Wolfsburg to Cologne

Day 1: Arrival in Wolfsburg - Midland Canal
Day 2: Midland Canal - Braunschweig - Peine - Hannover
Day 3: Hannover - Kohlenfeld - Minden
Day 4: Minden - Bad Essen - Bamsche - Münster
Day 5: Münster - Datteln - Oberhausen 
Day 6: Oberhausen - Düsseldorf 
Day 7: Düsseldorf – Zons - Cologne 
Day 8: Cologne 

*Daily cycling distances range between 35 and 55 km. All distances are approximate. The above-planned itinerary is subject to change, even on very short notice,  due to changing wind and weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances having to do with mooring requirements, docking location changes, lock repairs,  etc.

Day 1: Arrival in Wolfsburg
Check-in at 1:30 pm. You have a couple of options on how to spend your afternoon. You can then immediately go to visit the VW Autostadt and tour at your leisure and on your own.

At 3 pm,  a 45 minute guided tour will be offered through the park or you can opt to visit the charming city center of Wolfsburg.

You are officially welcomed on board at 4 pm and then at 5 pm, the Merlijn will depart Wolfsburg,  as you enjoy a complimentary welcome drink and introduction to the crew and tour presentation.  The ship will dock and stay overnight in a rural setting along the Midland Canal.

Day 2: Midland Canal - Braunschweig -  Peine - Hannover
An early morning sail leads further along the Midland Canal, with arrival in Braunschweig at about 9 am. First you can explore this very charming Hanseatic city and later, cyle to Peine, situated on the Midland Canal. Here you will board the Merlijn and later enjoy dinner onboard as you navigate to Hannover.

Day 3: Hannover - Kohlenfeld -  Minden
You begin cycling directly from Hannover, where you first will have the chance to see the famous baroque gardens ‘Herrenhäuser Gardens, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen’. The route then leads along the Natural Preserve of Steinhuder Lake, ending in Kohlenfeld, where the Merlijn awaits to navigate to Minden. Today you will experience one of the highlights of this trip, the Wasserstraßenkreuz (Aquatic Interchange), where the Midland Canal crosses the Weser River via a 13-meter high aqueduct. You will pass through the impressive River Weser Lock where the Merlijn will be lowered 13 meters to the Weser River. Your overnight stay will be in Minden.  

Day 4: Minden - Bad Essen - Bramsche - Münster
Again you start with a sailing breakfast while you enjoy the view of the beautiful surroundings of the Weserbergland. Your bike tour will be from Bad Essen to Bramsche, passing the Teutoburger Wald (Teutoburg Forest) a range of low, forested mountains in the German states of Lower Saxony and North Rhine-Westphalia. You will also pass the Kalkrieser Berg (mountain) where the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest (Varusschlacht) took place. It is described as the Varian disaster by Roman historians. It took place in 9 AD when an alliance of Germanic tribes led by Arminius of the Cherusci ambushed and decisively destroyed three Roman legions and their auxiliaries, led by Publius Quinctilius Varus. You have the opportunity to visit this former battlefield (entrance fee is included) and learn more about its great history. You board the Merlijn in Bramsche and navigate to Münster, city of science, sculptures, and the Peace of Westphalia. It is also the city of bicycles! This Hanseatic city is a metropolis with many faces. You will surely enjoy your night in the town, in the Altstadt.

Day 5: Münster - Senden - Datteln - Oberhausen 
You start sailing from Münster early in the morning and your bike tour starts shortly after Senden and ends in Datteln. This region has one of the highest German concentrations of castles, palaces, and fortifications, Lüdinghausen having three by itself. First, you will pass Vischering Castle (1271). You can visit here and also stroll on the sandstone wall and have a look into the courtyard.  Afterward, you will pass the Lüdinghausen Castle, also built in 1271.  From here you bike further to Datteln from which you navigate to Oberhausen.

Day 6: Oberhausen - Düsseldorf 
You cycle from Oberhausen to Düsseldorf, pedaling through the so-called ‘Ruhr-Gebiet’ a very important German industrial area, though most of the cycling will be in the forest where you will have a view of the‘Stinkesberg’ a historical mountain in this area. Once in Düsseldorf, you will have time to explore this great city. The Altstadt is worth a visit. Tonight you will enjoy your dinner in one of the many restaurants here in Düsseldorf.

Day 7: Düsseldorf – Zons - Cologne 
While you enjoy your breakfast, the Merlijn will motor to Zons. From here you will cycle along the Rhine River to Cologne. The cathedral spires tower over Germany's oldest city and its innumerable cultural and historical treasures, world-famous museums, and active art scene. People meet here for a Kölsch (a local beer). Life in Cologne is uncomplicated and vivacious. You will experience this great city even more in the Altstadt while enjoying a Kölsch as well! Last dinner and overnight stay in Cologne. 

Day 8: Cologne 
After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye to your new friends and crew.

Looking for more?  View all of our featured bike and barge tours, or view our full list of bike trips.

• 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