After a great breakfast in the old bakery at our pension we set off in circles , always a good start 3 kms later we were off in the right direction. Fantastic cycle path smooth concrete striated though for grip,we thought wonderful this is going to be like this till we get to Hamburg, not so..

The cycle paths deteriorated to the usual bone shaking cobbles, forest paths and then worst of all rutted paving stones falling off the top of a dyke. The sign even told us damaged path enter at your own risk, but where else where we meant to go! We were trapped this side of the Elbe with no ferrys because of low water levels.It was kilometres of concentrated cycling such a relief when it was over. Signeage was occasionally missing but managed to figure out with map and compass without any major disasters. We had to walk through the village of Ranies dodging diggers and workmen as the whole main street was being dug up.

We entered Magdeburg via a large island which we cycled around several times before we found the right bridge to leave by. One kind man directed us to the main path but we darent tell him hed taken us back to the bridge wed arrived on!!

Settled into our sterile city pension and looking forwards to exploring the famous old sights of Magdeburg. It also has some interesting green living buildings in modern architecture. Hopefully not too hot though, its forecast 32C.

Yesterdays photos have crept in, note hubbys new favourite beer Maisels Weissen..

City Pension

Close to Elbe bike path, 3 stops on tram to town

Has laundrette , good wifi and use of kitchen and very secure bike garage

A challenge if youre tired as everything is by key pad…even the bike garage..