Cycling vacation in Schleswig Holstein

Your cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein starts in Hamburg, Germany's second largest city. The Hanseatic city impresses with its maritime charm, its lively hustle and bustle and a wealth of things to see and experience. Whether the fish market, Speicherstadt, Elbphilharmonie or the famous Michel – it is worth arriving early to get to know the city and all its facets.

You leave Hamburg along the Elbe. It is worth stopping at the ship welcoming station Willkomm-Höft in Wedel. Ocean liners and cruise ships entering or leaving the port of Hamburg are greeted or seen off with the respective national flag and language. Following the course of the Elbe, you reach Glückstadt. The city was founded in 1617 by the Danish King Christian IV. The aim was to rival Hamburg. However, it did not come close to the flourishing trade of the Hanseatic city. The city's trademark is Matjes – soused herring. It is produced according to traditional recipes and is known beyond the borders of Schleswig-Holstein.

Today's stage of your cycling cavation in Schleswig-Holstein first takes you to Brunsbüttel on the Kiel Canal. Marvel at the large ocean liners and cruise ships that pass through the Brunsbüttel canal locks. In the canal museum you will learn everything about the construction and functioning of one of the busiest waterways in the world. Follow the Kiel Canal inland through the Dithmarschen region until your destination for today.

You cycle in a relaxed manner along the Kiel Canal. Along the way, you cycle side by side with large and small ships, close to the shore, through idyllic forest and meadow landscapes. Occasionally you change sides of the canal by ferry. The unmistakable landmark of your destination for the day, Rendsburg, is the railway viaduct. It spans the Kiel Canal and is one of the longest railway bridges in Germany. Leave your bike behind and explore the historic old town of Rendsburg along the blue line. The path, marked with a blue line, connects all the city's sights with each other.

You turn your back on the Kiel Canal and cycle on today's stage of your cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein first towards the Baltic Sea. You will pass Lake Wittensee in the middle of the hilly Hüttener Berge Nature Park and reach Eckernförde. Visit the old town or treat yourself to a dip in the cool waters of the Baltic Sea. Refreshed, the journey continues to Schleswig. One of the landmarks is St. Petri's Cathedral, visible from afar. From its viewing platform you have a wonderful view over the city. Not far from the centre is Gottorf Castle. The magnificent castle complex houses, among other things, Archäologisches Landesmuseum (National Archaeological Museum). The most famous exhibits include bog bodies and the Nydam boat. 

Before you leave Schleswig, it is worth making a detour to the Haithabu Viking Museum. It shows how people lived in the Viking Age on the former settlement site of Haithabu. You cycle along the river Schlei to Arnis, the smallest town in Germany. The tranquil town lies idyllically on a peninsula. Characteristic of your destination for the day Kappeln, is the bascule bridge over the Schlei. But the museum harbour is also worth a visit. It is best explored with a fish sandwich in hand. Or how about an excursion by boat to the mouth of the Schlei into the Baltic Sea?

Not far from the Baltic Sea, you cycle to Glücksburg on the last stage of your cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein. The town on the Flensburg Fjord is not only the most northerly town in Germany, but also boasts one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. Built in the 16th century, it is considered the cradle of Europe's royal houses. Flensburg, just a few kilometres away, is your destination. The city looks back on a history of over 750 years. This is reflected in numerous sights from past centuries. Alternatively, you can shorten the route from Glücksburg to Flensburg by boat.

After breakfast your cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein already ends. We are happy to extend your stay in Flensburg with an extra night.