Monks’ Trail
Cycling on the Monks’ Trail
You can follow the trail of the first Christian missionaries in the Middle Ages on the long-distance cycle route of the Mönchsweg (Monks’ Trail). The 1,000-km route leads from the Hanseatic city of Bremen to Puttgarden on Fehmarn and further with the ferry to Roskilde in Denmark. In Germany, the route leads through the diverse landscape of Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. Visitors can find numerous monasteries and old churches, grand castles and typical manor estates along the route.
Along the route
When you have left Glückstadt on the Elbe with its town church behind you, the route continues along the dykes of the river Stör. On the way to Bad Bramstedt, the castles of Breitenburg and Heiligenstedten are worthwhile milestones. On sunny days, cyclists can enjoy the route through the shady Segeberger forest. In the nearby wildlife park Eekholt, you can observe over 100 indigenous animals in unspoilt nature. The route leads past the 91-meter Kalkberg hill in Bad Segeberg through the hilly lake landscape of Holstein, Switzerland. With the towns of Plön and Eutin, this region is a highlight for culture enthusiasts. The Plön Castle can already be seen from a distance, sitting majestically on a hill by the lake. You will feel as though you have entered a fairytale on a walk through the dreamy old town alleyways in Eutin with their medieval half-timbered houses or at a visit to the castle and the English landscaped garden. Continue to the old garrison town of Neustadt i.H. and the beach paradise of Grömitz to the Cismar Monastery with ramparts, moat and gothic church. The medieval ground monument Oldenburg Wall is impressive. Afterwards, the romantic fishing port in Heiligenhafen invites you to take a relaxing break. You have nearly reached your goal: the sunny island of Fehmarn. Take a walk on the cliffs or visit St. Nikolai Church and look back on your holiday impressions.
Good to know
Arrival and departure
The Mönchsweg route is directly linked to the railway network at its starting point and destinations in Bremen and Puttgarden.
There are also train stations along the way in: Harsefeld, Horneburg, Himmelpforten, Stade, Glückstadt, Itzehoe, Wrist, Bad Bramstedt, Großenaspe, Fahrenkrug, Bad Segeberg, Plön, Malente, Eutin, Neustadt i.H., Oldenburg i.H., Großenbrode and Burg a.F.
Route conditions and degree of difficulty
- The route runs largely across asphalted roads. The few unpaved sections lead through very attractive landscapes. The route is clear and is linked in parts to other long-distance cycle routes.
- In Lower Saxony, at the Elbe and at the Baltic Sea, as well as the Schleswig-Holstein meadow landscape, the route is largely flat. In Holstein, Switzerland, the route includes hills and gradients.
- The Mönchsweg route is fully signposted in both directions with logos and kilometre markings.
- Information boards are available in some of the open churches.
- The route is easy to cycle and also suitable for beginners.
Rest stops and overnight accommodation
Over 100 cycling-friendly overnight accommodation facilities are available along the Mönchsweg. Some of these are also classified as Bed & Bike facilities. You can find a list of contact details and information on guest houses, hotels, camp sites and youth hostels along the Mönchsweg route at www.moenchsweg.de (in German) as well as in the free-of-charge brochure on the Mönchsweg.
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Your contact
Geschäftsstelle Mönchsweg c/o Büro Lebensraum Zukunft UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
Grasweg 35
24118 Kiel