Where valuable salt was transported to Lübeck on sandy paths in the Middle Ages, cyclists today discover the beauty of the Duchy of Lauenburg in the south of Schleswig-Holstein on the old trade route. Touring cyclists pass the towns of Lauenburg, Büchen, Mölln and Krummesse.
Along the way, you can discover Lüne Abbey, the Scharnebeck boat lift, numerous locks and a cable ferry. The lake landscape around Mölln is also charming. Nature lovers will find the 109-kilometre side route, which starts near Witzeeze and leads through the hilly landscape of the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, particularly appealing.
Character:
The Old Salt Road consists of a main route (95 km) and a secondary route via Mölln (109 km). The largely flat main route mostly leads along paved sandy paths and roads with little traffic. The secondary route has some minor inclines. Suitable for children aged ten and over
Main line: Lüneburg - Lauenburg - Büchen - Ratzeburg - Lübeck. Recommended in 2 day stages.
Best time to travel: May to September
Journey:
There are rail connections in the towns of Lüneburg, Lauenburg, Büchen, Mölln, Ratzeburg and Lübeck. Cyclist hotline for the railway on 01805/99 66 33. Bike service: bike hire (including e-bikes) and repair facilities are available in Lüneburg, Artlenburg, Lauenburg, Mölln, Ratzeburg and Lübeck.
Cycling hotels:
e.g. Landgasthof Meincke in Gudow/ Lauenburg, http://www.landgasthof-meincke.de
Landhotel Klempau in Krummesse, http://hotel-klempau.de
Ringhotel Friederikenhof in Lübeck-Oberbüssau, http://www.friederikenhof.de
Further addresses for cycle-friendly hosts can be found at http://www.bettundbike.de
Maps/literature:
Bikeline "Radatlas Schleswig-Holstein Süd" 1:75,000, 140 pages, 12.90 euros.
Information:
Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein, Wall 55, 24103 Kiel, Tel. 01805/600 604, http://www.sh-tourismus.de
Internet: http://www.sh-fahrradland.de
