D3 Route – a cross-section of Germany

This 950 km route runs right across Germany: the German section of the R1 European Cycle Route is being converted into a premium long-distance cycle trail and was awarded three-star status by the German Cyclists' Federation. It already offers a varied mix of holiday fun and relaxation.

The route runs from the Dutch town of Vreden to Küstrin-Kietz on the Polish border, traversing a variety of landscapes including the level parkland of Münsterland, the hills in the Weserbergland and on the edge of the Harz, the open countryside of the Fläming region and the Oderbruch marshland. It also features the stunning riverscapes of the Weser, Saale and Elbe, as well as a biosphere reserve. There's a wealth of cultural highlights to be found at seven UNESCO World Heritage sites including Quedlinburg, Lutherstadt Wittenberg and the Bauhaus town of Dessau, and in cities such as Münster and Berlin. Terrain: first model route in the 'D' cycle network which runs right across Germany. It mainly uses dedicated paths or woodland trails through unspoilt countryside, largely away from busy roads. The long-distance cycle route is not always on asphalt. Scenery: crosses through a variety of regions and landscapes – from lowlands to highlands, river scenery to big cities (including Berlin), and a biosphere reserve to UNESCO World Heritage sites

• Length: 950 kilometres
• Starts: Vreden
• Ends: Küstrin-Kietz
• Route info: hilly in parts, steep gradients