Leisure Route 14 – Old Elbe tunnel FR14
length approx. 17kmStarting at the Landungsbrücken you'll pass through the old Elbe tunnel, whose offical name is St. Pauli Elbtunnel. After the industrial flair in the harbour with its movable bridges, there's more greenery starting at village Moorburg. Once you've heaved your bike through the rail underpass, you're in the Harburger Berge and can enjoy the small hills and inclines.
Following the route
There is no signage for this route. There are a few branches which are easily missed, so a satnav is useful, but not required. You can also commit the complicated sections to memory and cycle without a map or technical aid.
Comfort / Quality
The tour can be split into two parts: In the harbour the paths are made of asphalt or paving, which can be used even in rainy weather. Sole exception is the section at Roßdamm, for which there's a close alternative alongside the bigger street.
After the rail underpass the paths are forest tracks of different qualities. There's good fine gravel, but also muddy or sandy sections that are more suited to a mountain bike than a city-bike.
You're unlikely to get stuck in (car) traffic jams.
Suggested alternatives for problematic sections
- Roßdamm: to the south, simply follow the road and don't cross the train tracks. Towards the city, switch to Ellerholzweg early on.
- dock railway crossing: take detour via Moorburger Hinterdeich, Fürstenmoordamm
- rail underpass: take Bostelbeker Damm, Moorburger Bogen, Stader Straße instead
Opinion
It's a sensible route with most paths being cycling friendly. Take note of the route changing its character completely around the middle, though, and maybe only use the parts you like.
If you continue along the Harburger Stadtweg you can reach two tourist attractions: the open air museum Kiekeberg and the wildlife park Schwarze Berge.