The best traffic-free bike rides around Rühstädt

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The village church of Rühstädt, also known as Quitzow Church, dates back to the 15th century. It was built under the influence of the noble von Quitzow family, who shaped the village for a long time. The original late Gothic brick building with a semicircular apse was remodeled in the Baroque style in the 18th century and a striking west tower was added. Important furnishings have been preserved inside, including a late Gothic carved altarpiece, several tombstones of the von Quitzow family, and a historic organ from 1738. A late Gothic mural of the Last Judgment in the apse is particularly noteworthy. Today, the church is a listed building and part of the Open Churches Initiative, meaning it is often open to visitors.

The observation tower on the Elbe Cycle Path near Bälow is situated in the heart of the Elbe floodplains and offers a panoramic view of the river landscape, dikes, and meadows of the Prignitz region. It primarily serves as a rest stop and viewpoint for cyclists on the Elbe Cycle Path, as well as an observation point for the diverse birdlife of the Elbe River Landscape Biosphere Reserve. From the elevated platform, numerous water birds and meadow birds can be observed, especially during migration seasons, thus combining landscape observation with a nature experience.

From the lock, you can already see the first confluence of the Elbe and Havel rivers (connecting canal). From here, you continue on the approximately 20 km long section of the Havel Cycle Path, where you're accompanied by water on both sides: the Elbe on the left, the Havel on the right, and then the Gnevsdorf Outfall.

The Gnevsdorf Weir is located at the end of the approximately 10km stretch on the island between the receiving waters and the Elbe River. It has been passable again since 2024. Impressive engineering.

Fantastic nature and incredible peace.

I particularly like the cycle path between the Elbe and the Havel tributaries, from Gnevsdorf to Quitzöbel. It's pure nature. There are two observation towers from which you can easily observe many animals, especially birds. Coming from Wittenberge, cycle over the Gnevsdorf weir and at the oxbow weir, return to the mainland to Quitzöbel, then cycle back to Wittenberge or to Netzow and then on to Werben and Havelberg.

Rühstädt is known throughout Germany as the "Stork Village" – a reputation that the idyllic Elbe village owes to its exceptionally high number of breeding white storks. Since 1996, Rühstädt has officially held the title of "European Stork Village," awarded by the European Natural Heritage Foundation (Euronatur), and has since been considered an outstanding example of successful coexistence between humans and nature. A central element of the village is the NABU Visitor Center, which provides vivid information about the lives of storks and the ecological importance of the Elbe valley. A highlight of the year is the popular Stork Festival, which attracts visitors from near and far and celebrates the close connection between the village and its feathered summer guests. Today, Rühstädt symbolizes successful species conservation and nature-oriented, sustainable village development. It impressively demonstrates how careful land use, committed nature conservation and village tradition can work together to preserve a unique habitat – for storks and people alike.