The best road cycling routes in Elbdeichhinterland

The harbor in Wittenberge has surely seen busier days. Nevertheless: beautiful view over the water facilities and across to the Elbe meadows.

A short section has to be ridden on a road. But it's not bad: no traffic, good surface and not very far.

The Steintor in Wittenberge is the city's oldest landmark, first mentioned in 1297. Rebuilt in its current form after a fire around 1430, it was the northwestern exit of the fortified city. The tower, formerly called "Alter Turm" (Old Tower), served as a prison in the 19th century and has housed a local history museum since 1928.

The village church of Rühstädt, also known as Quitzow Church, dates back to the 15th century. It was built under the influence of the noble von Quitzow family, who shaped the village for a long time. The original late Gothic brick building with a semicircular apse was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century and a striking west tower was added. Important furnishings have been preserved inside, including a late Gothic carved altarpiece, several tombstones of the von Quitzow family, and a historic organ from 1738. A late Gothic mural of the Last Judgment in the apse is particularly noteworthy. Today, the church is a listed building and part of the Open Churches Initiative, meaning it is often open to visitors.

The village church of Bälow, a striking brick building, dominates the village landscape. It was erected in 1914/15 according to plans by the Royal Building Councilor Georg Büttner, reusing building materials from the older church dating back to 1661. The rectangular structure with its projecting tower and spire was built after several relocations of the village due to Elbe River floods, as well as the fire and subsequent demolition of the earlier timber-framed church. Now a listed historical monument, the church stands today as a testament to the eventful history of the village and the religious life of the Prignitz region along the Elbe River.

The bridge over the Stepenitz is an important crossing just before the river flows into the Elbe. It connects central urban areas with adjacent residential and recreational areas and is used by vehicular traffic, pedestrians, and cyclists. Its location in the river and floodplain landscape offers unobstructed views of the Stepenitz and the surrounding countryside. It is a defining element of Wittenberge's cityscape.

Alternative to the dyke path if you want to get ahead quickly and don't feel like gravel + sheep, the cycle path next to the road is unfortunately badly damaged, the road itself is cleanly tarred and easy to ride but there are many cars (some with about 100 km/h) on the road (even on weekends)

Initially, the road is paved with interlocking concrete slabs, but the road is easy to ride. Then, it's a perfect glide along the top of the dike with excellent asphalt. Plus, the view of the Elbe and Havel rivers, as well as the beautiful floodplain landscape. A great section.