Berlin-Usedom Cycle Route

The Berlin-Usedom-Radfernweg connects Germany's vibrant capital with the Baltic Sea island of Usedom, guiding cyclists through the expansive forests of Schorfheide, historic towns of the Uckermark region, and along the picturesque coastline. Starting at Schlossplatz near the Berliner Dom, this classic route traverses quiet woodlands and follows canals and lakes to the sandy beaches and imperial spa towns of Usedom island.

This well-established long-distance route passes through three federal states (Berlin, Brandenburg, and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), offering a perfect blend of urban departure, rural tranquility, and coastal arrival. The route's gentle terrain and excellent signage make it particularly welcoming for beginners and families with children, while the varied landscapes and cultural highlights keep experienced cyclists engaged throughout the journey.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty level: Easy, suitable for beginners and families with children
• Elevation profile: Predominantly flat with minimal climbing, approximately 550-600 meters of total elevation gain
• Surface types: Mostly paved with dedicated cycle paths and quiet rural roads. Approximately 30 kilometers feature specially prepared unpaved surfaces, with only about 5 kilometers considered more challenging
• Route type: Mix of separated bike paths, quiet country roads, and traffic-free routes
• Recommended direction: Well-signposted in both directions
• Recommended bike: Touring bikes suitable for predominantly paved surfaces with occasional unpaved sections
• Official status: Officially opened in 2007 as a recognized long-distance cycle route

Route Marking & Navigation

The Berlin-Usedom-Radfernweg features excellent signage throughout its entire length, clearly marked in both directions to accommodate cyclists traveling from Berlin to the Baltic coast or returning. The route follows a consistent waymarking system that guides riders through the varying landscapes from urban Berlin through rural Brandenburg and into Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

The route transitions smoothly from city streets and dedicated cycle paths in Berlin to quiet forest tracks in Schorfheide and narrow country lanes in the Uckermark. The well-developed cycling infrastructure along this classic route ensures that even less experienced cyclists can follow the path confidently without extensive map consultation, though standard cycling navigation tools remain useful for planning stops and identifying attractions along the way.

Main Stages & Highlights

The route divides naturally into six stages, each offering distinct landscapes and experiences:

Stage 1: Berlin to Bernau (20 km)
The journey begins at Schlossplatz near the Berliner Dom, following separated bike paths through Prenzlauer Berg and Pankow. After passing through Schlosspark Schönhausen, the route leaves the bustling city behind, following the Panke river and the elevated Stettiner Bahn railway line through quiet suburban settlements before reaching the historic town of Bernau bei Berlin. Cyclists wishing to avoid central Berlin traffic can start from the S-Bahn station in Pankow.

Stage 2: Bernau to Joachimsthal (46 km)
Berlin quickly fades into memory as the route immerses cyclists in the natural beauty of the Barnim district. Pine and deciduous forests create a canopy overhead while birdsong accompanies the excellent cycle path. The historic market square in Biesental offers a pleasant rest stop beneath an ancient oak tree, while the local bakery provides refreshments. The Grafenbrück lock on the Finowkanal and the Oder-Havel-Canal mark progress before the route follows the Werbellinsee lake to Joachimsthal, the heart of Schorfheide. Even well-paved sections occasionally feature root heaves where tree roots have lifted the surface.

Stage 3: Joachimsthal to Prenzlau (62 km)
The extensive forests of Schorfheide, once hunting grounds for various heads of state, continue beyond Steinhöfel. Small villages like Parlow and Glambeck impress with their half-timbered churches and the distinctive Taubenturm tower. The route quality and planning particularly shine in this section. As the path approaches the Uckerseengebiet lake district, gentle hills appear, leading through the resort towns of Warnitz and Seehausen before following the Unteruckersee to Prenzlau.

Stage 4: Prenzlau to Ueckermünde (69 km)
Narrow country roads with minimal traffic wind through the final sleepy villages of Uckermark, accompanied by countless wind turbines dotting the landscape. At Nechlin, the route crosses into Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with historic Pasewalk emerging as a genuine gem along the way. Beyond Pasewalk, former military zones and barracks mark the landscape to Torgelow. From here, the route initially follows natural paths before becoming road-adjacent from Eggesin to Ueckermünde on the Stettiner Haff. A ferry operates between Ueckermünde and Kamminke, and a shortcut exists between Werbelow and Ueckermünde.

Stage 5: Ueckermünde to Usedom Town (61 km)
Departing Ueckermünde, the route briefly leaves the Haff shoreline and enters the Anklamer Stadtbruch nature reserve north of Bugewitz. This section transforms into the most challenging terrain of the entire route, a narrow, predominantly stony path that later becomes poorly paved. Despite the surface conditions, cyclists rarely complain due to the stunning landscape. The Lilienthal town of Anklam provides an excellent stopping point before the route circles the Peenetal moor and crosses the Zecherin drawbridge onto Usedom island, soon reaching Usedom town. The bridge opens four times daily for approximately 20 minutes.

Stage 6: Usedom Town to Peenemünde (72 km)
Well-constructed field and forest paths initially give way to lightly trafficked narrow roads leading to the small village of Garz. A hilly forested section and a surprisingly high dune ridge precede arrival at the Baltic coast. The coastal cycle path passes through the famous imperial spas of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin, then continues through dune forests, past campsites, and through additional resort towns to reach Peenemünde. Short but steep climbs appear before Ahlbeck and after Ückeritz, and the coastal paths carry many pedestrians and inexperienced cyclists requiring extra caution.

