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Elbe Cycle Route (North)
Published on 22 June 2021
Germany
This is the good practice's implementation level. It can be national, regional or local.
About this good practice
The Elbe Cycle Route runs through two European countries - the Czech Republic and Germany. Since Germany is organized in a federal way, each state has its own way of building, promoting and signposting bike paths. Cyclists need good and uniform signposting, this requires very close cooperation between the federal states and also between the German and Czech sides.
Due to the lenght of the cycle path there are four offices responsibel for the uniform brand identity and for the coordination among each other, one in the Czech Republic, and three along the river in Germany. Together, the do the overall marketing for the trail ( brochure, website, app, etc.) This unified external image is one reason why the Elbe Cycle Route has been voted the most popular long-distance cycle route in Germany for 14 years in a row.
One of the three German offices manages the stretch of the trail in HMR. This office is a collaboration of all dmo along the Elbe in HMR, it is financed by them and a steering board coordinates its activities. This cross-boarder cooperation between 9 dmo from 4 different federal states has been a success for almost 20 years. One joint goal is to improve the infrastructure along the bike path and attract more cyclists not only along the river but also to the hinterland.
It is still a challenge to convince decision makers that an investment in the bike path is an investment for their place, as it would bring more cyclists.
Due to the lenght of the cycle path there are four offices responsibel for the uniform brand identity and for the coordination among each other, one in the Czech Republic, and three along the river in Germany. Together, the do the overall marketing for the trail ( brochure, website, app, etc.) This unified external image is one reason why the Elbe Cycle Route has been voted the most popular long-distance cycle route in Germany for 14 years in a row.
One of the three German offices manages the stretch of the trail in HMR. This office is a collaboration of all dmo along the Elbe in HMR, it is financed by them and a steering board coordinates its activities. This cross-boarder cooperation between 9 dmo from 4 different federal states has been a success for almost 20 years. One joint goal is to improve the infrastructure along the bike path and attract more cyclists not only along the river but also to the hinterland.
It is still a challenge to convince decision makers that an investment in the bike path is an investment for their place, as it would bring more cyclists.
Expert opinion
This good practice is an excellent example of interregional and international collaboration, as well as of a sustainable tourism initiative. The tourism sector plays an important role within the European Union, accounting for 10% of GDP. In response to a growing pressure on European natural and cultural heritage, the EU has adopted a sustainable tourism strategy in March 2021. The strategy “points out the major contribution of sport to European tourism and highlights the opportunities arising from sporting events and activities”. The Elbe Cycle Route experience is unique, allowing cyclists to follow the river Elbe from its source in the Czech Republic all the way to its estuary in Hamburg. This way they can appreciate the changes in landscape along the river valley. This good practice can serve as an inspiration to other European regions.
Works at
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform
Resources needed
The Northern Coordination Office has an annual budget of around 80000 euros, including personnel costs for two coordinators. This sum is generated in part from ad sales in the Elbe Cycle Path Handbook and other projects, and in part paid by the tourist ORganizations located along the cycle path.
Evidence of success
The Elbe Cycle Route has been voted the most popular long-distance cycle route in Germany for 14 years in a row. It is also popular with locals who use it for day trips along the Elbe.
Potential for learning or transfer
Over the last twenty years it has been achieved to cooperate across boarders along the Elbe Cycle Route and thus to bundle and optimize the use of resources. In HMR, 9 dmo/districts from 4 federal states work together to sustain, improve and market the most important touristic infrastructure along the Elbe in the region. The joint coordinating office is an example of how a joint product can be managed and financed together, across boarders.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Elbe Cycle Route Coordination Office / c/o Herzogtum Lauenburg Marketing & Service GmbH
Germany
Hamburg
Contact
Tourism Officer