Weser cycle path, 7th stage: From Bremen to Nordenham/Bremerhaven

78.12 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
Bicycle
  • 5:20 h
  • 78.12 km
  • 63 m
  • 63 m
  • -1 m
  • 11 m
  • 12 m
  • Start: Bremen
  • Destination: Nordenham/Bremerhaven
The seventh stage leads Weser cycle path cyclists from the Hanseatic city of Bremen via Elsfleth and Nordenham/Blexen to Bremerhaven. It has a length of just under 80 kilometers.

From Bremen's Weser promenade, cycle past the Beck & Co brewery, along the Neustädter harbor, and over the Ochtum flood barrier into the Wesermarsch, one of the largest contiguous grassland regions in Europe. Between Lemwerder and Berne, the influence of traditional shipyards prevails. Cyclists on the Weser cycle path reach the seafaring town of Elsfleth via the Hunte bridge.

Further north in the port city of Brake, you immerse yourself in the significant maritime past. From Brake, follow the heavily raised dyke to Rodenkirchen, where a look into St. Matthew's Church is worthwhile. Upon arrival at the train station in Nordenham, a detour to the pedestrian zone is recommended before you take the ferry from the district of Blexen to the other Weser side.                                                                                                                                                                         

Good to know

Pavements

Street
Asphalt
Gravel
Trail
Path

Best to visit

suitable
Depends on weather

Directions

Bremen, the hometown of the world-famous Town Musicians, is a trading and merchant city with all facets of historical and modern lifestyles, where history and tradition combine with high-tech and science to form an exciting overall picture. Landmarks of the Hanseatic city are the town hall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the statue of Roland, which has watched over Bremen from the historic market square since 1404. In Bremen's oldest district, the Schnoor, cozy pubs, restaurants, and artisan businesses line up in historic buildings. From Bremen's Weser promenade, the Schlachte, the ride goes past the Beck & Co brewery, along the Neustädter harbor, and over the Ochtum flood barrier into the ADFC cycling travel region Wesermarsch, one of the largest contiguous grassland regions in Europe. The landscape here is characterized by black-and-white cows, lambs, horses, tractors, and half-timbered houses. In the so-called Melkhüs, you can taste this landscape: in the green wooden huts, countrywomen serve dairy delicacies from May to October.

Between Lemwerder and Berne, the influence of traditional shipyards prevails. Where plank ships and large sailing ships were built in the past, the highly modern companies today accept orders for luxury yachts and special ships from all over the world. To reach the seafaring town of Elsfleth on the Weser cycle path, cyclists must cross the Hunte bridge. The favorable location in the Weser-Hunte triangle and the proximity to the North Sea explain Elsfleth's connection to seafaring. In Haus Elsfleth, an old villa directly on the Weser, the Unterweser Shipping Museum informs about maritime development. As an alternative to the Hunte bridge, you can cycle over the idyllic Weser island "Elsflether Sand." However, the alternative route has the disadvantage that you have to use the Hunte flood barrier at the end, which can only be passed hourly. Further north in the port city of Brake, packing and trading houses testify to the significant maritime past. The tallest silo facilities in Europe shape the panorama. From the quay, you experience inland vessels and large freighters up close. A ferry sails to the island "Harriersand" with a bathing beach. At the quay stands the city's landmark, built in 1846 as an optical telegraph and home to the Unterweser Shipping Museum since 1960. In the pedestrian zone, in the house Borgstede & Becker built in 1808, you get insights into the shipping history of the region, as well as the first all-German navy and its commander Brommy.

From Brake, you follow the already heavily raised dyke to Rodenkirchen, where it is worth taking a look into the St. Matthew's Church, equipped with works by the woodcarver Ludwig Münstermann. Upon arrival at the train station in Nordenham, a detour to the pedestrian zone is recommended, where you are sure to meet an ox. The connection of the city with the animal goes back to the ox pier, from where oxen were shipped to London in the mid-19th century, thus bringing economic upswing to the rural region. At that time, no one suspected anything about the globally operating companies that now shape the city north bank. From the district of Blexen, the ferry goes to the opposite Weser side.

Alternatively, a detour to the North Sea peninsula Butjadingen is recommended. The North Sea lagoon in Burhave offers an ideal rest stop. So dive into the cool water of the seawater bathing lake, independent of ebb and flow.

Equipment

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

Directions & Parking facilities

From the north:
Take the A1 motorway to Bremer Kreuz, continue on the A27 motorway to Bremen exit. Überseestadt, then on the B6 towards Bremen-Überseestadt.

From the south:
Drive on the A1 motorway to the Stuhr interchange, continue on the A28 motorway to the Delmenhorst interchange and then B75 and B6 to Bremen.

From the west:
Drive on the A28 motorway to the B75 exit towards Bremen/Delmenhorst-Stickgras, continue on B6 to Bremen.


From the east:

Drive on the A2 motorway to the Hannover-Ost motorway junction, continue on the A7 motorway to the Walsrode interchange, then on the A27 motorway to the Bremen-Überseestadt exit.

Further information is available from the local tourist information offices.

Train stations along the seventh stage:

  • Bremen
  • Berne
  • Elsfleth
  • Brake
  • Nordenham
  • Bremerhaven

Additional information

  • On your cycling trip, you have a connection to the Weser ship in the following locations:
    Bremen, Elsfleth, Brake, Nordenham
  • You can use the Weser ferries in the following locations: Lemwerder, Berne-Motzen, Berne-Julius-Plate, Nordenham/Bremerhaven
  • Secure bicycle lockers are available in Bremen, Elsfleth, Brake, and Nordenham.
  •  Further information can be found on the Website of the Weser cycle path information center.
  •  The complete main route can be found here.

License (master data)

Weser-Radweg Infozentrale
License: Attribution

Author´s Tip / Recommendation of the author

Experience maritime development at the Unterweser Shipping Museum in Haus Elsfleth or marvel at large freighters and inland vessels in the port city of Brake.

Safety guidelines

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

Map

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

Nearby

Contact

Weser cycle path, 7th stage: From Bremen to Nordenham/Bremerhaven
28197 Bremen