Weser Cycle Path, 3rd Stage: From Hameln to Minden

Hameln is world-famous as the town of the Pied Piper. Between Cinderella in Polle and Baron Münchhausen in Bodenwerder, the darkest figure of the German Fairy Tale Route resides here – the Pied Piper. This mythical legend comes alive each year during the summer months with the famous Pied Piper open-air play. From mid-May to mid-September, you can experience the spectacle about the Pied Piper on numerous dates. The old town of Hameln with its Weser Renaissance and half-timbered houses in the small, mysterious alleys will also impress you. A visit to the demonstration glassblowing workshop is also worthwhile. Here you can experience the over 2000-year-old craft up close. A special experience is also a Weser boat trip. From April to October, regular and round trips with the Weser ships are offered in Hameln.

From Fischbecker Straße in Hameln, it continues north along the new main route of the Weser Cycle Path to the Fischbeck Foundation in Hessisch Oldendorf. One of the oldest women's convents in the region is enchantingly presented here. The Fischbeck Foundation from the year 955, with its authentically preserved Romanesque architecture and the unity of its layout with cloister, is an example of medieval monastic tradition. Anyone visiting Hessisch Oldendorf cannot miss the Baxmann. He is the protagonist of a dark legend telling of greed, deception, and eternal punishment. Naturally, this myth is reflected in the townscape: not only as a fountain figure in the marketplace but also as a living town guide. After a visit to Hessisch Oldendorf, the main route continues to Großenwieden. Here you have the option to cross the Weser using the Gier cable ferry to follow the alternative route to Rinteln via Hohenrode and Exten.

You also reach the colorful half-timbered town of Rinteln via the main route. On this stretch, a detour to Schaumburg is worthwhile. The climb to Schaumburg is demanding, but the view over the Weser valley makes every effort worthwhile. Narrow alleys, picturesque corners, and whole rows of colorful half-timbered houses can be admired in the former university and fortress town of Rinteln. The former town hall from 1583 is presented in the finest Weser Renaissance style. Anyone entering the historic marketplace of Rinteln for the first time will be amazed: the enclosed ensemble of restored half-timbered houses has been preserved in its original form since the 13th century. The widely visible landmark of the town is the tower of St. Nikolai. The three-nave hall church, a mighty construction, was first mentioned in 1238. From Rinteln's city center, the main route of the Weser Cycle Path leads you to the water paradise Doktorsee. Whether swimming, surfing, paddling, pedal boating, rowing, or sailing – here you will always find a reason to get off your bike. The highlight is the annual "Doktorsee in Flames" festival, which takes place on the fourth weekend of July and attracts visitors from near and far with live concerts and a spectacular fireworks display. From Doktorsee, the main and alternative routes continue north via Vlotho and Bad Oeynhausen to Porta Westfalica. Here, the monumental Kaiser Wilhelm monument towers above the Weser, marking the transition from the Weser Uplands to the North German Plain. The stage end is in Minden.

In summer, you should carry enough to drink. Rain gear should be taken at any time of year. A touring bike is the ideal companion.

From the north:
Take the A7 to Hannover, continue on the A2 towards Bielefeld, exit Lauenau and via the B83 to Hameln.

From the south:
Drive on the A7 to the Kassel-Süd motorway junction, continue on the A44 towards Paderborn, exit Warburg towards Höxter and then via the B252 and B1 to Hameln.

From the west:
Take the A2 towards Hannover, exit Bad Eilsen and via the B83 to Hameln.

From the east: 
Take the A2 towards Bielefeld, exit Lauenau and via the B83 to Hameln.

Train stations along the third stage:

• Hameln
• Hessisch Oldendorf
• Rinteln
• Vlotho
• Bad Oeynhausen
• Porta Westfalica
• Minden

• On your cycling trip, you have connections to the Weser ship in the following towns:
  Hameln, Rinteln, Bad Oeynhausen, Porta Westfalica, Minden

• You can use the Weser ferries in the following places: Großenwieden, Vahrenholz-Veltheim

• Secured bicycle lockers are available in Hameln, Rinteln and Minden.

•  Further information can be found on the Weser Cycle Path Information Center website.

•  The complete main route can be found here.

Take your time for a stroll through the old towns of Hameln and Rinteln. A detour to Schaumburg Castle is also worthwhile.

It is recommended to book accommodations in advance. The route is not very suitable for racing bikes. We ask for mutual consideration.

• Weser Cycle Path service booklet, free shipping
• Bikeline Cycling Tour Book Weser Cycle Path, €16.90
• Kompass Bicycle Guide Weser Cycle Path, €16.95

Simply order by phone at Tel. 05151/930039 or by email at service@weserradweg-info.de. We will be happy to advise you! Shipping is done on invoice. You can order the service booklet for free here.