Bicycle-friendly Brandenburg and Berlin: 7 great routes to ride [2025]

Brandenburg is one of Germany's greenest and most bicycle-friendly regions. Its cycling routes often lead through forests, meadows, lakes and nature reserves, far from busy roads and urban traffic. The flat terrain and well-maintained surfaces make it ideal for cyclists of all levels, including families and long-distance riders. Many routes follow former railway lines or riverbanks, offering both scenic views and peaceful surroundings. Combined with good signage, cyclist-friendly services and easy train connections from centrally located Berlin, Brandenburg is perfect for relaxed and safe cycling adventures.

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Cycling the Havel-Radweg in Brandenburg — Havel Cycle Route in Mecklenburg Lakeland and Havelland

How do we create our ranking of cycling routes in Brandenburg and Berlin? Each route is evaluated across seven key categories, with scores ranging from 1 to 5 points. These include the extent and quality of cycling infrastructure, sightseeing opportunities, scenic beauty, train accessibility (covering the start, end, and key points along the route), availability of food and accommodation, the quality of informational resources and our personal impressions. A maximum of 35 points can be awarded in total.

Top cycle routes in Brandenburg and Berlin:

Havel Cycle Route (Havel-Radweg) - Mecklenburg Lakeland, Havelland
Oder-Spree-Tour - Oder-Spree Lakeland
Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg) - Berlin
Tour Brandenburg - Brandenburg
Cycle Route around Uckermark (Uckermärkischer Radrundweg) - Uckermark
Lower Lusatia Mining Route (Niederlausitzer Bergbautour) - Lusatian Lakeland
Oder-Neisse Cycle Route (Oder-Neiße-Radweg) - Eastern Germany

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All photos by Simon Thread, Cycling Thread.

Havel Cycle Route (Havel-Radweg) - Mecklenburg Lakeland, Havelland

The Havel Cycle Route (Havel-Radweg) runs through the western part of Brandenburg, following the calm, meandering course of the Havel River. It begins in the Mecklenburg Lake District and stretches for around 370 kilometers, passing through Brandenburg an der Havel and Potsdam. The route is mostly flat, well-signposted and suitable for all levels of cyclists. Long sections run close to the water, often along separate bike paths or quiet country roads. This makes it a relaxed and enjoyable journey, perfect for multi-day touring.

Cycling signage in Brandenburg — Havel Cycle Route in Mecklenburg Lakeland and Havelland

Along the way, riders can explore a rich mix of natural and cultural attractions. The route passes through the UNESCO-listed palaces and parks of Potsdam, the medieval old town of Brandenburg an der Havel and several small riverside towns full of charm. The landscape is shaped by lakes, canals and wide open meadows, especially in areas like Westhavelland Nature Park, known for its birdlife and starry skies. Historic locks, old bridges and waterside cafés invite frequent stops. It's a route that combines Brandenburg's peaceful nature with a deep sense of history. (33)

More: Havel Cycle Route - Mecklenburg Lakeland and Havelland (coming soon) 👇

Cycling bridge on the Oder-Spree canal — The Oder-Spree-Tour in Oder-Spree Lakeland

Oder-Spree-Tour - Oder-Spree Lakeland

The Oder-Spree-Tour is a 278-kilometre circular cycling route in the eastern part of Brandenburg, linking the towns of Frankfurt (Oder), Beeskow and Fürstenwalde. It follows the calm, scenic waterways connecting the Oder and Spree rivers, often tracing the paths of the Oder-Spree Canal and the historic Friedrich Wilhelm Canal. The route is mostly flat and runs along well-maintained cycling paths, forest tracks and quiet rural roads. With good train connections along the way, it's ideal for a relaxed four-day cycling trip through one of Brandenburg's most tranquil regions.

A beautiful cycling path in the Schlaube Valley — The Oder-Spree-Tour in Oder-Spree Lakeland

The tour leads cyclists through a mix of cultural and natural highlights, capturing the quiet charm and green character of Brandenburg. Among the most memorable are the Baroque monastery in Neuzelle, the medieval streets of Beeskow, the spa town of Bad Saarow and the peaceful waters of Scharmützelsee. Long forest stretches, meadows and lakes dominate the landscape, especially around the Schlaube Valley Nature Park. Along the way, inviting cafés, small harbours and cyclist-friendly accommodations make for a comfortable journey. (31)

More: Oder-Spree-Tour - Oder-Spree Lakeland

Berlin Cathedral - Berliner Dom — The Berlin Wall Trail in Berlin

Berlin Wall Trail (Berliner Mauerweg) - Berlin

The Berlin Wall Trail is a 160-kilometre circular route that follows the former border between East and West Berlin. It leads cyclists through a mix of urban streets, quiet green spaces, forests and lakeside paths on the outskirts of the city. With mostly smooth asphalt surfaces and excellent signage, the route is accessible and easy to follow, even for less experienced riders. Its loop format and connection to Berlin’s public transport make it easy to ride in stages over two or three days, with plenty of options for rest stops, sightseeing and overnight stays.

The model of the Berlin Wall at the DDR Museum — The Berlin Wall Trail in Berlin

This route is not just a scenic ride – it’s also a moving journey through European history. Along the way, you'll pass preserved watchtowers, remnants of the Wall, memorial sites, and outdoor exhibitions that tell the story of a once-divided city. At the same time, Berlin’s dynamic neighbourhoods, street art, and cultural landmarks add colour and contrast to the experience. It’s a perfect blend of history, urban cycling, and green escapes – all within easy reach of central Berlin. (31)

More: Berlin Wall Trail - Berlin

The cycling bridge on Tour Brandenburg — Tour Brandenburg in Brandenburg

Tour Brandenburg - Brandenburg

The Tour Brandenburg is a long-distance circular cycling route that loops through the entire federal state, covering over 1,100 kilometers. It connects nearly all regions of Brandenburg, including the Uckermark and Barnim in the north, the Spreewald in the south, and the Oder and Elbe rivers in the east and west. Much of the route runs along separate cycling paths or quiet country roads, making it suitable for longer tours with flexible planning. Thanks to good train access in many towns, the route can be explored in sections or as a full loop.

