Route Highlights
Hansestadt Buxtehude – lebendige Stadt mit bewegter Vergangenheit
Buxtehude, known as both a fairy-tale town and a Hanseatic town, is located in the holiday region of the “Altes Land am Elbstrom.” The first documented mention of the settlement “Buochstadon” dates back to the year 959, and in 1285 the town was founded by the Archbishop of Bremen. It was the first German town to be systematically built around a central harbour basin and quickly developed into a lively trading hub. Historic buildings such as the Fleth and St. Peter’s Church still shape the character of the old town today.
Vibrant city centre and leisure activities
Buxtehude combines history with urban life. The picturesque city centre invites visitors to shop and enjoy themselves, complemented by a family-friendly infrastructure with a wide range of sports and cultural activities. An extensive network of cycling and hiking paths, as well as a direct S-Bahn connection to Hamburg, further enhance the city’s attractiveness.
Sport, culture and sights
For sports enthusiasts, there are numerous opportunities: the Heidebad, indoor swimming pool, and local sports clubs offer a broad range of activities. The Estering Buxtehude is a well-known rallycross racing circuit. Culturally, the city offers festivals, theatre, concerts, and the Buxtehude Museum with interactive exhibitions. Guided tours and excursions along the River Este provide engaging experiences.
Economic significance
Buxtehude is a dynamic economic location with companies from various industries, ranging from mechanical engineering to aviation technology. The Hochschule 21 trains skilled professionals and strengthens the regional economy. The city combines tradition with innovation and offers attractive opportunities for business relocation and growth.
Fruit Harvest in the Altes Land
In late summer and autumn, the fruit harvest shapes the landscape of this holiday region. Apple and pear trees, heavy with ripe fruit, line the paths, while numerous farms invite visitors to harvest festivals, guided tours, and regional culinary experiences. A seasonal highlight that perfectly combines sport, nature, and gastronomy.
Cycling on the Elbe Cycle Route
The Elbe Cycle Route is one of the most popular long-distance cycling routes in Germany – and for good reason. In the Altes Land am Elbstrom region, it passes through quiet marshland landscapes, alongside orchards and directly along the Elbe dike. It is ideal for relaxed day trips with a starting point or destination in Hamburg.
Half-timbered idyll in Jork and Steinkirchen
The Altes Land am Elbstrom region presents itself in a typical North German style, featuring elaborately decorated half-timbered houses, romantic village centres, and historic churches. Particularly worth seeing are the old town centres of Jork, Steinkirchen, and Cranz – living testaments to a long history of fruit cultivation and trade.
Apple Festival in Autumn
Every year, the Altes Land am Elbstrom region celebrates the apple harvest with festivals, music, and regional cuisine. A visit to one of the traditional apple festivals offers not only culinary enjoyment, but also insight into the region’s unique fruit-growing culture – and the warm hospitality of its people.
Farm Shops and Regional Cuisine
Numerous direct producers offer fresh fruit, juices, jams, and regional specialties. Many farms also feature cafés that invite visitors to take a break – with homemade cake, apple tart, or traditional Altes Land wedding soup. A tour through the Altes Land am Elbstrom region is also a journey for the taste buds.
Cultural Autumn on the Elbe River
In autumn, the region transforms into a stage for cultural events: concerts in old barns, art exhibitions in manor houses, and readings in small cafés make the Altes Land a cultural insider tip just outside the major city.
Fruit Blossom as the Start of the Season
Although not in autumn, it is certainly worth mentioning: the fruit blossom in April and May is one of the greatest natural spectacles in northern Germany. Millions of blossoms bathe the region in white and pink – an ideal time for the first cycling tour of the year.
Experience Hamburg: Active City meets world-class cycling
Hamburg is not only a stage for world-class sport, but also one of Europe’s most exciting metropolises – maritime, open to the world, and full of experiences. As an Active City, the Hanseatic city stands for movement, health, and quality of life, offering ideal conditions to combine sport and city travel. Between the Elbe, Alster, and HafenCity, impressive architecture, vibrant culture, and North German lifestyle come together.
Whether it’s a walk along the Landungsbrücken, a visit to the Elbphilharmonie, or a stroll through the city’s diverse neighbourhoods: Hamburg delights both active visitors and those seeking relaxation alike.
On 16 August 2026, the city will once again become the meeting point of the international cycling elite: the ADAC Cyclassics turn Hamburg into the centre of German cycling. This traditional one-day race of the UCI WorldTour attracts professionals as well as thousands of ambitious amateur cyclists every year. Along the route, visitors not only experience top-level sport, but also the special atmosphere of an Active City that places movement and community at its core.
The Cyclassics are therefore more than just a race – they are the perfect opportunity to explore Hamburg actively and enjoy its unique blend of sporting event and city break.
Waseberg
The legendary Waseberg in Blankenese is one of the key locations of the ADAC Cyclassics. With gradients of up to 15% and an electrifying atmosphere along the route, it attracts crowds of spectators every year. In 2025, the climb challenges the professionals five times – guaranteeing attacks, suspense, and pure goosebump moments.
