· Cycling · 5 min read
Biking from Osnabrück to Berlin
Taking a look back on a four-day, nearly 800 km bikepacking adventure from Osnabrück to Berlin and back, including a side trip to Poland, highlights, challenges, and lessons
An Epic Bikepacking Adventure: From Osnabrück to Berlin
Last week, I embarked on a wild bikepacking journey from Osnabrück to Berlin. Over four days, I covered nearly 800 kilometers, with 700 of those in just three days. It was supposed to be even more, but the return trip was to much for us, and we had to cut it short. Let me take you through this adventure in this short article.
The Idea Behind the Trip
It all started with my friend and coworker, who had tickets to see Linkin Park at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Wednesday. When he checked the train schedule, he discovered that due to ongoing construction, there were no direct trains from Osnabrück to Berlin. Being the bike enthusiast that he is, he thought, “If I have to transfer and take longer anyway, why not just bike to Berlin?” He asked if I wanted to join, and of course, I said yes. We’ve done some crazy long rides together before, so this felt like the next logical step.
Originally, we planned to leave on Sunday, but the weather forecast predicted rain all day, so we pushed it to Monday. The route from Osnabrück to Berlin is roughly 500 kilometers if you take the scenic paths.
Day 1: Osnabrück to the Tiny House half way to Berlin
We kicked off on Monday, covering 230 kilometers on the first day. We stayed overnight in a tiny house, which was perfectly located halfway to Berlin. It was idyllic—quiet, surrounded by nature, and equipped with a small kitchen and shower. We cooked some simple meals like Ravioli, showered, and got some rest before the next leg of the journey.
Day 2: Tiny House to Berlin
On Tuesday, we tackled another 275 kilometers, riding all the way into Berlin. We stayed at a hotel near the Kurfürstendamm, which was convenient but had its downsides (more on that later). By the end of the second day, we’d covered 500 kilometers in just two days—a solid effort. And additionally, with a solid speed of 28km/h+ on the whole trip to Berlin, which made us quite happy.
Day 3: Side Trip to Poland
Wednesday was the day of the Linkin Park concert. While my friend enjoyed the show, I decided to take a solo ride to Poland. I cycled about 200 kilometers, crossing the Polish border, riding a few kilometers along the river, and then heading back to Berlin. The ride back into the city was incredible—I passed iconic landmarks like the Fernsehturm, Alexanderplatz, and the Brandenburg Gate. It felt like a mini sightseeing tour on two wheels.
Day 4: The Aborted Return Trip
Our plan for Thursday was ambitious: ride 480 kilometers from Berlin back to Osnabrück in one go, covering the distance in roughly 24 hours through the night. However, things didn’t go as planned. I woke up feeling nauseous, with a splitting headache and a general sense of unease. To make matters worse, we faced headwinds of 30 to 50 km/h. After just 80 kilometers, we called it quits and hopped on a train back to Osnabrück.
It was a tough decision, especially since we’ve never had to abandon a trip before. But sometimes, you have to listen to your body and make the sensible choice.
The Gear
I rode with an Ortlieb frame bag, a saddlebag, and a small top tube bag. I also had two water bottles (900ml and 750ml) and a heavy-duty bike lock. For this trip, I tried out aerobars for the first time, which were a game-changer for long distances. They allowed me to switch up my position and reduce strain on my arms and shoulders.
I also used a hydration vest for the first time with a 3-liter bladder, which was great for staying hydrated without having to stop frequently. The setup worked well, though there’s room for improvement—like upgrading to a more comfortable vest and adjusting the aerobars for a less aggressive position and more comfort on long rides.
The Challenges
Physically, the trip took its toll. My neck and upper back were sore, my feet ached, and my butt was, well, let’s just say it wasn’t happy. The biggest issue, though, was the nausea and headache on the last day. I’m still not sure what caused it—maybe the Berlin tap water, the frozen meals we ate at the hotel, or just lack of sleep.
Mentally, the toughest part was deciding to abandon the return trip. It’s never easy to give up, especially when you’ve set such a big goal. But looking back, it was the right call - even if it hurts the ego.
The Highlights
The best moments were arriving in Berlin and crossing the Polish border. There’s something incredibly satisfying about covering such long distances under your own power. Riding through Berlin, passing iconic landmarks, was also a great experience.
Lessons Learned
This trip taught me a lot about preparation and pacing. While I was physically fit, I could have done more to strengthen my neck and back for long rides. Nutrition is another area to improve—I think we may overate at times, which might have contributed to my stomach issues.
Planning the route was key. We used Komoot to map out our journey, marking spots for food and water along the way. It’s a fantastic tool for bikepacking, especially when you’re covering long distances. It was the first time i did extended waypoint planning for a trip like this and i would definitly do it again.
What’s Next?
As I reflect on this adventure, I’m already thinking about what’s next. Perhaps a tour through Norway or riding above the Alps? Or maybe it’s time to start preparing for the upcoming basketball season. And let’s not forget the night ride with over 400 kilometers that we had to skip. Whatever the next challenge may be, I’m excited to take it on and reach new limits - hopefully without another DNF.
