Hi all--

We're looking at a trip flying into Frankfurt and out of Copenhagen. We've been to much of Bavaria and last summer visited Cologne and Munsterland where we took a 5 day self-guided bicycle trip we really enjoyed. We're interested in a self-guided bicycle trip again this summer, and I've come up with a couple possibilities for areas and would like some feedback. We are also VERY open to suggestions for other areas that would not be totally removed from the direction we are planning to take. I know a lot of you Europeans say that Americans only go to southern Germany, but here are some adventuresome Americans who want to do something different. We don't need huge typical tourist attractions or fancy areas. We would like to be in an area that offers small, interesting towns with cafes for wine, a few sights to see, some charm, interesting scenery that is more than just pure nature (we can get a lot of that where we live in the US), and a general ambience that proves we are in a nice part of Europe. Off the beaten path is fine for us.

Hers's what I've come up with so far as possibilites.

The Weser bike trail starting in Hann Munden and going north.

The Werra area trail between Meiningen and Hann Munden.

East Frisia with a loop including Oldenburg, Emden, Norden/Norddeich, Wittmund, and Varel.

The Moselle--we spent 2 days driving this stretch 10 years ago so have probably seen the major things but thought it might be an enjoyable area to see from a bicycle.

A loop trip out of Osnabruck that includes Bersenbruck, Loningen, Meppen, Lingen, and Rheine.

The Lahn River from Marburg to Brubach.

The Saale River from Saalfeld to Magdeburg.

So, as you can see there appear to be lots of choices. But, I'd truly like comments from people who actually know the area because i know some of the descriptions of some of these places can be just tourist hype. Thanks for any and all thoughts.

No one knows northern Germany? I don't need feedback on the biking, but would like it on the general areas if possible.

Apart from East Frisia none of those areas would qualify as Northern Germany in my book.

Unfortunately I do not have any relevant experience with the areas you mention - but you certainly cannot expect many winebars in Northern German villages - it is more of a beer region with a bias on strongly hopped Pilsener style brews (how I crave a Jever!).

Of the areas you mention, I might find the Mosel loop the most scenic option (and they certainly do have lots of good wine there) - but it is not in the general direction of Copenhagen.

I did a few bicycle tours even a bit further North, which you might find interesting. In general the area described as Holsteiner Schweiz (Holstein Switzerland) in Schleswig-Holstein around cities such as Eutin, Malente etc. is quite scenic. Lots of lakes, small forests, very low hills. You could combine it with visits to the Baltic coast and the medieval town of Luebeck.

Another option would be a cycling tour of the Danish islands in what is labelled as the Danish South Sea. Such a tour could include islands such as Langeland, Taasinge and Fyn. I like the rural scenery there a lot. And there are a few very laid-back hyggelig small towns such as Svendborg and Faaborg.

Another region that comes to mind is the Mueritz region in Mecklenburg. The Mueritz lake is one of the largest in Germany and it is connected to several other lakes. The general area is flat (so biking should not be too exhausting) with lots of forests and the odd palace in between (many of them converted into small hotels). Could be fun, too.

I don't think it's fair to suggest Americans don't "do" northern Germany (or north of Cologne, anyway). After all, we're Americans and we've been going to Muensterland for years.
Places we really liked in the northern half:
Sylt
Bremen and the area around it
Teutoburgerwald (Detmold, the countryside)

Deutsch Welle's Discover Germany section on its web site has lots of good suggestions in addition to HSV's helpful list above.

Thanks for the thoughts; I'll look into them.

BTilke--I actually had people in Germany tell us that Americans only go to Bavaria. That's where I got that from.