Weser Cycle Route with Rückenwind
Our pedelec tour Weser Cycle Route with Rückenwind booked with Discovery Reisen took us from 2nd to 11th September 2021 by train to Hann. Münden and further by pedelec via Bad Karlshafen, Holzminden, Hameln, Minden, Nienburg/Weser, Verden to Bremen. A detour by regional express brought us to Bremerhaven. The train took us past the Lorelei and back home.
Table of Contents
Anticipation and preparation for our Weser Cycle Route eBike Tour.
From Hann. Münden to Bremen
The Weser River is considered one of the most important and also most beautiful German rivers, and the Weser Cycle Path is said to be one of the most charming and popular routes for cycling vacations in Germany. The starting point of our bike tour is the half-timbered idyll of Hann. Münden. Here the Weser is formed from the Werra and Fulda rivers. In four days we start.
The cycling and hiking trail along the Weser.
We will cycle with rented eBikes on the Weser Cycle Route along the meanders of the river through the Weserbergland. Numerous wooded areas and small pretty towns shall hold many a treasure for us. Along the Weser and its tributaries like the Aller we will encounter medieval half-timbered towns like Höxter, Rinteln or Hameln. In Bodenwerder we will be enchanted by the Liar Baron Münchhausen and in Hameln we will meet the Pied Piper. We are looking forward to the beautiful old town of Nienburg and the cathedral of Verden as well as Bremen with Roland, the Town Musicians and the Schnoor quarter. A detour to Bremerhafen is planned.
We expect easy and relaxing cycling on a flat route through the Weser river landscapes.
We are already very excited. Preparations are already in full swing.
Arrival to Hann. Münden
Arrival by train from Tamm to Hann. Münden.
Strike of the railroad. Nevertheless we arrived in Hann Münden with some delay. From the idyllic train station we walked towards the old town. Our accommodation, the Trans World Hotel Auefeld was located far outside the town. Since we had enough time we decided to walk the way back. After check-in, we set out to visit the city.
The historic city with its historical buildings impressed us very much. Of course we had to visit the Weserstein. This is where the Werra and Fulda rivers meet the Weser. The starting point of our bike tour.
Back to the hotel there was a briefing from Rückenwind, which is the name of the bike tour organizer. Enough information material was handed out to us and we could receive the eBikes.
After dinner, we were stoked and well prepared for the tour, which will take us along the Weser River to the Hanseatic City of Bremen.
Stage 1 – Weser Cycle Route from Hann-Münden – Bad Karlshafen (50km)
In the historic town of Hann-Münden, where the Werra and Fulda rivers meet, is the first highlight of our bike tour. The source of the Weser is in Hann. Münden. Beautiful small half-timbered houses and the medieval town facilities invite you to explore.
After spending the night at the Trans World Hotel Auefeld and an extensive breakfast, we started our 1st stage on the Weser cycle path. First stop was the confluence of the Werra and Fulda rivers, both of which give way to the Weser.
We continued to Hemeln past the well-known beer garden to Bursfelde. Like the Brothers Grimm, we were enchanted by the Benedictine monastery of Bursfelde and enjoyed the scenery of the Upper Weser, home of Puss in Boots and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.
Further north along the Weser River we found beautiful views into the Weser Valley, unspoiled nature as well as the Solling-Vogler Nature Park.
Along our route followed Lippoldsberg with the Benedictine monastery located there, Bodenfelde with its typical torchwork houses.
Wahmbeck impressed us with its Gielseil ferry. The end of our first stage was in the baroque town of Karlshafen with the German Huguenot Museum and the Weser thermal baths.
In the late afternoon we reached our comfort hotel Fuhrhop. We were able to adjust the bikes right away. The accumulators to the drip hang. After changing we went to explore the city.
Dinner was in the restaurant Weserdampfschiff with a beautiful view of the Weer angsagt
A successful day came to an end. We were very excited about what the next stage brings.
Stage 2 – Weser Cycle Route from Bad Karlshafen – Holzminden (50km)
Bad Karlshafen is known as the “city of brine springs”, in the Weser thermal baths you can relax and immerse yourself in the baroque history of the 18th century. The historic town hall, the German Huguenot Museum and the graduation house are worth a visit.
2nd stage Weser Cycle Route from Bad Karlshafen – Holzminden (50km).
Bad Karlshafen is known as the “town of brine springs”, you can relax in the Weser thermal baths and immerse yourself in the baroque history of the 18th century. The historic town hall, the German Huguenot Museum and the graduation house are worth a visit.For the tour today, our choice fell on the right bank of the Weser.
If you want to enjoy nature and a great view, you should make a detour to the Hanoverian Cliffs and the Weser Skywalk. Shortly before the Skywalk, we turned around and changed shortly before the small half-timbered town of Beverungen to the left side of the Weser.
The Burg-Beverungen and the Krombacher Museum offer a glimpse into German architecture and brewing.
Continuing along the Weser Cycle Route, we made a detour to Fürstenberg Castle. This Weser Renaissance monument required a difficult climb but offered us a world-famous porcelain manufactory, fantastic gastronomy and a great view.
