Bike & Boat Hamburg to Lübeck with the Florentina

This cycling and boat tour takes you along one of the most important trade routes in Northern Germany – the Old Salt Road between Hamburg and Lübeck. During the day, you'll actively explore the region by bicycle, while your floating hotel comfortably follows you along the Elbe River and the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. Along the way, you'll encounter historic Hanseatic cities, idyllic river and lake landscapes, dense forests, and charming villages and small towns.

For centuries, the "white gold" was transported along the Old Salt Road from the Lüneburg saltworks to the Hanseatic ports. Even today, magnificent brick houses, historic market squares, and impressive buildings bear witness to the region's former wealth. The route connects the Hanseatic cities of Hamburg, Lüneburg, and Lübeck with picturesque towns like Lauenburg and Mölln, the home of the legendary Till Eulenspiegel.

Highlights of the trip include Lüneburg's historic old town, the impressive Scharnebeck ship lift, the lake district of the Duchy of Lauenburg, the Baltic coast near Travemünde, and Lübeck's UNESCO World Heritage old town. A perfect combination of active exploration, Hanseatic history, and relaxed travel on the water.

Highlights of this trip at a glance

Travel by bike and boat along the Old Salt Road between Hamburg and Lübeck
Varied cycling tours along the Elbe, the historic Elbe-Lübeck Canal and through the lakes, forests and river landscapes of the Duchy of Lauenburg
Experience historic cities and cultural highlights:
Hamburg – the “Gateway to the World” with its impressive harbor panorama
Lüneburg – the traditional salt and Hanseatic city with its excellently preserved old town
Lauenburg – picturesquely situated on the Elbe and characterized by historic half-timbered houses
Mölln – the home of the legendary Till Eulenspiegel
Lübeck – the “Queen of the Hanseatic League” with its UNESCO-protected Old Town and the famous Holsten Gate
Travemünde – a traditional Baltic Sea resort with maritime charm and miles of beaches
Nature experiences between the Elbe river meadows, canal landscapes, forests and lakes – one of the most beautiful water and cultural landscapes in Northern Germany.
Technical masterpieces such as the Scharnebeck ship lift and the historic hydraulic engineering works of the Elbe-Lübeck Canal.
Comfortable accommodation on your floating hotel with a personal atmosphere and daily alternation between active cycling tours and relaxing boat trips.

Individual arrival in Hamburg and embarkation in the afternoon. From 16:00 pm, the crew will welcome you on board, and at a welcome meeting, you will receive initial important information about the upcoming week's activities. Around 17:00 pm, the ship sets sail for Geesthacht. As the Elbe metropolis slowly disappears behind you, you can enjoy your first impressions of the diverse river landscape. After dinner on board, a safety briefing and information about the upcoming bike tours will follow. The ship will remain in Geesthacht overnight.

After breakfast, the ship continues its journey up the Elbe River and reaches the impressive Scharnebeck ship lift. This technical masterpiece overcomes a height difference of 38 meters and is one of the largest ship lifts in Europe. Afterwards, you can choose from various cycling tours. The most direct route leads to the historic salt and Hanseatic city of Lüneburg. Discover the area. Am SandeThe town hall, the winding lanes of the old town, and the German Salt Museum, which tells the story of the centuries-long importance of "white gold," are all worth a visit. Those who prefer a longer ride can explore the charming surroundings of Lüneburg. The route leads across the Bardowick drawbridge, through tranquil woodlands along the Landwehr (a historic defensive earthwork), and along idyllic paths. IlmBack to the city. In the afternoon you will return to the ship in Lüneburg.

Early this morning, the ship continues its journey on the Elbe River. After breakfast, your cycling tour begins, taking you through the charming Elbe Valley. The route leads through small villages with traditional half-timbered houses, past meadows, fields, and natural river landscapes. A stop in the charming town of Bleckede, which boasts a long history as a trading and administrative center on the Elbe, is well worth it. In the afternoon, you will reach Lauenburg. The picturesque old town, with its half-timbered houses and historic location directly on the river, is one of the most beautiful places along the Elbe. Here, your ship awaits you for the night.

