Old Salzstrasse

You cycle through the protected landscape areas of the Trave through the Holsteiner Land towards Ahrensburg. If you want, you can shorten the route yourself by train.

Overnight place: Hamburg

Against the current, but often with the wind at your back, you leave Hamburg along the Elbe and cycle through the wide green land of the Elbmarsch. Following inland, the path leads along the Illmenau via Bardowick with its impressive cathedral to the old salt town of Lüneburg.

Overnight place: Lüneburg

Before you set off, get in the mood for the coming days in the German Salt Museum (in its own ranks) near the old town. You leave Lüneburg heading north. In Erbstorf you will come across the Elbe Lateral Canal, which you will follow. In Scharnebeck you cycle past the impressive ship lift that bridges the 38 meter difference in altitude between the Lüneburg Heath and the Elbmarsch. We continue towards the Elbe. Today's stage destination, Lauenburg, is already in sight on the other bank. After a few kilometers up the Elbe you have the opportunity to cross the Elbe.
 

Overnight place: Lauenburg

Lauenburg's closed city complex with many lovingly restored half-timbered houses from the 16th-19th centuries. Century gives the old shipping town its unmistakable face. Today your way goes north in the direction of Büchen. After a few kilometers you will come across the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. Follow the wide curves of the canal. It goes past the village of Güster, with its lake landscape created from old gravel pits, via Grambek to Mölln.
 

Overnight place: In the Eulenspiegel town of Mölln or in Ratzeburg

Mölln benefited from its good location at the intersection of important trade routes. The "Alte Salzstraße" met other paths here that led east to Mecklenburg. In addition, there was the Stecknitz Canal, completed in 1398, as the oldest canal in Germany. Your journey always follows the canal via Berkenthin to Krummesse. After a few kilometers you will reach the confluence of the Elbe-Lübeck Canal and the Trave. Alternatively from Ratzeburg along the Ratzeburg Lake northwards through the suburbs of the Hanseatic city. Lübeck, the destination of your journey, has been reached. Let the day end with a coffee and a piece of Lübeck marzipan (on your own). 

Overnight place: Lübeck

After breakfast you travel home on your own. We would be happy to book another night in Lübeck if you wish.

Overnight place: Lübeck (departure)