Key Attractions Along the Route

The Berlin-Usedom-Radfernweg passes through diverse landscapes and historically significant locations:

Historical Sites

• Berliner Dom and Schlossplatz: The starting point in Berlin's historic center
• Schlosspark Schönhausen: Marks the transition from urban to suburban Berlin
• Bernau bei Berlin: Historic small town at the first stage end
• Grafenbrück Lock: Historic lock on the Finowkanal (note: closed until end of 2025 with 3-kilometer detour)
• Pasewalk: A historic gem in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern with significant architectural heritage
• Anklam: Known as the Lilienthal town, birthplace of aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal
• Imperial Spas (Kaiserbäder): The elegant resort towns of Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf, and Bansin on Usedom
• Peenemünde: Historic site at the northern tip of Usedom island

Natural Attractions

• Schorfheide: Extensive forest region, former hunting grounds of various heads of state
• Werbellinsee: Scenic lake near Joachimsthal
• Uckerseengebiet: Lake district with gently rolling terrain around Warnitz and Seehausen
• Unteruckersee: Lake near Prenzlau
• Stettiner Haff: Coastal lagoon at Ueckermünde
• Anklamer Stadtbruch: Protected nature reserve with distinctive landscape
• Peenetal Moor: Peat bog landscape before Usedom island
• Baltic Sea coastline: Sandy beaches and dune forests of Usedom island

Cultural Highlights

• Biesental Market Square: Featuring an ancient oak tree and traditional bakery
• Taubenturm in Glambeck: Distinctive pigeon tower with rest area and half-timbered church
• Zecherin Drawbridge: Working drawbridge providing access to Usedom island

Accommodation Options

The Berlin-Usedom-Radfernweg benefits from very good cycling infrastructure throughout, ensuring riders have ample accommodation choices at comfortable intervals. The route's popularity and established status mean cyclists will find sufficient options for overnight stays in all major towns and many smaller villages along the way.

• Hotels and guesthouses: Available in larger towns like Bernau, Joachimsthal, Prenzlau, Pasewalk, Anklam, and throughout Usedom island's resort areas
• Campsites: Well-distributed along the route, particularly popular on Usedom island
• Rest stops and dining: Abundant options throughout the journey, from Berlin bakeries to coastal resort restaurants

Access & Transportation

Getting There

The route's official start at Schlossplatz in Berlin-Mitte near the Berliner Dom provides easy access via Berlin's comprehensive public transport network. Cyclists preferring to avoid central Berlin traffic can begin from Berlin-Pankow near the S-Bahn station, shortening the route while bypassing the busiest urban sections. This alternative start point in Berlin-Buch reduces the total distance to approximately 205 kilometers when combined with the Stettiner Haff ferry crossing.

Getting Back

Excellent railway connections along the route provide flexible options for returning or starting at various points. The well-developed public transport infrastructure means cyclists can easily access the route at multiple entry points or conclude their journey at convenient locations. Ferry services, including the crossing between Ueckermünde and Kamminke near Garz, offer additional transport flexibility when planning the route.

Practical Considerations

The Berlin-Usedom-Radfernweg's reputation as a relatively easy, beginner-friendly route holds true for most of its length. The predominantly flat terrain with minimal climbing makes this an ideal choice for cyclists seeking an enjoyable long-distance experience without significant physical challenges. However, a few sections require special attention.

The most technically demanding section occurs between Ueckermünde and Usedom town, particularly through the Anklamer Stadtbruch nature reserve. Here, the narrow, predominantly stony path later transitions to poorly paved surface, creating the most challenging riding conditions of the entire route. Despite these surface conditions, the remarkable landscape typically compensates for the additional effort required. Even well-maintained paved sections, particularly between Bernau and Joachimsthal, occasionally feature root heaves where tree roots have lifted the surface.

The coastal section between Ahlbeck and Peenemünde presents a different challenge, not from terrain but from traffic. These popular resort paths carry many pedestrians and inexperienced cyclists, requiring heightened caution and reduced speeds. Short but notable climbs appear before Ahlbeck and after Ückeritz, where the route crosses substantial dune ridges.

Current construction affects one section: the Grafenbrück lock between Bernau and Joachimsthal remains closed until the end of 2025, with a well-marked 3-kilometer detour in place. The Zecherin drawbridge opens four times daily for approximately 20 minutes. Timing crossings appropriately prevents minimal delays.

Final Tips

The Berlin-Usedom-Radfernweg offers an accessible introduction to long-distance cycling while rewarding experienced riders with varied landscapes and cultural discoveries. The combination of excellent signage in both directions, comprehensive cycling infrastructure, and beginner-friendly terrain makes this route particularly suitable for first-time cycle tourists and families. Plan for 5-6 days to fully appreciate the journey, allowing time to explore historic towns like Pasewalk and Anklam, enjoy the natural beauty of Schorfheide's forests and the Uckerseengebiet, and relax in the coastal atmosphere of Usedom's resort towns.

Consider the excellent rail connections when planning your adventure. Starting from Berlin-Pankow reduces urban riding while maintaining the route's essential character, and the ferry options provide interesting alternatives for shortening or varying the journey. The route's popularity means services and support are readily available, but booking accommodation in advance during peak summer season on Usedom island proves wise. Whether you're seeking a relaxed multi-day tour or a steady-paced challenge, this classic route from capital to coast delivers a quintessentially German cycling experience.