Cycling Hamburg–Baltic Sea

The region between the metropolis of Hamburg and the Baltic coast of Schleswig-Holstein, including its “hinterland,” is quite unfairly overshadowed by the tourist appeal of these two destinations. Author Hans-Jürgen Fründt draws on his extensive experience as a cycle tourist in his home region of Schleswig-Holstein to describe these tours, and has created a valuable guide for cycling holidays on the Baltic coast. This handbook offers cyclists detailed route descriptions, with precise distances and directions; recommends cozy inns along the way; provides accommodation tips for every budget, from youth hostels and campsites to Baltic Sea hotels; lists train connections in case the weather doesn’t cooperate; and briefly describes the most important sights and excursion ideas. An ideal companion for anyone wanting to discover southern Schleswig-Holstein on an enjoyable cycling trip.

Stage 1: Hamburg to Elmshorn, about 54 kilometers
Stage 2: Elmshorn to Itzehoe, about 50 kilometers
The first two stages build up momentum to the northwest, following the Elbe, before the route turns toward the Baltic Sea.
Stage 3: Itzehoe to Nortorf (near Neumünster), about 55 kilometers. This is the geographical center of Schleswig-Holstein.
Stage 4: Nortorf to Preetz near Kiel, the gateway to Holstein Switzerland, about 38 kilometers
Stage 5: Preetz to Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen, the heart of Holstein Switzerland, about 53 kilometers
Stage 6: Malente to Heiligenhafen on the Fehmarn Sound, where the Baltic Sea is reached, about 53 kilometers
Stage 7: Heiligenhafen to Burg on Fehmarn, about 25 kilometers across the Fehmarn Sound Bridge
Stage 8: Fehmarn to Grömitz on Lübeck Bay, via Dahme and Kellenhusen, about 52 kilometers
Stage 9: Grömitz to Scharbeutz, through the large seaside resort of Neustadt and past Hansa-Park in Sierksdorf, about 30 kilometers
Stage 10: Scharbeutz to Lübeck, about 35 kilometers. The old Hanseatic city is well worth a longer stay.
Stage 11: Lübeck to Mölln, via Ratzeburg and along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal, about 43 kilometers
Stage 12: Mölln to Lauenburg, Schleswig-Holstein’s “southern balcony” on the Elbe, about 37 kilometers
Stage 13: Lauenburg to Hamburg, along the Elbe Cycle Route, about 60 kilometers

Information:
Hans-Jürgen Fründt
Cycling from Hamburg through Southern Schleswig-Holstein
Outdoor Handbook, Volume 178
Conrad Stein Verlag, 2006
€9.90 / CHF 18.10
128 pages, approx. 19 color and 15 black-and-white illustrations, approx. 10 map sketches. Format: 16.5 x 11.5 cm
ISBN 978-3-86686-178-7

Information about Conrad Stein Verlag