After visiting Höxter, we took a trip to Corvey Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We continued to the city of Holzminden, known as the city of fragrances. After check-in at the Hotel Hellers Krug, we enjoyed dinner at the Hafenbar Holzminden with a magnificent view of the Weser River.
On the way back to the hotel we visited fragrance panels. A different scent awaited us at each table. Great idea, which one should simply enjoy.
Stage 3 – Weser Cycle Route from Holzminden – Hameln (50km)
On the third stage of the Weser Cycle Route from Holzminden, city of fragrances and flavors. The town got its nickname from the local headquarters of the well-known fragrance manufacturer Symrise. You can “sniff” the sights of the city at 18 scent steles.
After Holzminden you continue on the main route to the magnificent Weser Renaissance castle of Bevern.
In Polle you can change the side of the Weser with the historic yaw rope ferry. Here you should of course visit the place where Cinderella is at home; the castle of the counts of Everstein.
It goes on to Bodenwerder, the home of the Baron von Münchhausen. Here, much worth seeing revolves around this son of the town and his tall tales. Thus, the Munchhausen Museum, the Munchhausen play and the Munchhausen musical can be found here. In addition, the city is known for its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
Further north, things stay historic with a view of Hehlen Castle on the opposite shore.
In Grohnde, you can cross over to the other bank by yaw rope ferry to visit Hämelschenburg Castle.
The Weser Renaissance castle is considered one of the most beautiful Renaissance sites in Germany.
Further north, you’ll find Emmerthal in lush green hills, blooming rape fields, and numerous museums and cafes before heading to the famous Pied Piper town of Hamelin.
Stage 4 – Weser Cycle Route from Hamlen to Minden (60km)
The fifth stage of the Weser Cycle Route began in the Pied Piper town of Hameln, which is known worldwide as the home of one of the more sinister fellows of German fairy tales, the Pied Piper of Hameln. Especially in the summer months, Hamelin is very much in the spirit of this dark legend of German history. For the resurrection of the fairy tale there are numerous events from May to September.
Along the Weser River, we headed towards Hessisch Oldendorf and the vivid Romanesque Fischbeck Abbey.
The main route on the right as well as the alternative route led to the half-timbered town of Rinteln. On the main route we passed the Schaumburg.
The enchantingly beautiful 750-year-old former university and fortress town is definitely worth a visit. The historic market square, the half-timbered houses originally preserved since the 13th century, the Eulenburg Museum, the charming buildings in Weser Renaissance style, the tower of St. Nikolai and numerous cafes and restaurants invite you to linger.
North of Rinteln along the main cycle path of the Weser is the water paradise DoktorSee. 800 meters of bathing beach and a huge shore and camping area invite you to refreshing fun in the cool water and camping area.
Further north, the tour took us on the alternative route to Vlotho. The excursion to Bückeburg Castle was worthwhile. In the idyllic spa town we were able to take advantage of the healing power of the moor and the healing waters.
From Bad Oeynhausen, we continued toward the impressive Kaiser Wilhelm monument.
Further north is Minden, the largest waterway junction in the world, and the Mittelland Canal crosses the Weser River at a height of 13 meters. From the Weserbergland it now passes into the landscape of the Middle Weser.
Stage 5 – Weser Cycle Route from Minden to Nienburg/Weser (60km)
Further north is Minden, the largest waterway junction in the world, and the Mittelland Canal crosses the Weser at a height of 13 meters. From the Weserbergland, the landscape changes to the Middle Weser.
The landscape along the Weser Cycle Route becomes flatter characterized by moor heath, meadows and fields. It passes many picturesque villages, farms and windmills.
Along the main and alternative routes, the route continues to Petershagen. Here you will find Petershagen Castle, which was rebuilt in the 16th century in Weser Renaissance style from a moated castle built in 1306.
North of Petershagen, a detour to Gernheim is worthwhile. Further along the Weser are two of the numerous windmills of the Middle Weser: the Harrienstedt windmill and the windmill in Großenheersee.
From Buchholz with its old fortified church, the trail leads via Müsleringen to Schlüsselburg. The historic barn district on the outskirts of Schlüsselburg is a rural cultural asset. The oldest barns date back to the 17th century.
The route continues through Stolzenau with its landmark, the twisted spire of St. Jacobi Church.
Further north along the Weser Cycle Route you’ll pass the site of the former Benedictine monastery of Schinna.
The main route leads over the Weser bridge to Landesbergen with its wedding mill worth seeing.
In Estorf, in the historic barn district “Schünebusch” is cyclist barn as group accommodation.
Through Leeseringen and the Nienburger Bruch the way leads directly to the city center of Nienburg. The town is also known far beyond its borders as an asparagus town.