Tour Brandenburg near Cottbus — Tour Brandenburg in Brandenburg

The northern and eastern parts of the route are especially attractive for nature lovers. Cyclists pass through the Uckermark and Schorfheide-Chorin biosphere reserves, areas known for their rolling hills, vast forests, and clean lakes. The route also explores the Oderbruch region near the Polish border, with wide-open landscapes and historic rural villages. Peaceful nature, low traffic, and strong cycling infrastructure make this part of the Tour Brandenburg a great choice for relaxed, multi-day adventures. (30)

More: Tour Brandenburg - Brandenburg (coming soon) 👇

Bike route through the Schorfheide-Chorin Forest — Cycle Route around Uckermark in Brandenburg

Cycle Route around Uckermark (Uckermärkischer Radrundweg) - Uckermark

The Cycle Route around Uckermark is a scenic loop in the northernmost part of Brandenburg, running through the peaceful and sparsely populated Uckermark region. Covering around 260 to 300 kilometers, the route connects towns such as Prenzlau, Templin, Angermünde, Schwedt and Lychen. It mostly follows quiet roads and bike paths, including stretches of former railway lines, and briefly crosses into Mecklenburg-Vorpommern before returning to Brandenburg. The gently rolling landscape and low traffic levels make it ideal for a relaxed multi-day tour.

Historic center of Angermünde — Cycle Route around Uckermark in Brandenburg

Much of the route passes through protected natural areas, including the Lower Oder Valley National Park and the Schorfheide-Chorin Biosphere Reserve. Cyclists ride past forests, meadows, and clean glacial lakes, with frequent chances to spot local wildlife such as cranes or deer. Historic towns along the way offer medieval churches, half-timbered houses and welcoming cafés. The combination of natural beauty and well-developed cycling infrastructure makes the Cycle Route around Uckermark one of Brandenburg's best-kept secrets for touring cyclists. (29)

More: Cycle Route around Uckermark - Brandenburg (coming soon) 👇

A cycling path by a lake where a mine once stood — Lower Lusatia Mining Route in Lusatian Lakeland

Lower Lusatia Mining Route (Niederlausitzer Bergbautour) - Lusatian Lakeland

The Lower Lusatia Mining Route is a 500-kilometre cycling loop in southern Brandenburg, passing through a landscape once dominated by lignite mining. Today, this region is being transformed into the Lusatian Lakeland - Europe's largest artificial lake district - by flooding former open-cast mines. The mostly flat route follows a mix of dedicated bike paths and quiet country roads, connecting towns such as Cottbus, Senftenberg, Forst and Spremberg. It offers a unique opportunity to experience one of the most ambitious landscape transformations in Europe by bike.

View of the Welzow-Süd lignite mine — Lower Lusatia Mining Route in Lusatian Lakeland

Along the way, cyclists can explore a striking contrast between industrial heritage and restored nature. Highlights include enormous mining structures like the F60 conveyor bridge, historical power stations, and visitor centres devoted to the region's energy history. The route also leads past clear, man-made lakes, new forested areas and scenic wetlands rich in birdlife. With its combination of wide views, cultural stops and a growing network of cyclist-friendly services, the Lower Lusatia Mining Route offers an unforgettable ride through a region in transition. (27)

More: Lower Lusatia Mining Route - Lusatian Lakeland

Bicycle route in the Lower Oder Valley — Oder-Neisse Cycle Route in Eastern Germany

Oder-Neisse Cycle Route (Oder-Neiße-Radweg) - Eastern Germany

The Oder-Neisse Cycle Route is Germany's easternmost long-distance cycling route, running for about 630 kilometers from the Czech border to the Baltic Sea island of Usedom. In Brandenburg, it follows the peaceful course of the Neisse and Oder rivers along the German-Polish border, covering nearly 300 kilometers. The route is mostly flat and runs on well-maintained bike paths and levees, making it ideal for a relaxed, multi-day journey through quiet, open landscapes. Good signage and train access in key towns allow for flexible planning and shorter stages.

The Oder and Lusatian Neisse cycling route — Oder-Neisse Cycle Route in Eastern Germany

This part of the route offers a mix of nature and culture. Cyclists pass through the Lower Oder Valley National Park, one of Germany's most important wetlands and a haven for migratory birds. Highlights include the historic towns of Guben, Eisenhüttenstadt, Frankfurt (Oder) and Schwedt, as well as the Baroque Neuzelle Monastery and the UNESCO-listed Fürst-Pückler Park in Bad Muskau. The riverside scenery, low traffic, and strong cycling infrastructure make the Oder-Neisse Cycle Route one of Brandenburg's most rewarding and tranquil long-distance rides. (25)

More: Oder-Neisse Cycle Route - Eastern Germany (coming soon) 👇

Have a safe ride! 💚

Simon Thread
(Szymon Nitka)

I'm a passionate cycling traveler and the voice behind Cycling Thread. I explore Europe on two wheels, documenting the most scenic routes, inspiring places, and cyclist-friendly practices. My writing blends personal experience with practical insights and a deep love of travel. I'm also a contributor to National Geographic Traveler magazine.