After another wonderful breakfast buffet we packed up and were on the road slightly before 10 AM. The weather was cloudy with some bits of sun but most importantly it was dry. We knew that we were heading toward forecasted rain showers near Bremen. The weather guess was some rain around 1 PM and based on that, we thought it best that we move along without too many delays. But, right off the bat, our plan went sideways as the radweg leaving Verden was closed for construction and we needed to backtrack a few times to pick our way around the closed section. Eventually we found our way and were soon riding through rural areas and then along a straight stretch beside the Langwedel canal. It looked like it was designed to take several large kinks out of the Weser River making it easier for ships and other water craft.
On our route through the town of Thedinghausen we could see the clouds ahead becoming much darker. We did take some time to explore the local church area but had to pass on further exploring Schloss Erbhof, an old manor house from 1620 and the Weser Renaissance period. Not too far down the road we needed to take cover under a tree until a local shower had passed. We then enjoyed the last 15 KM into Bremen under mixed and sometime sunny skies. It seems that if you do not like the weather around here, wait 20 minutes!
Pat was passing a couple of ladies that we met at the train station in Nienburg and then again at breakfast in our hotel at Verden. A canal is over the hill on our left.
Here is a new sign added to the usual cycle direction ones. Coming up to a ferry but we were not quite sure where. As it turned, out we think it was for a small boat that does not cross the river but instead travels from Verden to Bremen.
As forecasted at 1 PM exactly. Time to put on the pannier covers and our jackets. Fortunately, it was just a passing heavy shower as these conditions are no fun to ride in.
Approaching Bremen we rode beside the Weser as well as lakes and waterways that are also fed by the river. It was a really nice scenic ride. As we got closer, the cycle traffic began to pick up and we had to be cautious as most of the riders were travelling much faster than us as they knew where they were going. Our route led us right into the centre of Bremen and a real WOW moment. We did not really know much about Bremen but the Bremer Marktplatz is really something. From the internet, ¨The building ensemble which flanks the Marktplatz is considered one of the most beautiful in Germany. In July 2004, the part consisting of the Roland Statue and the Town Hall was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sandstone and brick are uniformly used for the façades of the buildings.¨
We completed a few circles looking at the amazing buildings and took a seat under a large umbrella in the town square to have a beer. Thankfully we could move our chairs well under cover as the skies opened again and we watched the square clear as everyone ran for cover.
Bremen's St. Peter's Cathedral is one of the city's most striking landmarks. Our view as we sat under cover enjoying our post ride beverages in the Bremer Marktplatz.
The Bremen Roland is a statue of Roland, erected in 1404. It stands in the market square of Bremen, Germany, facing the cathedral, and shows Roland, paladin of the first Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and hero of the Battle of Roncevaux Pass.
For dinner we picked a restaurant by the river that had basic German menu items. Nothing fancy but very tasty. It was a nice night so after dinner we continued walking around. By now, Bremen's Market Square was quiet. It was here that we closed out stage two of the tour - The Weser Radweg for us is done.
Walking along the Weser in Bremen is a really nice stroll.
The Alexander von Humboldt, built in1906 gained international recognition through commercials for Beck's Beer. The historical three-masted ship now serves as a permanently moored hotel and restaurant.
Today's ride: 52 km (32 miles) Total: 865 km (537 miles)
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Michael HutchingThanks for your interesting descriptions of the Weser route, Scott and Pat- I’ve tucked that one away for future reference. Seems like a possible way to cycle from Frankfurt to the sea and trying the Baltic routes. Happy cycling. Reply to this comment 3 days ago
Scott Anderson We've never cycled northern Germany, but you make it really worth putting on our map. Bremen looks like a stunning place to visit. Reply to this comment 2 days ago
