Germany’s 900km leg of the North Sea Cycle Route is just as flat as the well-known section through the Low Countries. Only a few times will you reach the heady heights of 20m above sea level.

But what it lacks in physical high points, it makes up for in cultural and historic interest. This is a unique land, linking the very different cultures of the Netherlands and Denmark. The coast was for many centuries, and still is, plied by the trading vessels of Europe. The cycle route reaches into the heart of Hamburg, still Europe’s third largest port. Yet just a day’s cycling will take you back to quiet coastal scenery, along slow-paced cycle tracks linking little fishing towns.

The route designers have deviated from the coast at several points to take in an inland tourist destination. Jever, for example, is the capital of Friesland, best known for its Pilsener beer. But the coastal towns and villages are the main attraction, and you’ll become adept at watching the tankers and cargo ships slowly manoeuvring off the coast on their way to Hamburg.

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