Elbe paddle (day 14 & 15): Wahrenberg – Schnackenburg – Dömitz

Today: 46km |Total: 555km

We have reached the old East/West German border zone and, depending on which side of the river we travel, are now in either Lower Saxony, Brandenburg or Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. We made some good progress on day 14, past Nuclear waste dump Gorleben, and were gifted with a colourful sunset. However, we struggled on day 15 owing to strong headwinds and waves (and a bit of tired- & laziness 😏).

Bordermuseum: In Schnackenburg we visited the excellent border museum (German language a must though) that reminded of the past in this specific area with models of the defense infrastructure, uniforms and some statistics / newspaper articles. Lunch nearby though I find it shocking how often cards are not accepted in ‘modern’ Germany. Sad. Cost us already a nice dinner in the pretty village of Unbesandten the night before.

Wildlife: Birds continue to be our travel companions (as well as cows and sheep). Lots of noise, but amazing flight formations. Often we see eagles circling for prey. And sometimes bambies chasing each other on the shore. Quite breathtaking at times and all the time to enjoy it.

Dömitz: Home to a well-preserved fortress (which we skipped) and inviting restaurants. Most importantly, a bank and a supermarket that opens on Sundays (Germany 🤔). ALDI!

So it suddenly looks a little tight for Cuxhaven. But heh, who knows and it’s about the journey anyway.