HafenCity
HafenCity is Hamburg’s most modern district – with maritime flair, innovative architecture, and direct views of the Elbe and the Elbphilharmonie. During the Cyclassics, it’s worth a detour: here, urban development meets quality of life by the water.
Köhlbrand Bridge
Back in the race programme: the impressive Köhlbrand Bridge is once again part of the Cyclassics – and even twice! Cyclists experience one of the most spectacular sections here, with a unique view over the Port of Hamburg.
Reeperbahn
The legendary Reeperbahn – Hamburg’s most famous street – is more than just a nightlife district. Between clubs, theatres, and history, it also provides a unique backdrop right along the Cyclassics route.
Jungfernstieg & Binnenalster
At Jungfernstieg, right on the Binnenalster, Hamburg’s heart is beating. Not only during the Cyclassics does this elegant waterfront promenade become a magnet for spectators – a historic backdrop, maritime flair, and thrilling cycling action right up close.
Elbchaussee
The Elbchaussee is one of Hamburg’s most beautiful streets – lined with elegant villas on one side and offering sweeping views of the Elbe and the port on the other. A true highlight of the Cyclassics route, where Hanseatic elegance meets a goosebump-inducing atmosphere.
Altona Town Hall
An architectural gem: Altona Town Hall is located along both the professional race route and the 60 km course for recreational cyclists. Set against a historic backdrop and surrounded by a lively crowd atmosphere, spectators can experience cycling up close here.
Kösterberg
The Kösterberg in western Hamburg is one of the most distinctive climbs along the Cyclassics route and challenges all participants of the ADAC Cyclassics 60. Surrounded by greenery and with views towards the Elbe, it offers a special cycling experience for both riders and spectators. The combination of nature, panoramic views, and race atmosphere makes this section one of the most atmospheric moments of the event.
District of Stade
Directly on the outskirts of Hamburg lies the Altes Land am Elbstrom – Northern Germany’s largest fruit-growing region. The route of the ADAC Cyclassics runs right through it: past blossoming orchards, historic half-timbered houses, and along kilometres of dikes with sweeping views of the River Elbe.
Whether for a day trip or a holiday – here, nature experiences, Hanseatic history, and rural enjoyment come together. Ideal for anyone looking to combine movement and relaxation – on foot, by bike, or simply enjoying a break in a farm café.
District of Harburg
In the Harburg district, nature and sporting dynamism come together. Forest sections, open fields, and enthusiastic fans along the roadside make this part of the Cyclassics particularly enjoyable. Here you will find all highlights and recommendations along the route.
Sprint Classification Sottorf
The family-run AKZENT Hotel & Restaurant Cordes is idyllically located in the Rosengarten Regional Park – only about 25 minutes from Hamburg. Modern rooms and a cosy restaurant with a beer garden await guests.
Right in front of the hotel, the sprint classification of the ADAC Cyclassics creates a true race atmosphere. Even outside the Cyclassics, the restaurant is a worthwhile destination: guests can enjoy regional cuisine, freshly prepared and homemade, whether in small or larger groups.
Waldhuuske
The idyllically located Waldhuuske lies in the beech forests of the Rosengarten Regional Park – a popular cycling hotspot on training routes and directly along the Cyclassics course.
Enjoy homemade cakes, freshly brewed coffee, warm waffles, tarte flambée, Dutch snacks, and delicious artisan ice cream. With six comfortably furnished rooms, this café-guesthouse also offers the opportunity for a relaxing stopover or an overnight stay in the countryside.
Wildpark Schwarze Berge
Only a few kilometres from the Cyclassics route lies the Wildpark Schwarze Berge, which is also accessible during the race. Spread across 50 hectares, the wildlife park is home to European wild animals such as bison, wolves, brown bears, and lynxes – in total over 100 species and around 1,000 animals.
A highlight is the 45-metre-high Elbblick Tower, offering spectacular panoramic views. The park features regular animal feedings, bird of prey shows, a petting zoo, and a cosy Waldhaus restaurant serving regional dishes and homemade cakes.
Access via the Hamburg-Hausbruch exit is also fully available on 17 August.
Open-Air Museum Kiekeberg
The Kiekeberg Open-Air Museum, located only about 30 minutes south of Hamburg in the Harburg Hills, is easily accessible during the Cyclassics period. Spread across a 12-hectare site, more than 40 historic buildings – from farmhouses to workshops – illustrate rural life in Northern Germany from 1600 to 1970.
Regular demonstrations of crafts, agriculture, and traditional livestock breeds are complemented by hands-on activities and markets. It is perfect for anyone who wants to combine culture, history, and green nature.
Access via the Hamburg-Hausbruch exit is also fully available on 17 August.
District of Pinneberg
The Pinneberg district impresses with its green diversity and lively town centres along the Cyclassics route. Whether rural charm or atmospheric sections of the course – here you will find all information on regional highlights for spectators and participants.
Roland Monument
In the middle of Wedel’s market square stands the Roland – the town’s proud landmark. Since the 15th century, the statue has symbolised freedom and municipal rights. Surrounded by historic old town houses and small shops, the square invites visitors to linger – a piece of North German history in a charming setting.
On 17 August, cycling becomes the talk of the town here – up close and right in the heart of Wedel.