Ostschleife - Rennradtour bei Lauenbrück

Route Overview:
Lauenbrück – 4 km – Stemmen – 6 km – Helvesiek – 4 km – Sothel – 11 km – Rüspel – 9 km – Zeven – 3 km – Brauel – 11 km – Bohnste – 9 km – Wangersen – 7 km – Wohnste – 4 km – Vierden – 4 km – Freetz – 3 km – Tiste – 10 km – Heidenau – 5 km – Vaerloh – 6 km – Königsmoor – 10 km – Fintel – 4 km – Benkeloh – 5 km – Lauenbrück


Detailed route description:
Our loop tour starts at the Lauenbrück train station, which is located on the Hamburg-Bremen rail line. From here, we cycle westward. Via side roads and along fertile meadows and fields, we reach the tranquil villages of Stemmen and Helvesiek. With their rural character and picturesque half-timbered farmhouses—reminiscent of traditional Northern German architecture—both villages are typical of the region.
 
Between Sothel and Hatzte, we cross the A1 highway and, after 15 km, arrive in the village of Rüspel, which is known for the “Kliemannsland” is well known. The 3.5-hectare adventure farm, featuring the “Zum Dübel” Café is a huge adventure playground for young and old alike. The farm was renovated and imaginatively redesigned by a group of “creative types.” Today, it captivates visitors from all over Germany.
 
After another 9 km, we reach Zeven. This small town on the edge of the forest offers plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat, as well as bike repair shops, and with the Zeven Monastery Museum, an impressive sight. The bike tour continues northward, crossing the Oste River near Brauel and continuing on to Wangersen in the district of Stade.
 
We ride through fields that offer sweeping views into the distance and return to the district of Rotenburg (Wümme) via the small village of Wohnste. From there, we reach the Vierdener Holz and continue on to Freetz, crossing the A1 highway again on the outskirts of Sittensen, until we reach the village of Tiste after a total of 10 km. Here, we recommend a short detour to Moorbahnhof at Tister Bauernmoor Nature Reserve. The so-called “Vogelmoor” is a popular destination, and not just during crane season in the fall.
 
We leave the Wümme district again and cycle northeast on small, quiet farm roads, past the Großes Everstorfer Moor all the way to Heidenau in the Harburg district. At Tister Bauernmoor and Ekelmoor, passing through expansive moorland and forest areas and along moor roads that aren’t always in good condition, we reach the town of Fintel. Along the way, we cross four near-natural rivers: the Heidenauer Aue, Oste, Wümme, and Fintau.
 
Fintel is the southernmost town on the Eastern Loop. In addition to places to stop for refreshments, the impressive brick St. Antonius Cycle Path Church is an ideal spot to take a break before tackling the final 9 kilometers to Lauenbrück. If you’re still feeling energetic, take a stroll through the LandPark Lauenbrück is a must-see. This wildlife and landscape park, home to endangered breeds of wild and farm animals, offers a wonderful way to end the tour.

The road bike tours in the district of Rotenburg (Wümme) are neither signposted nor marked on site. GPX tracks are available for orientation (e.g. here on the page as a download)

Information and GPX tracks for all road bike tours in the district of Rotenburg (Wümme) can be found at app.nordwaerts.de, nordwaerts.de, komoot.com and strava.com or in the handy folding brochure.

All the information about the road bike tours in the Rotenburg (Wümme) district is presented in a handy brochure. It can be ordered from the website of the Rotenburg (Wümme) District Tourism Association and is available at tourist information centers, including those in Zeven, Sittensen, and Lauenbrück.