Vier-Länder-Grenzradweg
Elbe river. Photo by Max Stolbinsky, CC BY-SA 2.0
Spanning 162 kilometers through the former inner-German border region, this circular route takes cyclists through four German states: Lower Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The trail follows the Green Belt (Grünes Band), offering a unique blend of nature, border history, and cultural experiences along the former East-West German border.
Route Characteristics
The Vier-Länder-Grenzradweg follows well-maintained paths through diverse landscapes including:
- River valleys along the Elbe
- Former border patrol roads
- Natural reserves and protected areas
- Historic town centers and villages
- Wetlands and lake regions
Road Surface
- Generally well-maintained cycling paths
- Mostly flat terrain with minimal elevation changes
- Mix of paved roads and natural surfaces
- Suitable for all types of bicycles
- Former border patrol roads (Kolonnenweg)
Difficulty
The route offers an easy to moderate difficulty level, making it ideal for families and recreational cyclists. The route is particularly suitable for those interested in combining cycling with historical and natural exploration. With minimal elevation changes and well-maintained paths, it can be comfortably completed in 6 days, though shorter segments are possible but experienced cyclists have the option to combine days into longer stages for a more challenging and condensed itinerary.
Dömitz an der Elbe. Photo by André Zehetbauer, CC BY-SA 2.0
Highlights and Must-See Attractions
The route offers unique experiences including:
- Historic border tower at Hoyersburg with its unique salt flora
- Traditional Wendish round villages, including the open-air Rundlingsmuseum Wendland in Lübeln
- The Elbe River landscape with opportunities to spot sea eagles and black storks
- Hanseatic city of Salzwedel
- The Europe's largest inland dune in Schmölen
- Brietzer ponds with rich wildlife viewing opportunities
- Lenzen Castle with its BUND Visitor Center and castle park
- Historic Waldemar Tower in Dannenberg
- Museum of the inner German border in Schnackenburg
- The former "Village-Republic" of Rüterberg
- Kusebruch meadows nature reserve, known for crane watching and amphibian species
- The abandoned border village of Jahrsau with its remaining foundations and historical markers
Hansestadt Salzwedel. Photo by Torsten Maue, CC BY-SA 2.0
Route Segmentation proposal
Day 1: Schnega to Arendsee (approx. 56km)
Key Stops and Highlights:
- Brietz wetland with observation points
- Hanseatic city of Salzwedel
- Preserved border tower
- Jahrsau abandoned settlement
- Memorial for border victim Reiner Burgis
- The largest natural lake in Saxony-Anhalt: Arendsee
Scenic Features:
- Tree-lined avenues
- Agricultural fields
- Mixed forests
- Well-preserved Green Belt section at Harper Mühlenbach
- Original border patrol road (Kolonnenweg)
- Lowland area with canals
- Agricultural fields and meadows
- Historic border installations
Day 2: Arendsee to Hitzacker (approx. 58 km)
Key Stops and Highlights:
- Schnackenburg with its Border Land Museum
- Lenzen Castle with BUND visitor center and exhibitions
- Rudower Lake
- Lenzen wetlands
- Historic Elbe villages with traditional hall houses
- The Europe's largest inland dune in Schmölen
- The former "Village-Republic" of Rüterberg
Scenic Features:
- Aland-Elbe lowlands with wetland waters
- Löcknitz River
- Elbe ferry crossing
- Elbe floodplains
- Habitat of sea eagles and black storks
- One of Germany's least populated areas between Elbe and Löcknitz
Day 3: Hitzacker to Salzwedel (approx. 48 km)
Key Stops and Highlights:
- Historic town of Hitzacker
- Dannenberg with Waldemarturm (historic tower and museum)
- Former military barracks in Neu Tramm (V1 rocket site)
- Traditional Wendish round village in Rundling Museum in Lübeln
- Historic town of Lüchow
- Kusebruch meadows with crane and amphibian habitats
- Hoyersburg border tower
Scenic Features:
- Jeetzel River valley
- Extensive meadowlands, open landscapes stretching to the horizon
- Ground-nesting bird habitats
- Unique salt plant ecosystem at Hoyersburg
Recommended for:
- Family groups
- History enthusiasts
- Nature lovers
- Casual cyclists
- Cultural tourists
The Vier-Länder-Grenzradweg offers a unique combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural heritage. Following the Green Belt, it provides cyclists with an intimate look at both Germany's divided past and its united present, all while showcasing the region's rich biodiversity and cultural landmarks.