Cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein

Your cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein begins 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 it's the famous Michel, the Speicherstadt, the fish market, the Landungsbrücken, the Elbphilharmonie or the Inner and Outer Alster - it's worth arriving early to get to know the city and all its facets.

You will leave Hamburg by cycling along the Elbe river. It is worth stopping off at the Willkomm-Höft ship hospitality facility in Wedel. Ocean liners and cruise ships entering or leaving the port of Hamburg are greeted or bid farewell here with their respective national flag and language. Following the course of the Elbe, you reach Glückstadt. The town was founded in 1617 by the Danish King Christian IV. The aim was to compete with Hamburg. However, it was unable to match the flourishing trade of the Hanseatic city. The town's trademark is soused herring. It is made according to traditional recipes and is known beyond the borders of the county of Schleswig-Holstein.

Today's stage of your cycling vacation 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 can learn all about the construction and operation of one of the world's busiest waterways. Follow the Kiel Canal inland through the Dithmarschen region. Locals also call the municipality of St. Michaelisdonn the "bridge between marsh and geest".

Today you will enjoy a relaxed cycling tour along the Kiel Canal. Along the way, you will pass large and small ships right next to the shore passing through idyllic forests and meadows. You will change to the other side of the canal by ferry. The highly landmark of today's destination Rendsburg, is its railroad bridge. It spans the Kiel Canal- it is one of the longest railroad bridges in Germany. Leave your bike and explore the historic old town of Rendsburg along the blue line. The path, marked with a blue line, connects all of the city's sights with each other.

You leave the Kiel Canal and cycle towards the Baltic Sea on today's stage of your cycling vacation in Schleswig-Holstein. You pass Lake Wittensee in the middle of the hilly Hüttener Berge Nature Park to reach Eckernförde. Visit the old town or treat yourself to a dip in the cool waters of the Baltic Sea. Refreshed, the route continues on to Schleswig. One of its landmarks is St. Peter's Cathedral, which can be seen from afar. From its viewing platform, you will have a wonderful view over the city. Not far from the city center is Schloss Gottorf. The magnificent castle complex is home to the Archaeological State Museum. The most famous exhibits include bog bodies and the Nydam boat.

Before you leave Schleswig take a detour to the Viking Museum in Haithabu. It shows how people lived in the former settlement site of Haithabu in Viking times. Cycle along the Schlei to Arnis, the smallest town in Germany. The tranquil town is idyllically situated on a peninsula. The bascule bridge over the Schlei is characteristic of Kappeln, your destination for the day. The museum harbor is also worth a visit. It is best explored with a fish sandwich in hand. Or how about a boat trip 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 the northernmost town in Germany. It boasts one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Northern Europe. Built in the 16th century, it is considered the cradle of European royalty. You will have reached your destination in Flensburg, just a few kilometers away. The city looks back on over 750 years of history. This is reflected in the numerous sights from past centuries. Alternatively, you can shorten the route from Glücksburg to Flensburg by boat (included, Monday rest day).

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