Cycle tour through the hinterland of the Baltic Sea

The old, magnificent Hanseatic city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and oozes charm at every turn. Most people associate Lübeck with the Holsten Gate, marzipan and Thomas Mann. But there is so much more to see: The crooked brick houses, alleyways and courtyards, the town hall. And fish sandwiches by the Trave at sunset taste particularly good.

This stage takes you through the spa town of Travemünde and continues along the Baltic Sea cycle path. You reach Boltenhagen through the Brooker Wald nature reserve. The second oldest seaside resort in Mecklenburg not only attracts tourists, it has also hosted sailing world championships. From the cliffs, you have a view of the entire bay. Alternatively, you can spend the night in Groß Schwansee.

Today, the route mostly follows the shore to Wismar, the time-honored Hanseatic city. You will find numerous Gothic-style brick buildings in the old town. You can take a boat from here to the island of Poel. A short excursion is worthwhile, as not only long, well-tended sandy beaches but also historic ramparts from the time of the 30 Years' War make up the charm of the island.

Following the course of the Wallensteingraben, today you cycle from the Baltic Sea coast to Lake Schwerin. Ospreys and sea eagles breed on its shores and otters also feel at home here. You pass the village of Mecklenburg, which gave the region its name and is known for its Dutch windmill. Via Bad Kleinen and Lübstorf, you then head close to the shore to the state capital of Schwerin.

You have the whole day at your disposal to explore Schwerin and the surrounding area. In the middle of the city center, surrounded on all sides by water, stands the magnificent Schwerin Castle. Stroll through the old town market and take a look inside the cathedral. You can also take a bike tour through Schwerin's lake district. A boat trip on the lake is of course a must.

First you cycle a little further through the Schwerin lake district and then enter the Schaalsee landscape. From here, it's not far to Schleswig-Holstein and the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Forest and water are the dominant elements here. The island town of Ratzeburg, which is dominated by an impressive brick cathedral, is located in the nature park and in the middle of Lake Ratzeburg. Alternatively, take the train from Schwerin to Büchen (not included) and cycle from here along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal on the Alte Salzstraße cycle path via the Eulenspiegel town of Mölln to Ratzeburg. The island town with its impressive brick cathedral lies in the middle of Lake Ratzeburg.

On your last cycle stage back to Lübeck, you make your first stop in the Eulenspiegel town of Mölln. The tranquil town is not only worth a visit thanks to the Eulenspiegel Museum. The Old Salt Road runs through the town, along which Lübeck merchants transported the white gold from Lüneburg to the coast in the Middle Ages. Follow the Old Salt Road back to the Hanseatic city. Or take a shorter route along the eastern shore of the Great Ratzeburg Lake and the course of the still very pristine Wakenitz river to the center of Lübeck.

After breakfast, your bike tour through the Baltic Sea Hinterland ends. If you don't want to leave northern Germany just yet, we will be happy to extend your stay in Lübeck.