Ilmenau cycle path: on the tracks of nature

A cycling tour
through the natural beauty of Lueneburg Heath on one of Germany’s most scenic
bicycle routes

Discover the
European FFH nature reserve Ilmenau in the east of Lueneburg Heath on secluded
cycle paths and roads with little traffic. Numerous highlights and interesting
facts about a unique flora and fauna await you.

The Ilmenau
cycle path

Measuring just shy
of 125 km, the Ilmenau cycle path is a joint project by the administrative
districts of Uelzen, Lueneburg and Harburg. The River Ilmenau is the most
significant body of water in the large natural area of Lueneburg Heath. It
flows through all three districts and is still near to nature in many areas.

Natural
Experience cycle path along the River Ilmenau

The decision to
make the cycle path a natural experience was based on the special features of
the Ilmenau. This means that not all of the route’s stages are directly next to
the river as environmental protection considerations dictated the use of
existing paths as far as possible, with only a few new stages being constructed
and others repaved or asphalted.

Outstanding
cycling experience

However, you do
not have to forgo comfort or convenience on your tour. The path’s signage is
based on the current recommendations of the German Cycling Club, ADFC. Benches
for breaks en route have been installed and shelters erected to offer
protection in poor weather. The shelters feature overview boards with
information about the cycle path, the cyclist’s current location and where the
next rest facilities are located.

Information
boards and audio explanations on the wayside

On your cycling
tour you will come across numerous information boards concerning topics of
interest intended to help you discover the fascination of the Ilmenau nature
reserve: What is an alluvial forest? Why is Ilmenau an FFH area and what does
that mean? How does the kingfisher brood? Answers to these and many other
questions are provided. Puzzles and tasks for children are located beneath the
information boards. 

Another special
feature: All of the information boards feature audio podcasts and
supplementary audio plays, which can be downloaded here via the internet.
In this way, you can get a first impression of the beauty of the Ilmenau cycle
path at home, or you can use the podcasts coupled with the path’s GPS data as
an electronic guide.

The cycle path
is ideal for a bike tour over an extended weekend in Lueneburg Heath.

You can book rooms at the cycling hotels and guest houses
situated along the path easily online at no extra cost. Cycling maps are
available from every Tourist Information Office.