Picturesque green meadows interspersed with wide fields and dead-straight canals. Beautiful lakes in unique nature reserves and meandering rivers that flow happily through the flat landscape of northern Germany. Windmills, charming villages and staggering beautiful towns: This is the former Elber-Weser cycle path.

Today, the old Elbe-Weser cycle path no longer officially exists. Having been barely used for generations, the government rendered maintenance efforts pointless and pulled the plug on the path back in 2015. Today, however, the path is still there and still very much rideable—you'll just encounter way fewer people as you ride.

In four days, you can cycle comfortably from Otterndorf on the Elbe to Bremen on the Weser - perfect for a short holiday or a long weekend. The four stages of the largely flat bike ride are between 37 and 60 kilometers (22-37 miles) long, and you can comfortably get to the starting point in Otterndorf by train. Departing from Bremen, which is connected to both local and long-distance rail services, is also just as simple.

While cycling the former Elbe-Weser cycle path, you'll bike by numerous places to top up on refreshments, to grab a bite to eat, and to get a good night's sleep. Charming villages and small towns, as well as camping sites and bathing lakes, offer plenty of places to enjoy a quick afternoon rest or an overnight stay. So all that's left is for you to pack up your bike, head to Ottendorf, and rediscover the beautiful Elbe-Weser cycle path.