Baltic coast and the hanseatic cities

The old magnificent Hanseatic town was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and simply radiates charm. Most people associate Lübeck with the Holsten Gate, marzipan and Thomas Mann. But there is much more to see: the crooked brick houses, alleyways and courtyards, the town hall. And the fish rolls on the banks of the Trave at sunset taste particularly good.

This section leads through the spa town of Travemünde and continues along the Baltic Sea Cycle Route. Cycling through the Brooker Wald nature reserve, you soon reach Boltenhagen. The second oldest seaside resort of Mecklenburg attracts not only tourists ‒ world sailing championships are held here too. Enjoy the charming inland area around the small town of Klütz.

Mostly following the banks, you cycle to Wismar today, a time-honoured Hanseatic town. In the old quarter you will still find many brick buildings in the old Gothic style. By boat you can cross over to the island of Poel. It’s worth the short trip, as not only do beautiful long sandy beaches await you, but the historic city walls dating back to the Thirty Years’ War contribute to the island’s charm.

You follow along the Wallensteingraben (trench) today away from the Baltic Sea coast towards Lake Schwerin. White tailed eagles and osprey nest along the banks and sea otters feel at home here. You pass by the village of Mecklenburg, which gave the federal state its name and which is known for its Dutch style windmills. You then continue onwards near the shore towards the state capital of Schwerin.

The entire day is free today for you to take the time to discover Schwerin and the surrounding area. In the middle of the town centre, surrounded on all sides by water, is the magnificent Schwerin Castle. Stroll across the Old Town Market and take a look at the Cathedral. You also have the option of undertaking a cycling tour through the Schwerin Lake District. Of course, you should not miss out on a boat trip on the lake.

You start cycling though a part of the Schwerin Lake District before reaching the Schallsee Lake District. From here it is not far until you reach Schleswig-Holstein and the nature reserve of the Lauenburg Lakes. The island town of Ratzeburg, which is dominated by an impressive redbrick cathedral, is located in the middle of Lake Ratzeburg and in the Nature Park. Alternatively, take the train from Schwerin to Büchen (not included) and cycle from here along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal on the Old Salt Route cycle path via the Eulenspiegel town of Mölln to Ratzeburg. In the middle of Lake Ratzeburg lies the island town with its impressive brick cathedral.

Along the last cycling route of your holiday back to Lübeck you take the first stop of the day in the town of Till Eulenspiegel: Mölln. The tranquil town is worth a visit and not only for the Eulenspiegel Museum. The Old Salt Route runs through the town, upon which the Lübeck merchants in medieval times transported the white gold from Lüneburg to the coast. You then follow the Old Salt Route back into the hanseatic town. Or you can take a shorter route along the eastern shore of the Great Ratzeburg Lake and the course of the river Wakenitz, which is still very much in its original state, into the centre of Lübeck.

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.