\\\'Elberadweg\\\' - North

Freiburg/Gluckstadt to Lühe/Schulau (54 km)

Glückstadt and Stade are the highlights of this route. The Elbe is now getting wider, with extensive sandy beaches along the banks. You discover islands in the Elbe, the dikes are heavier and higher. The view is dominated by fruit orchards and industrial complexes. Large flocks of birds can be seen here in spring and autumn. End points of this route are Lühe and Schulau. In Lühe, the maritime museum in the Alte Leuchtturm is worth seeing. Schulau is best known for its ferries and shipping.

Lühe/Wedel to Ochsenwerder/Zollenspieker

This route can be safely called the most special route. The cycle route runs right through a metropolis. Hanseatic city of Hamburg has it all: a beautiful harbour, a modern and historic center and the maritime landscape of the lower reaches of the Elbe.
This special route not only shows you the center side of Hamburg, but also takes you to special city districts that you would never have seen during a normal city trip.

Zollenspieker to Bleckede

This route is characterized by the clay soils on the left bank of the Elbe and the steep slopes on the right of the river. Along the high bank between Geesthacht and Lauenburg you have a beautiful view over the clay polders. The weir with lock and fish ladders betrays the striking tidal effect of the sea. Between the cities, the ancient rural culture provides the necessary variety. Technicians can indulge themselves in Scharnebeck: there you will find the largest ship lifts in the world. For those who want to soak up some culture, the 800-year-old skipper's town of Lauenburg is definitely worth a visit.

Bleckede to Hitzacker

Lauenburg is where the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Flusslandschaft Elbe begins, stretching over a length of 400 km. The reserve is characterized by sparsely populated areas and an impressive animal world. You can take a break in the cozy towns along the way, such as the artists' town of Bleckede, Boizenburg and Lauenburg. Along this route you will discover traces of the former GDR area, such as at Amt Neuhaus. Hitzacker is located in the middle of the biosphere reserve and is an absolute must.