Havel-Radweg Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The Havel Cycle Route links the Havel spring near Ankershagen with the river mouth into the Elbe near Gnevsdorf. On the way you pass through places including Fürstenberg/Havel, Oranienburg, Berlin-Spandau, Potsdam, Werder, Brandenburg an der Havel, Rathenow and Havelberg. The route follows the Havel and runs through several nature parks, finishing with the Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe-Brandenburg.
The Havel Cycle Route is 410.6 km long and takes you from the Havel spring near Ankershagen to where the Havel flows into the Elbe near Gnevsdorf. You track the river from lakes and forest in the north down into the lowlands towards the Elbe — with solid waypoints like Fürstenberg/Havel, Oranienburg, Berlin-Spandau, Potsdam, Werder, Brandenburg an der Havel, Rathenow and Havelberg. What defines it is the mix of protected landscapes and city riding: early on you’re in the Müritz National Park, later you pass nature parks like Stechlin-Ruppiner Land, Uckermärkische Seen, Barnim and Westhavelland, and right at the end the Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe-Brandenburg. In Berlin-Spandau, the Oberhavelsteg footbridge over the Teufelsseekanal is a standout landmark. It works well for beginners, families and e-bikes — as long as you split the stages to suit you. You build the trip your own way: use the stages as a framework, then tweak them around your time and where you want to stay overnight.
Route Profile
| Distance | 376 km |
| Stages | 6 |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Families, Beginners, Recreational cyclists, E-bike, With children |
| Surface | Mixed |
Havel-Radweg Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
Havel-Radweg Stages
Wikipedia splits the Havel Cycle Route roughly into 6 stages. Add the stage lengths together and you get around 376 km; depending on the variant, the overall total is given differently.
Stage 1: Ankershagen → Fürstenberg/Havel (73 km)
You start at the Havel spring near Ankershagen and ride south. The route takes you through the Müritz National Park. South of Wesenberg you head east to Fürstenberg/Havel.
Müritz National Park.
Stage 2: Fürstenberg/Havel → Oranienburg (75 km)
Not long after Fürstenberg/Havel you keep heading south. You ride via Zehdenick on towards Oranienburg. This stage links a string of towns along the river’s course.
Zehdenick, Oranienburg.
Stage 3: Oranienburg → Potsdam (66 km)
From Oranienburg you ride south through Berlin’s Spandau district. The cycle route runs alongside large lakes. In Hakenfelde, the Oberhavelsteg crosses the Teufelsseekanal.
Chain of large lakes, Oberhavelsteg (Spandau-Hakenfelde) over the Teufelsseekanal.
Stage 4: Potsdam → Brandenburg an der Havel (58 km)
You leave Potsdam heading west. Via Werder, the route continues to Brandenburg an der Havel. A handy linking stage between two major cities.
Werder, Brandenburg an der Havel.
Stage 5: Brandenburg an der Havel → Rathenow (55 km)
After Brandenburg an der Havel you continue north. In Kirchmöser, the Elbe-Havel-Radweg branches off. Then you carry on towards Rathenow.
Elbe-Havel-Radweg turn-off in Kirchmöser.
Stage 6: Rathenow → Gnevsdorf (49 km)
From Rathenow you head north. You pass through Havelberg. At the end you reach the Havel’s mouth into the Elbe near Gnevsdorf.
Havelberg, Havel river mouth into the Elbe near Gnevsdorf.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Havel-Radweg
For a lot of riders, the section that really sticks is Oranienburg → Potsdam (Stage 3, 66 km): you ride south through Berlin’s Spandau district and stay close to a chain of big lakes. This is where the contrast between waterside landscapes and the city hits hardest. Highlight: in Spandau-Hakenfelde, the Oberhavelsteg crosses the Teufelsseekanal — an easy, unmistakable marker on your way towards Potsdam.
Highlights on the Havel-Radweg
- Müritz National Park on Stage 1 (Ankershagen → Fürstenberg/Havel).
- Naturpark Stechlin-Ruppiner Land along the route.
- Oberhavelsteg in Berlin-Spandau (Hakenfelde) over the Teufelsseekanal.
- Potsdam as a major city stop right on the line of the route.
- Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe-Brandenburg in the lower section towards the Elbe.
Accommodations on the Havel-Radweg
Along the Havel-Radweg you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Havel-Radweg 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 Havel-Radweg 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
As a river route, the Havel Cycle Route is easy to plan: clear start/finish points and plenty of towns for breaks between Ankershagen and Gnevsdorf. The nature sections are the big strength (including Müritz National Park and several nature parks), plus the distinctive run through Berlin-Spandau. The downside if you’re into neat numbers: depending on the variant, sources don’t agree on the total length and the summed stage distances.
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.