The Most Beautiful Motorcycle Tours in the Eifel – Experience Curves, Nature and Culture
Table of Contents
- Tour 1: Brandenburg: Lake District and Lower Lusatia
- Tour 2: Saxony: Saxon Switzerland and the Ore Mountains ridge
- Tour 3: Saxony-Anhalt: Eastern Harz and Kyffhäuser
- Tour 4: Thuringia: Thuringian Forest and Rennsteig
- Tour 5: Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania: Baltic Sea coast and lake district
- Suitable accessories for your motorcycle tour through eastern Germany
- Good to know
- FAQ
Eastern Germany is a true hidden gem for motorcyclists. Between low mountain ranges, vast lake landscapes and the Baltic Sea coast, you’ll find varied routes with surprisingly little traffic. This tour guide to motorcycle touring in eastern Germany presents one carefully selected route for each eastern federal state – realistically planable, enjoyable to ride and rich in scenery. Ideal for a multi-day motorcycle tour through eastern Germany or for individual stages.
5 tours in the eastern federal states
Tour 1: Brandenburg: Lake District and Lower Lusatia
Potsdam – Spreewald – Senftenberg Lake – Bad Saarow (approx. 200 km1)
Duration
1 to 1½ days
Highest point
approx. 200 m
Difficulty
Brandenburg überrascht viele Motorradfahrer positiv. Die Strecke führt von Potsdam durch die wasserreiche Landschaft des Spreewalds in die Niederlausitz. Lange, übersichtliche Landstraßen, wenig Höhenmeter und ein entspannter Verkehrsfluss machen diese Route ideal für Einsteiger oder ruhige Tourentage.
Zu den Highlights zählen die Schlösser und Parkanlagen in Potsdam, die Kanäle des Spreewalds sowie die Seenlandschaft rund um Senftenberg und den Scharmützelsee.
Tour 2: Saxony: Saxon Switzerland and the Ore Mountains ridge
Bad Schandau – Bastei – Altenberg – Annaberg-Buchholz (approx. 140 km1)
Duration
1 day
Highest point
approx. 905 m
Difficulty
challenging
This route is aimed at experienced riders who appreciate winding roads and elevation changes. The starting point is Bad Schandau in the Elbe Valley. At first, you ride at a relaxed pace along the Elbe through Saxon Switzerland before the roads become narrower and more technically demanding. In the Eastern Ore Mountains, short straights alternate with tight sequences of bends. Annaberg-Buchholz marks the cultural finale of this varied motorcycle tour.
Highlights of this route include the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, the panoramic views from the Bastei, and classic Ore Mountains roads with frequent changes of direction.
Tour 3: Saxony-Anhalt: Eastern Harz and Kyffhäuser
Wernigerode – Rappbode Dam – Thale – Kyffhäuser (approx. 170 km1)
Duration
1 day
Highest point
approx. 550 m
Difficulty
challenging
This motorcycle tour is considered one of the classics in eastern Germany. Starting in Wernigerode, you ride through the eastern Harz Mountains to the Rappbode Dam. From there, the route continues with plenty of bends through the Bode Valley to Thale. The riding highlight follows in the Kyffhäuser: tight hairpins, short switchbacks and frequent changes of direction demand a clean line and full concentration.
Highlights include the Rappbode Dam, the Bode Valley with the Hexentanzplatz, and the famous Kyffhäuser mountain road with views of the Barbarossa Monument.
Tour 4: Thuringia: Thuringian Forest and Rennsteig
Eisenach – Rennsteig – Ilmenau – Saalfeld (approx. 170 km1)
Duration
1 day
Highest point
approx. 915 m
Difficulty
moderate
The Thuringian Forest stands for well-balanced riding enjoyment. Starting in Eisenach, you follow well-developed country roads along the Rennsteig. The route flows smoothly, yet offers enough curves to challenge even experienced riders. Between Ilmenau and Saalfeld, forest sections alternate with open high-altitude roads.
Highlights of this motorcycle tour in eastern Germany include Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, the scenic Rennsteig ridge roads, and the historic towns of Ilmenau and Saalfeld.
Tour 5: Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania: Baltic Sea Coast and Lake District
Wismar – Kühlungsborn – Warnemünde – Müritz National Park (approx. 220 km1)
Duration
1 to 1½ days
Highest point
approx. 180 m
Difficulty
suitable for beginners
This route combines maritime flair with pure nature. Starting in Wismar, you follow the Baltic Sea coast via Kühlungsborn to Warnemünde. From there, the route heads inland towards the Mecklenburg Lake District. The roads are mostly well developed and invite you to enjoy relaxed cruising.
Highlights include the Baltic seaside resorts, the harbour atmosphere in Warnemünde, and the quiet roads through Müritz National Park.
1The stated daily mileage may vary depending on the route chosen. The Eifel region offers many highlights that make short detours to the left and right of the route well worthwhile.
Useful information for motorcycling in eastern Germany
Start planning now – your next motorcycle tour to eastern Germany
A motorcycle tour through eastern Germany impresses with its diversity and surprisingly low traffic levels. Sporty low mountain routes, relaxed lake roads and maritime coastal sections are often just a few day stages apart. By combining several federal states, you can experience very different motorcycle worlds within a relatively short distance – ideal for a varied and rewarding motorcycle tour through eastern Germany.
FAQ
Which motorcycle tours in eastern Germany are suitable for beginners?
The routes in Brandenburg and Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania are particularly beginner-friendly: they are easy to follow, not very twisty, and relaxed to ride.
Is a motorcycle tour through eastern Germany also suitable for longer trips?
Absolutely. The routes presented can easily be combined into a multi-day circular tour.
When is the best time for a motorcycle tour through eastern Germany?
May to September offers the most stable weather conditions. Spring and autumn are particularly scenic, but riding enjoyment then always depends on the daily weather situation.
Which regions are considered especially twisty?
The routes in the Ore Mountains, the Harz Mountains, and the Kyffhäuser region are among the most demanding and twistiest motorcycle tours in eastern Germany.
Is a motorcycle tour through eastern Germany suitable for riding with a passenger?
Yes, many routes are well suited for riding two-up – especially in Brandenburg, Thuringia, and Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania. Important factors include a sensible daily distance of around 150 to 200 kilometres, as well as a comfortable seat and good suspension, particularly on secondary roads with varying surfaces.
What is the road quality like on secondary routes in eastern Germany?
Main and state roads are generally in good condition. On remote secondary roads, however, the asphalt can be inconsistent – with patches, bitumen, or coarse surfaces. A forward-looking riding style and clean line choice are therefore recommended, especially in the low mountain ranges.
Can I ride these tours on a heavy touring motorcycle or a GS?
Yes, all of the routes presented are easily rideable on heavy adventure bikes and touring motorcycles.
Are there any special regulations or road closures for motorcycles in eastern Germany?
Temporary or permanent motorcycle road closures are less common in eastern Germany than in some western German low mountain regions. Nevertheless, individual sections – for example in the Harz or Kyffhäuser areas – may be more closely monitored, temporarily restricted, or closed to motorcycles at weekends. Checking your route shortly before departure is advisable.
Can a motorcycle tour through eastern Germany be easily combined with cultural stops?
Definitely. Castles, UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic old towns, and industrial heritage attractions are often located directly along the route. Short stops in towns such as Eisenach, Wernigerode, Potsdam, or Wismar can be easily integrated into the tour without significantly interrupting the riding flow.