Route Lower Saxony

The section of the R1 in Lower Saxony welcomes the cyclist with an enjoyable ride along the banks of the river Weser.

You can cycle without any gradient through to Holzminden.

Originally a safe haven for the local smallholders, the town enjoyed a boom in the 18th century when an iron works was established there. Later it was the location for the flavourings industry.

In Holzminden, the R1 stops following the river Weser, and you find yourself enjoying wonderful views over gentle hills, undulating pastures, and dense forests.

You are now in the heart of the Weserbergland.

But there is no need to be disheartened by the idea of having to cycle over hills or mountains.

The route often runs along the flat valleys of some of the small rivers that have their source here.

Inclines of up to 200 metres are mostly gentle and the Weserbergland only places demands on the fitness of its cycle tourists in a few places.

Wonderful half-timbered houses, fully preserved historical town centres, and pretty villages with inviting opportunities to take a break from the cycling and enjoy the hospitality.

A real pearl is Bad Gandersheim. With a history dating back 1200 years, and with a foundation church and a market place in a historical town centre which are worth a visit in their own right, it is set in an idyllic landscape on the west edge of the Harz district, and also offers attractive cultural activities and festivals through the year.

Almost without noticing, as if drawn by the attraction of the ancient castles, palaces, monasteries, and museums, you will find yourself after about 75 kilometres on the edge of the Harz National Park on a section of the “Harz Circular Tour” which goes around the Upper Harz to Langelsheim, and then passes through the Mittelgebirge.

It is worth spending some time in Goslar, for example to visit the imperial palace — the “Kaiserpfalz”.

In 1992, the Goslar ore mine, which had been in operation until 1988 was included in the World Heritage List.

Through into the Upper Harz, cyclists can use well-built bikeways which are free from cars.

Around Goslar the R1 has to make use of local roads because the valleys offer no other possibility without excessive gradients. However, traffic levels remain within acceptable levels.