Hase-Ems-Tour Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Hase-Ems-Tour runs from Osnabrück along the Hase through the Hasetal, then later follows the Ems to Emden. The finish is the Ems estuary in the Dollart — so you’re ticking off river kilometres in the direction of the North Sea.
The Hase-Ems-Tour is a long-distance cycle route of around 334.6 km through Lower Saxony and NRW: you start in Osnabrück on the River Hase, follow it through the Hasetal, then later switch over to the Ems and ride all the way to its mouth in the Dollart near Emden. The appeal is the clear red thread of “from the source region to the sea”: first the Hase, then the Ems — with plenty of sections right by the water and short detours into towns along the way. On the ride you’ll move between river meadows, built-up stretches and open, exposed passages; that mix keeps things varied, but not every section feels equally quiet. It’s a good route for beginners and easygoing riders because you can split it into whatever day stages you like; it’s also an easy, relaxed ride on an e-bike. Families benefit from the fact you’re often close to towns, so you can take breaks whenever it suits. Planning your cycling trip yourself, without a tour operator? Use the Hase-Ems-Tour like a ruler across north-west Germany — and build your stages to match your pace.
Route Profile
| Distance | 335 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | Well signposted |
| Suitable For | Beginners, Recreational cyclists, Families, E-bike, With children |
| Surface | Mixed |
Hase-Ems-Tour Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Hase-Ems-Tour
The route is at its best wherever you really stay “with the river”: the sections directly alongside the Hase or the Ems are what give it character, and they make navigation nicely straightforward. Highlight: the final run towards Emden with the clear target of the Dollart/Ems estuary — after so many river kilometres it feels like a proper straight-line ride to the end of the water.
Highlights on the Hase-Ems-Tour
- Osnabrück on the Hase as the starting point for the river route.
- Riding through the Hasetal with a consistent line along the River Hase.
- Switching from the Hase section onto the Ems stretch — the tour’s second “river mode”.
- Emden as the destination city shortly before the Ems estuary.
- The Ems estuary in the Dollart as the official end of the route.
Accommodations on the Hase-Ems-Tour
Along the Hase-Ems-Tour you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Hase-Ems-Tour there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Hase-Ems-Tour Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
If you want a long, logically laid-out river route, the Hase-Ems-Tour gives you a clear line from Osnabrück to the Dollart by linking the Hase and the Ems. Its strengths are the frequent close-to-the-water riding and the tangible end point at the estuary; weaker are the stretches that feel less “river-first”. For DIY planners it’s ideal, because you can cut day distances and stops to fit without any fuss.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.