The Weser-Harz-Heide Bike Trail - Discovering Lower Saxony's Hidden Gems
Photo by Andreas Weber
Winding through the diverse landscapes of Lower Saxony, the Weser-Harz-Heide Bike Trail covers around 400 kilometers of interesting terrain. This meticulously designed route takes cyclists on a journey through four distinct geographical regions: from the lush Weser Valley through the dramatic Harz Mountains, across the culturally rich Brunswick region, and finally through the mystical Lüneburg Heath. Originally conceived as a scenic tourist route rather than a direct path, the trail incorporates historic railway tracks and ventures through areas that were once part of the former East-West German border region, offering unique insights into Germany's past.
Trail Characteristics
- Route follows quiet country roads and forestry paths, prioritizing scenic beauty over direct routes
- Incorporates several converted railway tracks, particularly around Göttingen
- Terrain varies significantly from challenging mountain climbs to gentle northern plains
- Well-integrated with Germany's railway network for flexible trip planning
- Features numerous cultural and historical landmarks along the way
Photo by Gaspar, image under GNU Free Documentation License
Road Surface and Infrastructure
- Mix of paved surfaces and well-maintained gravel paths
- Dedicated cycling paths on converted railway tracks
- Low-traffic rural roads through picturesque villages
- Regular rest stops and accommodation options
- Clear signage throughout most sections
Difficulty
The Weser-Harz-Heide Bike Trail offers varying levels of challenge, making it suitable for experienced cyclists and ambitious beginners. While the Harz Mountain section presents demanding climbs and thrilling descents, the northern portions offer more gentle terrain. Most cyclists complete the journey in 5-7 days, allowing time to explore the numerous attractions along the way.
Highlights and Must-See Attractions
The route showcases Lower Saxony's finest offerings:
- The picturesque three-river confluence in Hann. Münden with its 700+ half-timbered houses
- Göttingen's historic university atmosphere and scientific heritage
- The UNESCO World Heritage site of Goslar with its thousand-year mining history
- Medieval Duderstadt's perfectly preserved old town
- Europe's largest karst spring at Rhume
- The unique Hundertwasser Railway Station in Uelzen
- Historic mills and architecture in Gifhorn
- The scenic heathlands around Hankensbüttel
- Lüneburg's historic salt mining heritage and medieval architecture
Picture of Göttingen's historic university. Photo by A.Savin
How to Access the Trail
The route is easily accessible via Germany's comprehensive rail network, with major access points at Hann. Münden, Göttingen, Goslar, Brunswick, and Lüneburg. All these cities offer ample parking facilities for those arriving by car, as well as bike rental services and accommodation options.