Magdeburg on the Elbe

Short Description

On 28 kilometers, this circular route takes you along the green banks of the Elbe. Those traveling here feel the connection of the Magdeburg residents with their Elbe.

Directions

An entry point to the route is possible anywhere along the river. We start our tour in front of the Tourist Information Magdeburg at Breiter Weg 22. Before heading north from here, you should make a stop at the Old Market. Surrounded by historical facades, the Old Town Hall from the 12th century and the golden Magdeburg Rider dominate the marketplace.

Arriving at the Elbe banks, you pass the medieval Lukasklause, where everything about Magdeburgs world-famous inventor Otto von Guericke can be discovered today. The route takes you through the Science Port. Here, a modern quarter with innovative companies and research institutions is emerging between the historic harbor cranes. The first Elbe crossing of the tour runs over the Herrenkrugsteg, one of the longest and most beautiful pedestrian suspension bridges in Germany.

Along the wide avenue of Herrenkrugstraße, you reach one of Magdeburgs largest leisure attractions: the Elbauenpark. Created for the Federal Garden Show in 1999 from a former military area, an impressive amusement park has emerged here. On almost 100 hectares, numerous adventures are guaranteed. The Millennium Tower, the landmark of the amusement park, can already be seen from afar. In the 60-meter high wooden tower, visitors get an exciting insight into 6,000 years of human history.

The route continues along the Elbe Cycle Path and now leads along the Old Elbe. On the dike in the eastern Elbe district of Cracau, you can decide: Either you follow the shortcut through the Rotehorn City Park, crossing the pedestrian bridge at the waterfall. Or you continue cycling southwards. In this case, you will soon enjoy unique views of the floodplain landscape. From the dike, you can see the Prester Lake. Grey herons and beavers are among the residents here.

Your next destination is the Kreuzhorst, a nature reserve with beautiful floodplain forest. Under pretty tree avenues, passing by large fields, you reach the landing stage of the Gierseil ferry Westerhüsen (ferry operating hours). With the ferry, attached to a long wire rope, you return to the western banks of the Elbe.

Following the Elbe Cycle Path, you are now heading towards the Salbker Lakes. Passing by the historic water tower and the marina, you reach the urban district of Buckau. Here, a detour to the neighborhood is worthwhile. Small studios of artisans and designers invite you to stroll around. At the level of Sternbrücke, the shortcut through the city park rejoins the route.

In Klosterbergegarten, it is worth taking a look at the detailed design. The first public park in the German-speaking world was designed by the General Garden Director of the royal Prussian gardens, Peter Joseph Lenné. The impressive society house and the Gruson greenhouses stand out here.

Next, you reach Magdeburgs old town. Via Hegelstraße with its magnificent Wilhelminian-style buildings, you arrive at the end of the route at the highlights of the state capital: the Magdeburg Cathedral, the first Gothic cathedral in Germany, and the Monastery of Our Lady. Today, international contemporary art works are housed in the Romanesque monastery complex.

Safety Instructions

Suitable for a day trip, family-friendly

Path Condition:

Well-developed routes, mostly paved, flat and largely away from roads