On the trail of the Ottonians |
Saxony-Anhalt is the German federal state with the most monuments. It is a core region of German and European history and the cradle of the Reformation. Unique is the wealth of Romanesque buildings and church treasures, and exceptionally high is the number of World Cultural Heritage Sites. From Magdeburg, the state capital of Saxony-Anhalt, the journey heads west to Halberstadt. Two churches characterise the face of the old bishopric: the cathedral and the Liebfrauenkirche (Church of Our Lady). The journey continues to Quedlinburg, where the first German king, Henry I, has his final resting place in the crypt of the Quedlinburg collegiate church of St. Servatius. Then on through the Selke valley to the castle of Falkenstein. Through Groningen, with the monastery church of St. Vitus with its high Romanesque crossing tower, you cycle back to Magdeburg.
Day 1: Magdeburg – Hohes Holz (approx. 38 km)
You receive your rental bicycles (when booked). The tour starts in Magdeburg, which celebrated its 1,200th anniversary in 2005. You can look forward to 4 attractions here: the monastery of Unser Lieben Frauen (Our Lady), the cathedral of St. Mauritius and St. Katharina, the church of St. Petri and the provost church of St. Sebastian. The tour leads you in a western direction toward Seehausen/Börde, with the oldest village church of the Magdeburg Boerde (a fertile plain). From Seehausen you find your way to Eggenstedt in the forest region of "Hohes Holz" (High Wood).
Day 2: Hohes Holz – Westerburg (approx. 34 km)
The next destination is Hamersleben with the former Augustinian monastery of St. Pakratius. The collegiate church is a special example of Benedictine reform architecture. The stage destination today is Westerburg, whose origins can be traced back in time to the Saxon wars of Charlemagne from 772-804.
Day 3: Westerburg – Halberstadt (approx. 25 km)
Today's relatively short but somewhat hilly stage leads you into the Huy with the monastery of Huysburg, whose origins go back to the late 8th century. The Halberstadt cathedral is considered to be one of the most beautiful Gothic religious buildings in Germany.
Day 4: Halberstadt – Quedlinburg (approx. 40 km)
You cycle through the interesting old town of Halberstadt. Along the edge of the Harz you now continue to Quedlinburg. The historic city core with its restored half-timbered buildings is one of the largest monumental areas in Germany.
Day 5: Quedlinburg – Meisdorf (approx. 35 km)
Through Gernrode (collegiate church of St. Cyriakus) and Ballenstedt, at one time the ancestral seat of the powerful house of Ascania, you cycle through the Mansfelder Land to the castle of Falkenstein. The late Romanesque castle is one of the most impressive in the Harz.
Day 6: Meisdorf – Groningen (approx. 45 km)
Trip to the Konradsburg (Conrad Castle) near Ermsleben. At the beginning of the 11th century it was the original castle of the masters of Konradsburg. You reach Frose. The former Benedictine monastery was founded by the Margrave Gero prior to 950.
Day 7: Groningen – Magdeburg (approx. 50 km)
Visit the monastery in Groningen. The monastery church of St. Vitus with its high Romanesque crossing tower was founded in 936. The foundation of the Benedictine monastery in Hadmersleben can be traced back to the year 961. You continue back to Magdeburg and return home according to your individual arrangements.
Price per person
from EUR 424.00
in double room of category B (2-3* star facilities)
Optional additional services:
Additional charge for category A (3-4* star facilities)
Additional charge for category deluxe (5 star facilities or "best accommodations on location" )
Luggage transfer with staggered prices for 4 and more persons
Half-board
Additional nights in each city
Rental bicycles
Electric bicycles
Additional city tours
Changed routes are possible
Please use CONTACT to request our official Elbe cycling path catalogue at no charge.
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