--- title: "Characteristics of the route" url: "https://www.northseacycleroute.de/on-the-route/route-course/characteristics-of-the-route" description: "You experience these constantly changing impressions mostly on asphalted and low-traffic cycle paths. In between, you can expect e.g. in nature reserves or forests, there are also natural and gravel paths. One thing is definitely guaranteed: the variety of experiences!" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home page > On the route > Route course > Characteristics of the route" --- ##### Characteristics of the route Cycling along the North Sea Cycle Route The North Sea Coast boasts a particularly impressive landscape. If you choose to travel along the North Sea Cycle Route, you'll be cycling to the rhythm of the tides and feel the ever-changing ebb and flow. Together with the vast expanse of the north, the route takes you through beautiful places steeped in maritime flair, past stately lighthouses, small and large harbours as well as through beautiful and unique nature. These constantly changing impressions are mostly experienced on tarmac cycle paths with little traffic. You can also venture onto nature trails and gravel paths in nature reserves and forests, for example. In any case, one thing is guaranteed: a variety of experiences! Did you know? 932 km is the length of the German section of the North Sea Cycle Route 414 km are on tarmac trails 278 km are cycled on gravel paths 175 km lead along the road 39 km run along natural paths 30 m above sea level is the highest point of the tour "Nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a bike ride" John F. Kennedy Route quality and traffic - Lower SaxonyThe landscape in Lower Saxony is relatively flat. The only climbs you can expect on the route between East Frisia and Cuxland are the short crossings that lead over the dykes. The route runs inland for a few kilometres south of the Elbe between Cuxhaven and Hamburg. Here, the route climbs up briefly to around 30 metres above sea level in Wingst as a result of the Wesermünde Geest landscape. With the exception of a stretch between Althemmoor and Stade, where you will find the only longer stretches of unpaved road, the North Sea Cycle Route runs on tarmac cycle paths or small roads. What's great about the route is that you often cycle along the dyke and always have the North Sea coast and the Wadden Sea nearby. The short detours and shortcuts through the hinterland of the dyke also add variety and reveal the diversity of the region. - Schleswig-Holstein The route is mainly characterised by flat coastal terrain, where the only gradients worth mentioning are the short dyke ascents. To add a touch of variety, the route also runs slightly off the coast, inland. This part of the route conveys a unique feeling of freedom thanks to the incredible expanse and northern German landscape. The quality of the North Sea Cycle Route in Schleswig-Holstein is outstanding. It runs along the dyke, on cycle paths alongside roads and on quiet country lanes or minor roads through the region. You will rarely have to negotiate roads with heavy traffic. A very small number of short stretches (less than 500 metres) are designated as pushing sections as they are unpaved. One further note: there may be obstacles, dirt and unevenness typical of dykes, e.g. debris, sheep droppings, sheep enclosures and occasional potholes. We love the tailwind Wind conditions are relatively constant in the North Sea regions in comparison to the mainland owing to the lack of obstacles in the landscape. This means that wind will be your constant companion on the tour. The wind speeds and wind directions over the North Sea are affected by the so-called westerly wind zone. This means that the wind often blows from **west to east**, which is why we recommend cycling the German section of the North Sea Cycle Route from the Netherlands up to Denmark. This will allow you to enjoy the tour mostly with a tailwind. Tour planning What should I take with me on the tour? What is the best bike for a cycle tour? What is the best way to dress? It is necessary to make some preparations for a tour on the North Sea Cycle Route. That's why we would like to give you a few tips. - Level of difficulty The stages making up the North Sea Cycle Route are all between 40 and 85 kilometres long, which makes them suitable for day tours. The flat landscape and few ascents mean that the North Sea Cycle Route is also suitable for beginners. Even kids can tackle this long-distance cycle route without any difficulties. It mainly runs along roads with little traffic, which is an advantage. You can select your route to suit your individual requirements in terms of kilometres, altitude or duration: - Fancy browsing even more? Then you might also be interested in this: