Ochsenweg
On the trail of the historic Ochsenweg (the Ox Route) through inland Schleswig-Holstein
Approximately 245 km long, the Ochsenweg was the central land route between Denmark and northern Germany in the 19th century. It served as a livestock trade route for farmers, but was also used by knights, soldiers, tradesmen, pilgrims and beggars as a direct route southwards. Today, cyclists taking this historic cross-country route gain an insight into the natural and cultural history of northern Germany and Denmark. Away from loud traffic, the route takes you through broad wetland and marshland areas, through forests and typical north German fields and heathland, passing lakes and following rivers. On your way you will ride through attractive towns such as Neumünster and Rendsburg, and get to know many local villages and municipalities.
Route and sights of interest
The ochsenweg* begins in Wedel and splits in Uetersen into an eastern route (246.5 km) and a western one (243.5 km). Shortly before Rendsburg the two stretches merge once more. The eastern side takes you through wetland and forest areas, via the spa town of Bad Bramstedt and on to Nortorf.
On the western route, you explore the expanse of the Seestermühe marsh, ride through Elmshorn and Itzehoe, through forests and along the Stör river before reaching Hohenweststedt. From here, the route takes you via Schleswig to Flensburg. In Denmark, the route continues under the name ‘Haerveien’ to Viborg. Its total length in the two countries comes to 540 km.
Tip: plan in enough time to make stops between your destinations. There are plenty of exciting sights to discover on the way.
For instance, the Danevirke (Danes’ works), a 30-km-long wall which is amongst the earliest archaeological relics of Schleswig-Holstein history. Also worth a visit are the rosary in Uetersen, the Eeckholt game park near Bad Bramstedt and the ‘KinderKunstpfad’ (children’s art trail) in Nortorf. A crossing with the historic transporter bridge in Rendsburg is an experience which everyone will appreciate, not just engineering enthusiasts. Schloss Gottorf in Schleswig, the Haithabu Viking Museum and the museum docklands in Flensburg all present interesting aspects of Schleswig-Holstein history. At certain prominent junctions (such as in Niehuus), giant ox horns made of wood have been erected to signal the way.
Getting there and back
There are rail connections to the towns of Wedel, Elmshorn, Itzehoe, Neumünster, Rendsburg, Schleswig and Flensburg. The trains go every hour and you can bring your bike on board.
Terrain and difficulty of the route
Terrain:
The quality of the route in Germany and Denmark is good. The route mostly follows tarmacked cycle paths and side roads with little traffic. Up to Rendsburg, more farmers’ roads are used. These are surfaced with concrete tracking plates. In the north, some sections take you over sand, forest or field paths ¬– following the trail of the original Ochsenweg.
Relief:
In Denmark there are sections with small ascents. In Germany, the route is mostly flat.
Signage:
The cycle path is fully signed with its own logo.
Information boards:
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Difficulty level:
Due to a few sections on unsurfaced cycle paths and short stretches on busy roads, the Ochsenweg has a medium difficulty level. Generally, however, it is also suitable for beginners and families with children cycling themselves.
Places to stop or stay the night
There are picnic areas along the way. At some stopping places there are covered bicycle sheds which can be locked up.
Inns and kiosks take care of food and drink, and for staying the night there are campsites, natural camping grounds, hotels, guest houses and youth hostels. In addition there are categorised ‘bed and bike’ establishments along the route.
You can download a list of the hotels and inns at www.ochsenweg.de.
Bicycle hire and repair service
All larger towns on the ochsenweg* have bicycle hire and repair services (e.g. Flensburg, Schleswig, Rendsburg, Neumünster, Itzehoe, Elmshorn, Wedel). You can also request bicycle hire via the relevant tourist information centre.
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:
eastern course:
stage 1: Wedel – Barmstedt
stage 2: Barmstedt – Neumünster
stage 3: Neumünster – Rendsburg
stage 4: Rendsburg – Schleswig
stage 5: Schleswig – Flensburg
stage 6: Flensburg - Padborg
data for the total route
download digital data (zip-file gpx, trk, kml, ovl | 0,3 MB) for all stages
western course:
stage 1: Wedel – Elmshorn
stage 2: Elmshorn – Itzehoe
stage 3: Itzehoe – Hohenwestedt
stage 4: Hohenwestedt – Rendsburg
stage 5: Rendsburg – Schleswig
stage 6: Schleswig – Padborg
data for the total route
download digital data (zip-file gpx, trk, kml, ovl | 0,3 MB) for all stages
Reading tips and maps
bikeline „Heerweg/Ochsenweg“
Scale 1:75,000
Available from the Schleswig-Holstein Binnenland Tourismus e.V. (Schleswig-Holstein Inland Tourism Association)
or in bookshops
12,90 €
Information and booking
You can also find more information at www.schleswig-holstein-binnenland.de and www.ochsenweg.de.
Schleswig-Holstein Binnenland e.V.
Große Nübelstrasse 31
25348 Glückstadt
Phone: +49 (0)4124 608 328
Fax: +49 (0)4124 937 586
info@schleswig-holstein-binnenland.de
www.sh-binnenland.de
downloads
- (2.84 MB)
- GPS-Data_Ochsenweg (460.36 kB)
© Grünes Binnenland e.V.