The best cycling routes in Stremel

From the lock, you can already see the first confluence of the Elbe and Havel rivers (connecting canal). From here, you continue on the approximately 20 km long section of the Havel Cycle Path, where you're accompanied by water on both sides: the Elbe on the left, the Havel on the right, and then the Gnevsdorf Outfall.

The Gnevsdorf Weir is located at the end of the approximately 10km stretch on the island between the receiving waters and the Elbe River. It has been passable again since 2024. Impressive engineering.

The water tower is located in Havelberg's cathedral district and can be reached from the cathedral in just a few minutes on foot. It was built from red bricks in 1890 and rebuilt in 1933. Above the entrance, in addition to these dates, you can find Havelberg's coat of arms. Since the entry into force of the Saxony-Anhalt Monument Protection Act on October 21, 1991, it has been officially registered as a cultural monument. Originally, the tower served as a water reservoir for the city. In the early 2000s, the water supply was converted to deep wells and pumping systems, which led to the reservoir being taken out of service. Today, a restaurant (tower café and bistro) is located directly next to the tower, while the tower itself is no longer used for any functional purpose.

I particularly like the cycle path between the Elbe and the Havel tributaries, from Gnevsdorf to Quitzöbel. It's pure nature. There are two observation towers from which you can easily observe many animals, especially birds. Coming from Wittenberge, cycle over the Gnevsdorf weir and at the oxbow weir, return to the mainland to Quitzöbel, then cycle back to Wittenberge or to Netzow and then on to Werben and Havelberg.

And suddenly there's only sky, water, and silence. The Havel River passes beneath you, unperturbed, like a thought that can't be stopped. To the left, the grass near the riverbank, ruffled by the wind; to the right, the riverbank, green and crouching like a self-contained observer. No spectacle, no drama – only the quiet majesty of the expanse that welcomes you like an old acquaintance. A heron flies up, making a slow arc over the river. The light shimmers on the horizon. The fields lie there as if they had just decided to be summer. Cycling here isn't racing against time. It's pedaling into it. Everything slows down. Thoughts find their rhythm. And sometimes you simply stop, lean your bike against a post, sink onto the jetty – and watch. Just watch. And breathe.

There are paths that lead not only through the countryside, but into the very heart of wonder. Between meadows, water, and expanse, a panorama opens up here that's so tranquil that you almost stop your bike so as not to disturb it. You roll relaxed along the dike, with lush meadows to your left and the sparkling Havel River to your right, winding through its own floodplains as if it had all the time in the world. The air is soft, and the birds have taken over: greylag geese, lapwings, and occasionally even the white stork. And you? You ride. Slowly. Because you want to, not because you have to. This isn't about kilometers, but about moments. And about the one thought that quietly joins in: How good that I'm here.

A very teasing resting place

From the weirs you have a great view of the Havel and the impressive landscape.