Yes, because it’s a good place for biking (two years ago I toured through Schwaben in the SW of Germany) ! Bitumen is one of the cyclist’s best friends and Germany has a very extensive network of local and long-distance bikepaths, most of them in excellent condition and well sign-posted. A lot of the long-distance (trans-european) bikepaths are or have been funded by European programmes and are in various stages of completion. On this trip we rode on parts of 4 different paths: the Oder-Neisse path, the Ostsee path, the Copenhagen-Berlin path and the E6 (Nantes to Budapest). Apart from a few unfinished rough spots, we had two weeks of beautiful riding through NE Germany going anti-clockwise from Berlin up to the Baltic coast via the Polish border (along the Oder river), then along the coast to Rostock, stopping at a few islands (Rügen, Hiddensee) on the way, then back to Berlin along the Berlin-Copenhagen path. We had very warm weather nearly all the time, however the mosquitos were out in force due to a very wet and warm July – this area has many lakes, marshes and rivers. This had also prevented many farmers from getting into their wheatfields for the harvest and we passed many a partially-harvested field with grains rotting on the stalks.
Our initial impression, after leaving Berlin and heading east towards the Polish border, was one of great stillness – very few villages, few people about, lots of forest, heathland and huge fields, not many cars, no billboards, no supermarket music – and it felt very good ! Except for the resorts on the Baltic coasts, this was how it was for most of the trip – a lot of nature, as we had expected and wished.
A Strange Church
Crossing the canal over into Poland
In order to limit weight, we took along no camping gear, deciding to stay in hostels where possible. Just as well, as other than along the Baltic coast, we came across very few camping grounds, and those on the coast were huge and overcrowded, miles and miles of tents and caravans parked virtually on top of each other – horrible !
At the Jabelsee
As an experiment, I took along only one pair of shoes for both cycling and walking. I had seen them recommended on some other cycling blog and they turned out to be perfect, so I can fully recommend them – the Arroyo Pedal from Keen.
Riding north along the Oder
We passed many wind farms
I also have to give a special mention to the E6 which is part of the Eurovelo program of long-distance bike paths across Europe. This one allowed me to ride over 400 kms from Alsace down to the centre of France mostly along rivers and canals. Only a few sections are on roads where infrastructure (bridges, paths etc) have not yet been completed. A great way to move (fairly) quickly whilst avoiding traffic and enjoying beautiful river vistas.
Doubs river
Canal near Loire
More photos here if you’re interested:
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| NE Germany August 2011 |
Hello Wolfgang,
I read your bent cycling through Europe with great interest. We are almost ready to cycle through Europe, but are not sure of the route. Germany, Czech Republic and Poland would be our preference.
Can you let me know approximate distances you have covered each day, the overall distance in two weeks, how may rest days if any (both of you look very fit and refreshed), what would be the essentials to take on the bikes (apart from credit cards that are not too heavy), did you have to book accommodation in advance, problems on train journeys with fully packed bents, etc. Wishing you all the best this festive season.
Robert & Jana W
Melbourne, Australia