While the ship travels along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal in the morning, passing through several locks, the cyclists begin their stage at the Witzeez Lock. The route leads through the charming lake and forest landscape of the Duchy of Lauenburg, one of the most beautiful natural regions in Northern Germany. Along the way, you'll reach the historic Eulenspiegel town of Mölln. The picturesque old town, St. Nicholas Church, and numerous lakes lend the town its special charm. After a stop in Mölln, you'll cycle along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal before reboarding the ship in the afternoon. The ship continues its journey and reaches the Hanseatic city of Lübeck. You'll spend the night in the port of this historic city, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This morning is dedicated to Lübeck, the former "Queen of the Hanseatic League." Take the time to explore the historic Old Town. The famous Holsten Gate, St. Mary's Church, and the winding lanes of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town tell the story of this Hanseatic city's rich history. Of course, a taste of the world-famous Lübeck marzipan is a must. Afterward, you'll cycle from Lübeck to the Baltic Sea. Passing beautiful stretches of coastline and popular seaside resorts, you'll reach Travemünde, Lübeck's "Gateway to the Baltic"—a traditional district at the mouth of the Trave River. Here you'll reboard the ship. In the evening, the ship will take you back to Lübeck, where you'll spend another night.

While the ship departs Lübeck in the morning and sets course for Lauenburg, your cycling tour begins at the Donnerschleuse lock. You can either follow the historic Elbe-Lübeck Canal towards Mölln or choose a varied route through the rolling hills of the Duchy of Lauenburg. The latter route also takes you past the picturesque Wotersen Manor, one of the most beautiful manor houses in the region. The quiet paths and the water-rich landscape make this leg of the journey a particularly relaxing day of cycling. In the afternoon, you will reach the Witzeeze lock, where you will reboard the ship. The ship will remain in Witzeeze overnight.

On your final bike tour, you'll once again follow the course of the Elbe River through the expansive floodplains and marshlands of Northern Germany. The tranquil paths along the river offer numerous opportunities to enjoy nature and reflect on the past few days of your journey. In Geesthacht, you'll reboard the ship. As the vessel passes through the lock and sets course for Hamburg, the landscape gradually transforms. The rural tranquility gives way to the maritime flair of the Hanseatic city. From the sun deck, you'll enjoy your last hours on the water before reaching the "Gateway to the World." A farewell dinner together marks the end of a diverse and memorable journey along the historic salt and Hanseatic routes of Northern Germany.

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye. Disembarkation takes place by 9:00 a.m. Afterwards, you will begin your individual journey home. The memories of magnificent Hanseatic cities, idyllic river and canal landscapes, and the diverse cycling tours along the old salt road will linger for a long time.

8 days / 7 nights
7 breakfasts
Daily packed lunch for the bike tours
7 x 3-course dinners
Coffee and tea on board until 16 p.m
welcome drink
Bettwäsche und Handtücher
Daily cabin cleaning
Air-conditioned cabin
Daily tour briefings
Individual, non-guided bike tours: Guests ride individually, travel guides also follow the route
Cycling map and route descriptions (1 set per cabin)
GPS tracks for all bike tours
Using a waterproof luggage bag
Wi-Fi on board
Entrance to the German Salt Museum in Lüneburg
Guided city tour of Lübeck with local tour guide

Money-saving tip: 5% early booking discount for tours in 2027, valid until 31.10.2026

The discount is automatically deducted during the booking process.

Further information

Basic price in € per person

Get a price quote now: Go to the price calculator

2 bed cabin	Under deck	upper deck
17.04.2027 - 17.04.2027	1.199,00 €	1.599,00 €
24.04.2027 - 24.04.2027	1.299,00 €	1.749,00 €
01.05.2027 - 01.05.2027	1.399,00 €	1.849,00 €
08.05.2027 - 19.06.2027	1.499,00 €	1.949,00 €

2-bed cabin for single use	Under deck	upper deck
17.04.2027 - 17.04.2027	1.798,50 €	2.398,50 €
24.04.2027 - 24.04.2027	1.948,50 €	2.623,50 €
01.05.2027 - 01.05.2027	2.098,50 €	2.773,50 €
08.05.2027 - 19.06.2027	2.248,50 €	2.923,50 €

