Insider tip for cyclists: Discover the wonderful Dollard Route!

Insider tip for cyclists: Discover the wonderful Dollard Route!

The Dollard Route, an impressive cycle route on the border between Germany and the Netherlands, has made a name for itself as an insider tip among cyclists. Today it is considered one of the most beautiful cycle routes in northwest Germany and attracts nature lovers and sporty excursionists alike. The route runs along the large Dollart Bay at the mouth of the Ems, a melting pot of fresh water from the Ems and the salt water of the North Sea, which offers a unique landscape. This diversity is also reflected in the spelling of the name: German “Dollart” with “t” and Dutch “Dollard” with “d”.

The bike tour starts in the charming town of Leer in East Frisia, which is known for its picturesque old town. The Jann Berghaus Bridge, one of the largest bascule bridges in Europe, is also located here. The route itself is flat and has only a few meters of elevation, so cyclists often ride below sea level. The route leads along the dike and passes various places such as Bingum, Jemgum, Midlum, Critzum and Hatzum.

Sights and culinary experiences

Another highlight of the Dollard Route is the harbor in Ditzum, where shrimp boats moor and where numerous dining options await hungry cyclists. There is also a ferry from Ditzum to Delfzijl, which runs several times a week from May to September and takes around two hours for the crossing. This ferry has a stopover in the outer harbor of Emden.

The region is known not only for its culinary offerings such as fresh fish and seafood, but also for its beautiful landscapes of polders, sluices and waters. There are various viewpoints along the cycle route that offer breathtaking views of the Dollart. This also includes the “Kiekkaaste” near Bad Nieuweschans, an observation tower that sits on the Wadden Sea, as well as the former Dyksterhusen natural gas drilling platform.

Tour details and practical tips

The Dollard Route has a total length of approximately 354 kilometers and is classified as difficult. The planned tour lasts approximately 27 hours and 40 minutes, with cyclists climbing a total of 14 meters and descending 15 meters. The highest point is at 9 meters while the lowest point is at -5 meters. Cyclists can get on at any point along the route and explore the fascinating landscape, although it is important to take enough provisions with them as the gastronomy in the region is few and far between.

The safety instructions recommend that you watch out for sheep on the cycle paths between Papenburg and Leer and between Leer and Ditzum, as the path can occasionally be dirty. There are various options available for getting there, including public transport with train connections to Leer or Papenburg.

For further information about the route and to plan your cycling holiday, we recommend visiting the website dollard-route.de. Whether you are a nature lover or a sports enthusiast – the Dollard Route promises an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful landscapes in Germany.