The Baltic Sea coast from Lübeck to Stralsund

Discover the Hanseatic cities and wild landscapes along the Baltic Sea

From Lübeck to Stralsund, this cycling route through northern West Pomerania in Germany is the ideal destination for a cycling trip. It offers the perfect blend of the historical heritage of the Hanseatic cities found along the route and the untamed beauty of the many preserved natural areas along this coastline.

This 8-day cycling tour along the coast takes you from Lübeck to Stralsund. It’s an opportunity to explore the Hanseatic cities, as well as Wismar; all three are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and experienced significant growth during the 14th and 15th centuries. As you cycle between these major cities, the landscapes are highly varied, ranging from vast beaches of fine sand to the wetter, marshy regions of the Western Pomerania Lagoon National Park, not to mention a few shaded stretches through lush green forests.

The route for this trip is pleasant, following well-maintained greenways or peaceful bike paths, punctuated by a few necessary boat crossings in this region crisscrossed by the sea, lakes, and rivers. Along the way, you also discover a few picturesque villages with splendid thatched-roof houses and colorful doors, particularly on the Darß Peninsula. In this region, fishermen still work in the shallow waters of the lagoon, and their boats are moored in charming little harbors along the shore.

Your cycling tour begins in Lübeck’s Old Town; the former capital of the Hanseatic League and “Queen of the Hanse,” it was once the most important trading city in Northern Europe. The center of the Old Town is surrounded by water on all sides. Take a stroll through it to discover the patrician residences from the 15th and 16th centuries and the famous brick Holstentor Gate.

You then head to the coast at Travemünde (by bike or train, whichever you prefer) and board a ferry across the Trave River to Priwall (not included). Now is the time to enjoy your first bike ride along the region’s long, fine-sand beaches. You then pass through the seaside resort of Boltenhagen before continuing your journey along the coast to Wismar.

Wismar is also a great city for strolling. Its medieval harbor bears witness to the influence of trade during the Hanseatic period, notably with the imposing Wassertor, a city gate featuring late-Gothic gables made of red brick, located at its entrance. In the Ziegenmarkt (Goat Market) district, you find many historic and half-timbered houses.

From Wismar, hop on your bike and head north, cycling along the coast once again, first through rugged scenery around Groß Strömkendorf and the island of Poel, a nature reserve near your route. You then reach the very touristy coastline of the Kühlungsborn region. Starting from the village of Rerik, the landscape consists of long sandy beaches stretching for kilometers. In Kühlungsborn, discover classic spa architecture, a testament to the rise of the region’s seaside resorts that began in the 19th century; its 240-meter-long pier is the perfect spot for a stroll. It’s also a chance to enjoy delicious seafood at one of the many seaside restaurants and perhaps try the local specialty, Matjesfilet (herring fillets), before heading to the spa town of Warnemünde.

After crossing the Warne River by boat (included), cycle northward to reach the wilder Fischland-Darß-Zingst peninsula. Your route takes you along this 45-km-long coastal strip that separates a series of lagoons (Bodden in German) from the open sea. Enter the peninsula by passing through the villages of Wustrow and Ahrenshoop on Fischland, before cycling along beautiful bike paths through landscapes ranging from beaches to steppes and forests in the Western Pomerania Lagoon National Park. You then cycle through the Darß region, home to charming, traditional villages and harbors with houses featuring colorful doors and thatched roofs, before reaching Zingst.

From Zingst, cross the Boddensee (lake) via the Meiringen swing bridge and continue your cycling journey toward the historic town of Barth. A maritime and commercial town whose shipbuilding industry began to flourish in the 18th century with the construction of ocean-going sailing ships. Ride along the shore through this largely drained wild wetland area to reach Hohendorf and its castle, which has now become a prestigious private residence. The final stretch of the ride takes you to the center of Stralsund, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its medieval architecture and magnificent red-brick buildings.