Stage 6 – Weser Cycle Route from Nienburg/Weser to Verden (Aller) (60km)
The starting point of this stage is Nienburg. Nienburg is a town with a 1000-year history and once the residence of the Counts of Hoya. The medieval fortified town still shines today with its half-timbered houses and castle courtyards. Culture lovers should not miss the Lower Saxony Asparagus Museum, the Lower Saxony Police Museum and the Regional Museum.
The main route as well as the alternative route both lead to Drakenburg. In Drakenburg, the old village with the Weser Renaissance gate arch and the Johannis der Täufer church are of importance. In the water adventure park “Wassarium” Drakenburg there is everything about the wet element. In Bücken you should visit the charming collegiate church, the “Dom des Hoyaer Landes”, with its magnificent art treasures.
After a visit to Hoya with the ancestral castle of the same name, which has often been destroyed, and which shapes the history as well as the landscape, you continue on the Weser Cycle Route to Langwedel.
The main route leads along the left side of the Weser via Magelsen and Oiste to Verden an der Aller.
Here it is worth taking a detour to the other side of the Weser and the well-known Wolfcenter in Dörverden.
The cathedral of Verden is the landmark of the city and is considered the first Gothic cathedral in Lower Saxony. In the Domherrenhaus you can learn about the history of the city. Another special feature is the horse museum, which takes you into the history of the horse up to the 55 million year old prehistoric horse.
Stage 7 – Weser Cycle Route from Verden (Aller) to Bremen (70km)
This stage leads along the Langwedeler Schleusenkanal past the Romanesque St. Sigismund Church in Daverden in the direction of Achim.
A few kilometers further you will reach the Badener Berge in Achim-Baden, from where you will have a fantastic view.
According to legend, the pirate Klaus Störtebeker once hid here. From there, you can continue over the Weser Bridge to Thedinghausen or take the alternative route past the Achim Windmill and downtown Achim to Bremen.
Worth seeing are Clüverhaus, St. Laurentius church and Pforthaus.
Erbhof Palace in Thedinghausen is one of the most outstanding examples of the Weser Renaissance.
From Thedinghausen, the Weser Cycle Route leads to Dreye and past Lake Werdersee to the city center of the Hanseatic city of Bremen.
Bremen, known as the home of the world-famous Bremen Town Musicians, is a city of trade and science steeped in history. The Hanseatic city attracts visitors with its quaint old town alleys, the Weser Renaissance town hall, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the statue of Roland, who has been watching over Bremen’s freedom and independence on the historic market square since 1404, arts and crafts businesses in historic buildings, cozy cafés, the Schlachte, Bremen’s Weser promenade, and many other delicacies.
Bremen/Bremerhaven – rest and sightseeing
Rain, rain, rain – Good that for unds the Weser bike tour ended in Bremen. It rained partly like from buckets.
The train brought us today to Bremerhaven. Very favorable with the Brementicket. On foot we went the way from Hbf Bremerhaven to the port district.
We were very impressed by the harbor, especially by the Maritim Hotel, which resembled the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai. Through the outlet center we went to the emigrant museum.
Impressive!
After the museum visit, a bus took us to Bremerhaven main station. With the Regionalexperess went back to Bremen.
In the late afternoon we met H. and D. Wiegers.
We walked to Bremen to the Rathhaus, enjoyed a cappucciono at the Bremen Town Musicians. After visiting the Böttcherstrasse. The street with arts and crafts, art museums, architecture from the 1920s we visited the Schnoorviertel.
Dinner was announced in the cozy downtown pub September, hot really so. We were lucky there. In the open under a roof we were protected, prasselde nevertheless a violent rain shower down. After an hour, the spit was over and we could run dry feet to the hotel, or parking garage.
Farewell to the Wiegers.
Return journey from Bremen
Breakfast, check out, walk to Bremen main station.
Departure of the IC (delay 15min) from Bremen to Stuttgart along the Rhine, beautiful view of the Lorelei.
The delay added up to about 2h. First Streick and now delay. Well, yes.
Thank you for traveling with deutsche Bahn
Thanks to Discovery Reisen. Very good support – As usual -.
Thanks to Rückenwind, the operator of the trip. Gladly again.
Conclusion
After 7 days and over 440 kilometers with the Pedelec and Absteccher with the train to Bremerhaven we arrived again at home!
It was a very nice and eventful vacation.
We were able to enjoy the landscapes on the left and right of the Weser and enjoy the encounters along the route and hospitality in the towns.
Our travel organization by Rückenwind was excellent, the prepared pedelecs in perfect condition.
The travel arrangement by was well solved. The distances between the accommodations were chosen in such a way that there was enough time to visit the sights along the way.
Rückenwind – We can recommend this travel organization without hesitation.
Hann. Münden – impressive old town
Bad Karlshafen – great location with nice hotel
Holzminden – shines as a city of scents
Hameln – history of the Pied Piper
Minden – waterway crossing
Nienburg/Weser – very nice old town
Verden (Aller) – nice pedestrian zone
Bremen – Beautiful town hall and the Schnoor promenade
Bremerhaven – Harbour district and the emigrant museum
Moin – See you next time
It was nice
Many thanks to Reisebüro Discovery
