Rathenow - Berlin

Rathenow as a place has a few nice sights. However, what the locals point to as the old town is somewhat shabby East German architecture with a Netto/KIK feel.

Behind Rathenow, the route initially goes through the forest. From Stechow on it becomes rural-open. The Havelland Cycle Route runs over quiet cycle lanes or paths, is consistently well marked, and along the route you regularly encounter large overview signs or junction signposts, so you hardly need a map.

From Paulinenaue, the route runs about 4 km on the road, which is however only lightly trafficked. After the Bienenfarm airfield, turn right and soon reach Ribbeck.

Ribbeck, known for the pear tree poem, offers an opportunity to rest, but is rather suited for older ladies and gentlemen.

Until Nauen, it goes straight ahead stubbornly; once in Nauen, a sign to the right is missing at a crucial point, so you might be tempted to turn north too early, but the route curves back to the west, so the mistake is soon noticed.

The path northward from Nauen runs on a good cycle path parallel to the heavily trafficked B273, then after about 6 km turns right into the forest towards Paaren im Glien.

Until the Havel Canal, the route continues quietly and lonely. At Schönwalde-Glien, it crosses the 66-Lakes Route.

Behind the Schönwalde settlement, you leave the Havelland Cycle Route and join the Mauerweg, which you follow to the Bürgerablage on the Havel. From here, you continue south along the Havel Cycle Route, which you again leave at Hakenfelde to cycle on the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route along the Berlin-Spandauer Shipping Canal until you finally arrive behind Plötzensee at the S-Bahn station Westhafen.