The lovely town of Magdeburg has a number of notable sights to explore, including the oldest Gothic cathedral in Germany and an impressive monastery. Get a good rest tonight!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Magdeburg
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
The first leg of your journey takes you to the engineering marvel of the Waterway Junction, a 'bridge' that boats can sail on. You then reach the Jerichow Monastery and continue to the Tangermünde, a 1000-year-old town full of ornate architecture to admire.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Meissen
- Distance:
- 80km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Continuing along the peaceful Elbe River you ride today to Havelburg, a small round village built in the Wendland style. Enjoy the quaint half-timber houses and the Romanesque cathedral.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Havelburg
- Distance:
- 50km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
On today's ride, you can take a break in the small town of Ruehstaedt where you can see colonies of migrating storks. Enjoy a peaceful night in the riverside town of Wittenberge.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Wittenberge
- Distance:
- 38km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Most of the ride today takes you through pristine countryside and idyllic small villages along the river. Tonight you stay in the colourful town of Hitzacker, which has a pretty waterfront where you can stretch your legs.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hitzacker
- Distance:
- 78km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Passing the wide floodplains you'll soon reach Lauenburg, a classic skipper's town with beautifully-restored half-timber buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Lauenburg
- Distance:
- 55km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
The final section of your ride passes through small villages and approaches the busy port city of Hamburg. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a boat cruise to admire the many canals and bridges that adorn this scenic city.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Hamburg
- Distance:
- 55km
- Meals:
- Breakfast
With 355kkm under your belt, your biking holiday comes to an end. Feel free to add extra nights in Hamburg to keep exploring.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast
Tour Map

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Inclusions
Included
- 7 breakfasts are included.
- Accommodations for 7 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 tour. Airport transfers are not included.
- 1 package with maps and information per room (in English)
- Service hotline during the walking tour
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Guide services
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Visas is required
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Airport transfers
Optional Extras
- Bike and biking equipment rental:
- Touring bike
- E-Bike
- Speedometer
- Additional nights before, during, 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 3/5. The Elbe Cycle Path is fairly flat with little change in altitude, and the majority of the path is paved and well-maintained. Participants should be comfortable biking anywhere from 30 km to 80 km per day.
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 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’d prefer it.
7 breakfasts are included.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Hamburg Airport (HAM) and take a train to Magdeburg to begin this tour.
The tour ends in Hamburg when you check out of your hotel. You can fly out from Hamburg Airport (HAM).
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 clear.
Why book Magdeburg to Hamburg Cycling Tour 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!