long distance cycling route Hamburg-Rügen

CURRENT REROUTING: Due to a landslide with major damage to the canal cycle path south of Mölln, there is a detour via the parallel agricultural road. Please follow the detour signs on site (as of 30.07.2025).

Big city meets island could be the motto of the Hamburg-Rügen cycle route, which runs for 100 km through the varied landscape of Schleswig-Holstein. The route runs along the medieval trade route that connected the Elbe and Oder estuaries. There is still evidence of over 1000 years of history to be discovered along the route. The route crosses the Duchy of Lauenburg in the south of Schleswig-Holstein from Geesthacht to Ratzeburg, passes the Elbe-Lübeck Canal and leads through picturesque Elbe meadows and charming small towns. You will cross three nature reserves, ride through forests, over gentle hills, past lakes and moors. In the Schaalsee biosphere reserve, you can marvel at the rich flora and fauna. An Eldorado for nature lovers.