baltic coast cycle route
452 kilometres of breathtaking landscapes
452 kilometres in length, the baltic coast cycle route* in Schleswig-Holstein takes you from Kupfermühle, near Flensburg, to Lübeck-Travemünde, revealing the various facets of this fascinating region on the way. Sometimes you ride alongside the beach with a view of the sea, then past wooded bluffs or through the fertile hinterland with its deep blue lakes, fjords and fields. Historic fishing villages and vibrant harbour towns recount the history of the coastal region and offer an appealing cultural programme.
Route and sights of interest
The baltic coast cycle route* begins in the north in Kupfermühle, near Flensburg, and takes you via Maasholm, Eckernförde, Kiel and Hohwacht, around the sunny isle of Fehmarn and finally to Lübeck-Travemünde.
Unique natural treasures and sights of cultural interest make this route an experience for all the senses. You should definitely plan in some little detours to the idyllic Schlei fjord or into the rolling landscape of Holstein Switzerland.
At the starting point of Flensburg, we recommend visiting the historic harbour town or the Shipping and Rum Museum. Your onward journey in the direction of the Schlei leads you through Kappeln, with its unique herring fence, to the holiday paradise of Damp, where you can indulge in massages and other health treatments to your heart’s content. In Eckernförde, white beaches, a dreamy old town and the charming harbour stir those classic holiday feelings. Treat your palate to a fresh fish roll. Next, you head off towards Kiel Bay. The Heikendorf Artists’ Museum, the submarine in Laboe and the multitude of maritime impressions you will capture in the Kiel harbour are just a few of the highlights awaiting you here.
On the island
Now, with a view over the sea, you ride towards the sunny isle of Fehmarn. The round trip of the island takes you past the Fehmarn Sealife Centre and the NABU Water Bird Reserve. How about a boat trip on the high seas on the ‘Vogelfluglinie’?
Back on the mainland, holiday destinations steeped in tradition line your route towards Lübeck, where the fine, white sandy beaches are perfect for sunbathing.
Relax at the ‘Grömitzer Welle’ water park or spend a care-free day full of thrills and spills at Hansa-Park in Sierksdorf.
Before you reach the gates of Lübeck, you are met in Travemünde by the famous ‘Passat’ sailing ship. Your trip reaches its worthy final destination in the Hanseatic city. Immerse yourself in the historic flair and vibrant life of Lübeck.
Getting there and back
There are rail connections to Flensburg, Eckernförde, Kiel, Sierksdorf and Lübeck-Travemünde. The trains go every hour and you can bring your bike on board.
Terrain and difficulty of the route
Terrain:
Most of the cycle path is tarmacked, some parts take you over paving, flagstones, sand or gravel. It is not entirely suited to racing bikes.
Relief:
Most of the route is over flat coastal areas. You should expect some ascents in Holstein Switzerland. (test in TOP 25, possibly for all routes?)
Signage:
The cycle route is fully signposted. The blue cycle route logo will also keep you on the right track.
Information boards:
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Difficulty level:
The route is easy to ride and very family-friendly. You should take changeable winds and small ascents into account.
Places to stop or stay the night
Picnic areas and refuges provide places for a short pause along the way. You will often come across stalls promising a taste of the ocean in the form of fresh fish rolls. Restaurants and cafes will also welcome you when you wish to take a break. Depending on what you feel like, you can spend the night in a hotel, guest house or youth hostel, or set up camp on one of the many campsites. We recommend reserving accommodation in advance in the high season. You can find lists of these accommodation options at www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de and www.bettundbike.de.
Bicycle hire and repair service
There are bicycle hire and repair services available at all larger villages and towns along the route. You can get a list of bicycle hire shops at www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de.
GPS-Data
You can download data for gps-devices, digital maps or google earth. The data is provided for the whole cycle route and for the following stages:
stage 1: Flensburg – Glücksburg
stage 2: Glücksburg – Gelting
stage 3: Gelting – Kappeln
stage 4: Kappeln – Eckernförde
stage 5: Eckernförde – Kiel
stage 6: Kiel – Behrensdorf
stage 7: Behrensdorf – Großenbrode
stage 8: Großenbrode – Puttgarden
stage 9: Puttgarden – Großenbrode
stage 10: Großenbrode – Grömitz
stage 11: Grömitz – Travemünde
Data for the total route
Download digital data (zip-file gpx, trk, ovl, kml, 0,6 mb)
Reading tips and maps
Kompakt-Spiralo Ostseeküstenradweg Flensburg-Travemünde (Baltic Coast Cycle Route Flensburg-Travemünde, spiral-bound)
Scale 1:75,000, BVA
Price 9,95 €
Available in bookshops
„Ostseeküsten-Radweg, Teil 1, von Flensburg nach Lübeck“ (Baltic Coast Cycle Route Part 1, Flensburg to Lübeck)
Bicycle touring book from the bikeline series: Overview maps with distances and tourist information
Published by Esterbauer
Price 11,90 €
Available in bookshops
Die schönsten Radfernwege: Ostseeküsten-Radweg Bd. 1 (Scenic Long-distance Cycle Routes: Baltic Coast Cycle Route Part 1)
Tour outline with map extracts
Author: Hans-Jürgen Fuß
Published by Bielefelder
ISBN: 3870731755
Price: 15,95 €
Available in bookshops
Information
You can also find more information at www.ostseekuesten-radweg.de.
Ostsee-Holstein-Tourismus e.V.
Strandallee 75 a
23669 Timmendorfer Strand
Phone: +49 (0)1805 700 708 (€0.14/min. from a German landline)
Fax: +49 (0)1805 700 709 (€0.14/min. from a German landline)
info@ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de
www.ostsee-schleswig-holstein.de
downloads
© Ostsee-Holstein-Tourismus e.V., Hans Joachim Harbeck