Weser valley tour in Northern Germany

Day 1: Bremen - Verden

Afternoon check in, afterwards, Merlijn will set sail for Verden, where we’ll stay overnight. We’ll present you with a welcome drink and introduce the crew. Also, we’ll inform you about the tour and the ship, and give you a safety briefing. While cruising, you can already see the lovely scenery of the ‘Weser Bergland’ as we pass by. After dinner, you may want to stroll through the equestrian city of Verden, home to the auctions of the Hanoverian horse, a world famous and powerful German Warmblood breed. Other Verden attractions include its historical old centre along the Aller River, and the ‘Große Straße’ (big street) pedestrian area. The Cathedral Quarter at the Lugenstein is another gem with its bars, town hall, ‘Domherrenhaus’ (Cathedral Chapter House), vintage train and much more.

Day 2: Verden – Nienburg. Bike tour: 30-35 km or extend to 55-60 km

Today, your bicycle tour will start in Verden, and we’ll follow the Weser Cycling Route along the Weser river, a popular German cycling route. Enjoy the impressive landscape of the ‘Weser Bergland (Weser hills) while biking along relatively flat terrain on well-maintained paths. On the way, there is a stopover in Hoya, the City of Earls. Here, you can follow the tracks of the famous Earl of Hoya during a stroll through the historical city centre. Afterwards, you’ll cycle on to Nienburg, where the Merlijn awaits you. This city offers many places of interest, like the ‘Spargelbrunnen’ (Asparagus Well), the bronze statue of the Magic Bayard Horse (Ros Bayard), and the parish church of St. Martin, the main church of the city, with its impressive 72-metre tower!     

Day 3: Nienburg – Minden. Bike tour: 30-35 km

After breakfast, we’ll continue our bike tour along the Weser Cycling Route. Crossing a beautiful and varied landscape, with unspoilt nature as far as the eye can see! In the Weser Valley, you’ll discover and experience nature at its best. At the next dock, you’ll board the Merlijn again and we will cruise on to Minden. In the afternoon, you’ll experience two hydrological highlights: the Weser Lock & Aquaduct. First, we’ll pass through the impressive lock where the Merlijn will be raised by 13 metres, right up to the Midland Canal, where we will dock. Our post-dinner walk will be to the Midland aquaduct, where the Midland canal crosses the Weser river. Our overnight stay is in Minden, along the Midland Canal.

At Merlijn, we have a long-standing tradition of experiencing the local cuisine by dining ashore on one evening. At the start of the trip, we will let you know which evening this will be.

Day 4: Minden – Hannover. Bike tour: 50-55 km

Early morning, we’ll cruise the Mittellandkanal Brücke (aquaduct) over the Weser river and continue our journey following the canal from now on. This is the starting point for today’s bicycle tour towards Hannover, passing the beautiful Steinhuder Lake natural reserve. The Merlijn awaits you in Hannover. Some Germans claim it’s the ‘ugliest city’ in Germany! Well, we think it’s impressive and rather overwhelming! Our docking place on the Midland Canal is on the outskirts of Hannover, to get in town at night we’ll offer you a local experience by taking the tram!

Day 5: Hannover – Braunschweig (Brunswick). Bike tour: 25-30 km or extend to 50-45 km

In the morning you will first ride your bike to the beautiful ‘Herrenhäuser Gärtens’ (Gardens), located in Herrenhausen, an urban district of Hannover. This group of gardens is made up of ‘the Great Garden, the Berggarden, the Georgengarden and the Welfengarden: a heritage of the former kings of Hannover. The entrance fee to this garden is included. After your visit, todays bike tour will start. Riding along the country side. An afternoon and dinner cruise will take you to Braunschweig where we stay overnight.

Day 6: Braunschweig (Brunswick). Bike tour: 30-35 km

Merlijn will stay in port offering you several options for the day. Our docking place is at a fair distance from Braunschweig’s city centre, getting there is possible by public transport or taxi. And of course by bike! Your guide will offer a great bike tour (loop) that is not too long, and leads to the city of Braunschweig: a city that has a lot to offer - not least of all its unique charm. It’s a large and modern city with a rich past, where you can find refreshing green oases of leisure alongside the bustle of urban life. First mentioned in records in 1031, Braunschweig continued to evolve, from the 12th century onwards - strongly influenced by the House of Welf and the Hanseatic tradition. Magnificent historical buildings such as Dankwarderode Castle and St. Blasii Cathedral in the heart of the city, as well as streets lined with historic houses, still bear witness to Braunschweig’s eventful past. After your visit the tour continues and leads you to Merlijn.

Day 7: Braunschweig – Wolfsburg. Bike tour: 35-40 km

We start with a morning cruise while having breakfast onboard, afterwards you will start cycling again! The tour will lead you partly along the midland canal, and also through the lush landscapes of Germany. The tour will continue until the destination of Wolfsburg, where the Merlijn will await you. Our docking location is directly next to ‘Volkswagen Autostadt’: the home of the world famous car manufacturer. The entrance fee plus a collective 1-hour guided tour of the Autostadt is included, where you will learn everything about the site. Afterwards, car lovers can spend the rest of the afternoon in the museum, shopping enthusiasts can visit Wolfsburg’s outlet centers. In the evening, there will be a festive farewell meal and overnight on board.

Day 8: Wolfsburg

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye and continue your European trip, or leave for the airport. Learn more about northern German culture and consider extending your holiday in Berlin!