Bremen to Wolfsburg

Day 1: Bremen - Verden
Day 2: Verden - Nienburg 
Day 3: Nienburg - Stolzenau - Minden 
Day 4: Minden - Sachsenhagen - Hannover 
Day 5: Hannover - Peine 
Day 6: Peine - Braunschweig 
Day 7: Braunschweig - Wolfsburg 
Day 8: Wolfsburg 

*Average daily distances between 30 and 45 km per day. All distances are approximate. The itinerary is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to weather, last-minute mooring changes, and restructuring of locks or bridges.

Day 1: Bremen - Verden 
Check-in on board begins at 3:30 pm.  At 5 pm, the Merlijn sails to Verden, where you stay overnight. After a welcome drink, there is a tour presentation, introducing the crew and informing you about the week ahead. While sailing, you will enjoy the scenery of the ‘Weser-bergland’. After dinner, you may want to stroll through the equestrian city of Verden, the mecca of the Hanoverian horse, a world-famous and powerful German  bred horse. 

Well worth seeing in Verden is the historical old city center along the Aller River with its pedestrian area ‘Große Straße’ (Big street). The Cathedral Quarter at the Lugenstein with its bars, the town hall, the ‘Domherrenhaus’ (Cathedral Chapter House), the vintage train, and much more. 

Day 2: Verden – Nienburg 
Today your bicycle tour will start in Verden and we will follow the Weser-Cycling-Route along the Weser river, one of the most popular German cycling routes. Enjoy the impressive landscape of the ‘Weser-bergland (Weser-hills) while biking one of the best bikeways of Europe. On the way, make a stop in Hoya, the city of Earls. Here you can follow the tracks of the famous Earl of Hoya during a stroll through the historic city center. Afterward, cycle 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 St. Martin, the main church of the city due to its impressive 72-meter tower! 

Day 3: Nienburg – Stolzenau – Minden 
After breakfast, you continue cycling along the Weser-Cycling-Route to Stolzenau, crossing a beautiful and varied landscape. In the Weser Hills, you can discover and experience nature at its best. In Stolzenau, you will board the Merlijn again and cruise to Minden. In the afternoon you will experience two Hydrological highlights: the Weser Lock and Aqueduct. First, pass through the impressive lock where the Merlijn will be raised for 13 meters right up to the Midland Canal. After dinner is a walk to the Midland aqueduct, where the Midland canal crosses the Weser river. Overnight stay in Minden at the Midland Canal. 

Day 4: Minden - Sachsenhagen - Hannover 
You cruise the Mittelland-kanal-brucke (aqueduct) over the Weser river up to Sachsenhagen, where today’s bicycle tour starts, leading towards Hannover, passing the beautiful Natural Preserve Steinhuder Lake. Tonight you will enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many restaurants in Hannover. The docking place of the Merlijn, on the midland canal, is at the edge of Hannover. Transport to the city center can be arranged. 

Day 5: Hannover - Peine 
In the morning, you will first ride your bike to the beautiful Herrenhausen 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, they are a heritage of the kings of Hannover. The entrance to these gardens is included. After your visit, you hop on your bike to cycle to Peine.

Day 6: Peine - Braunschweig 
Today’s bike tour is a short one and will lead you to the city of Braunschweig, a large and modern city with a rich past, where you can find refreshing green oases of leisure alongside the bustle of inner-city life. First mentioned in records in 1031, Braunschweig continued to evolve from the 12th century on, strongly influenced by the House of Guelf 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. The boat stays here overnight. 

Day 7: Braunschweig - Wolfsburg 
The bike tour will lead you partly along the midland canal and also through the green landscapes of Germany. Today's destination is Wolfsburg where the Merlijn will await you. The boat will dock next to the ‘Volkswagen Autostadt’. Included is a one hour, guided tour in the Autostadt. You can spend the rest of the afternoon in the museum or visit the city center of Wolfsburg. Farewell dinner and overnight on board. 

Day 8: Wolfsburg 
Individual departure after breakfast. 

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• Merlijn

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  4.7 out of 5 (10 Reviews)

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  Deluxe Class Barge

  Hybrid Bicycle

  The Merlijn prides itself on the top quality bikes offered. See photo below. Although only your own helmet provides the best fit, bicycle helmets are available to borrow on board for the week. These… Read More

  Electric Bicycle

  The Merlijn has e-bikes available to rent. You may reserve them in advance. The cost is €30 per day, payable on board, advanced reservation is required. Visa and MasterCard accepted for payment. •… Read More

  "The Divine Miss M" as we lovingly call the Merlijn is a diva, for sure. What can we say? Is it the luxurious cabins with most comfortable beds you have ever slept in? Is it the lovely dining area with the large windows and skylight that let the air, light, and sun pour in? Or perhaps it is the sun deck, where you can relax with newfound friends, sharing good wine and good conversation. We think you will find it is the entire divine package! Step onboard and discover for yourself! Read More