1 bed cabin	upper deck
17.04.2027 - 17.04.2027	1.999,00 €
24.04.2027 - 24.04.2027	2.099,00 €
01.05.2027 - 01.05.2027	2.199,00 €
08.05.2027 - 19.06.2027	2.299,00 €

Rental bikes

7-speed unisex rental bike with freewheel and pannier
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2027	98,00 €

E-bike with freewheel and pannier
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2027	273,00 €

Limitation of Liability (Damage) Rental Bicycle
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2027	14,00 €

Limitation of liability (damage) for rental e-bikes
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2027	28,00 €

bringing your own bike
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2026	14,00 €

Bring your own e-bike
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2027	35,00 €

rental helmet
01.01.2027 - 31.12.2027	10,00 €

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Reisecode: HAM 01

Bike & Boat Hamburg to Lübeck with the Florentina

Duration: 8 days
Overnight stays: 7 nights
Overnight stays: about 189 - 287 km

Arrival on Saturday, April 17th to June 19th, 2027 (dates according to calendar)

Arrival possible
Limited arrival possible
Arrival not possible

Book now Price calculator

Basic price in € per person * 2027	Under deck	upper deck
2 bed cabin	From €1199	From €1599
2-bed cabin for single use	From €1948.5	From €2573.5
1 bed cabin	-	From €1949

5% early booking discount for tours in 2027, valid until 31.10.2026

Attention: This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility.

Still have questions?

Doreen Geissler

Phone: 03831 30676-0 Mon–Fri 8am–17pm
E-mail: info@mecklenburger-radtour.de

The MS Florentina is a charming, mid-range river cruise ship that accompanies cycling and boat tours along the Elbe River and the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. With space for up to 92 guests, the ship combines a relaxed atmosphere with modern comfort and offers the ideal starting point for actively exploring the historic Old Salt Road between Hamburg and Lübeck.

The cozy bar and spacious lounge on the upper deck invite you to relax with a drink or chat with your fellow travelers. Also located on the upper deck is the restaurant, where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals daily. Thanks to the large panoramic windows, you can enjoy the passing scenery at any time.

For relaxing hours in the fresh air, the sun deck is available with tables, chairs, and comfortable loungers – the ideal place to reflect on the day with a drink. Wi-Fi is available in the salon (connection quality may vary depending on the cruising area).

More information about the MS Florentina

The ship – your floating hotel

Between bike tours, your ship will take you comfortably from place to place – while you enjoy the passing scenery on board, new cities, nature experiences and cultural discoveries await you.

On board the ship, you'll enjoy daily breakfast and dinner, as well as restful nights in your cabin. You can prepare your own packed lunch during breakfast for each day's ride, and often you can choose between a shorter or longer tour – depending on your mood and fitness level. Those who prefer a relaxing day can simply stay on board and enjoy the passing scenery from the sun deck.

Rental bikes are of course available. You are also welcome to bring your own bicycle (please indicate this when booking).

Individual bike tours

On board your ship, you will be accompanied by an experienced, multilingual tour guide. During the daily program briefings, the guide will explain everything you need to know about the next day's ride. You will cycle independently and at your own pace. For navigation, we will provide you with a detailed cycling map, a printed route description, GPS tracks, and the free RideWithGPS route app for your smartphone. The tour guide will be cycling the same route as you, so they will be nearby and reachable by phone in case of emergencies, problems, or questions.

Good to know

The cycling distances indicated in the itinerary are approximate.
On some days you can choose between a longer and a shorter bike tour. Please note that the shorter tours may not allow you to visit all of the sights and highlights mentioned.
If you don't want to cycle on a particular day, you can of course stay on board and enjoy the relaxing boat trip to the next port of call.
Changes to the itinerary and route are reserved due to nautical, technical or weather-related conditions as well as other unforeseen circumstances.
On the day of arrival, you can drop off your luggage on board from 11:00 am.
Detailed cycling maps, route suggestions, and a GPS app are available for individual cycling tours. The tour guide can be reached by phone at any time in case of questions, breakdowns, or emergencies.

General information

Not included in the price: Cultural development tax, bed tax, arrival and departure, transfers, excursions, entrance and sightseeing fees, city maps, ferry fees, insurance, tips and personal expenses.
This trip is not suitable for people with reduced mobility. Maps presented are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect geographical reality.