Hamburg and surrounds

[Yorksman]

I will be staying in the centre of Hamburg for a few days and intend to hire a bike most days. Having got hold of a cycling map I find out that there are many routes to choose from. Is there anyone with a knowledge of them? I'm not thinking of the tours which remain within the city but possibly exploring things like the Ox Route or the Lüneburger Heath. I will be near the main railway station and am thinking of using them to get to some routes. Alternatively, there seem to be a lot of possibilities near the river. Any suggestions?

 

[ianrauk]

I have been to Hamburg more times then I can remember. It's one of my favourite cities to visit. Though I have never cycled there. It is however a fantastic cycling city by the looks of things and by all accounts. I am constantly amazed at how many people do cycle there and the cycling infrastructure they have.

Sorry I couldn't be of more help. But please let us know how you got on.

 

[Yorksman]

I have been to Hamburg more times then I can remember.

I go a lot too but have had enough of following my wife around the shops. This time, she can go shopping and I'll catch the train somewhere and cycle back.

 

[ianrauk]

I go a lot too but have had enough of following my wife around the shops. This time, she can go shopping and I'll catch the train somewhere and cycle back.

I'm almost tempted to join you.

In fact next visit to Hamburg for me is February for a long weekend.

 

[ianrauk]

So it'll be a bit chilly then....

I keep saying I'll go back to Hamburg. Fantastic city.

Yup, brass monkeys....
But the good bars and pubs supply blankets if you sit outside. (with a mate that smokes or suchlike)

 

[Yorksman]

I like to go when there is a festival on. A favourite of mine is the Stuttgarter Weindorf because it is in the Hamburg city centre, I can sit in one of the wein tents whilst the ladyfolk do their shopping. One day I shall have to visit the Hamburger Fischmark in Stuttgart.

 

[Brains]

The Elbe river route goes in both direction up and down the river, you can also cross over and cycle to Cuxhaven.
Otherwise a pootle through the old docks could occupy a day with a visit to the Cap San Diego

 

[clid61]

Not Hamburg ,but Munich . Lived there as a kid ,visit very often .If Hamburg cycling infrastructure anything like that of Munich you'll be well pleased

 

[snorri]

For a gentle starter you could take a five mile spin around the Alster Lake near the city centre, shared with joggers and walkers who usually keep to their own side of the path.
For a round trip you might consider a trip on the cycle friendly ferry from Landungsbrucken to Finkenwerder to access the west side of the river. Depending on your wishes/time you could cycle down the west side of the river to Wischhafen where the ferry takes you back across the river to Gluckstadt, then cycle back towards Hamburg along the east side of the river.

 

[PeteXXX]

If you're hiring a bike, don't forget that the brakes are t'other way round!

 

[Yorksman]

The Elbe river route goes in both direction up and down the river, you can also cross over and cycle to Cuxhaven.

I'd love to do that someday but I'm not fit enough at the moment. I'm thinking of 40km to 50km max. But I do intend to get hold of the route guide for the Elbe cycleway.

There is a cycle route along an old disused railway track which ends up at the Zollenspieker Fährhaus, to the east of the city. It looks like a popular route for cyclists wanting to cross the river. Again, it's always near an S Bahn route if I get tired (I have a dicky ticker and don't want to over do it).

There's something nice about these ferries.

 

[Yorksman]

For a gentle starter you could take a five mile spin around the Alster Lake near the city centre, shared with joggers and walkers who usually keep to their own side of the path.
For a round trip you might consider a trip on the cycle friendly ferry from Landungsbrucken to Finkenwerder to access the west side of the river. Depending on your wishes/time you could cycle down the west side of the river to Wischhafen where the ferry takes you back across the river to Gluckstadt, then cycle back towards Hamburg along the east side of the river.

The Outer Alster will be a first ride for sure. Nice, safe and with little chance of getting lost. I had thought of cycling up to Ovelgoenne and then catching the ferry to Finkenwerder. The Wischhafen-Gluckstadt root is too far for me at the moment but I could manage Finkenwerder to Stade and catch the S Bahn back to Hamburg hbf. That's a nice day out at a leisurely pace with plenty of places to stop.

 

[Yorksman]

If you're hiring a bike, don't forget that the brakes are t'other way round!

LOL, or the type where you back pedal to apply a brake :-)

 

[Yorksman]

Not Hamburg ,but Munich . Lived there as a kid ,visit very often .If Hamburg cycling infrastructure anything like that of Munich you'll be well pleased View attachment 116327

I know Munich centre. We often fly there and spend a couple of nights before going to austria. I meet lots of people who start their cycle holidays there and are off to places like Vienna. I'm always envious. There are those nice big lakes like the Starnbergersee or Chiemsee which must have some wonderful cycle routes. I always seem to end up sitting in the Viktualienmarkt or outside the Augustiner though.

 

[Yorksman]

In case anyone returns to this thread, I found a cycling guide the Harburger Harbour area. Routes start on the north side and so through the old Elbe Tunnel. Small map below and link to the main guide.

Hafenerlebnisroute Hamburg Port Authority