"Mecklenburg - Elbe Valley"

Our journey begins not far from Luebeck airport at the Ratzeburg Lake.

The cycling tourists follow a pearly string of crystal-clear waters up to the deepest lake of Northern Germany. It gave its name to the UNESCO biosphere reserve. It seems as if the sparkling gem wants to protect itself from all too curious spectators. Dense reed beds allow one to get only a vague idea of its size. Among wooded hills, the Schaal Lake extends far from the north to the south, repeatedly interrupted by small islands and promontories. A lively host of birds, frogs and fish rule this fabulous realm.

The route leads through the former no man's land between east and west. In the isolation of the iron curtain remained a landscape which could not be more original and peaceful. No barrier blocks the way through forests and meadows, along avenues of fruit trees and country lanes. The ravishingly beautiful villages and small towns are today open to everyone again. In the museum courtyard in Valluhn small reed-covered cottages and barns whisper of long-past times. The Cistercian monastery in Zarrentin is still older. It nestles romantically into the steep south bank of the unfathomable Schaal Lake.

We soon reach Boizenburg :a town of timbered houses. The hills of the river Elbe rise here to heavenly lookout platforms, while the eye is caught primarily by a church tower in the lowlands around Neuhaus. The unrestrained river Elbe pays no attention to frontiers. It meanders in majestic calm sometimes through Mecklenburg, sometimes through Lower Saxony. The natural impressions are also boundless. Storks clack and cranes breed; beavers and otters are once more at home here, and sea-eagles and grey herons float over the labyrinth of oxbow arms, lowland forests and backwaters.

In the hinterland, flower meadows, deciduous forests and moats form a green-blue mosaic. To stand on the shifting sand dunes near Klein Schmölen or on the imposing Dömitz, fortress is to have one of the most beautiful river valleys of Europe at one's feet. The Griese area offers a delightful contrast. Pinewoods, peat bogs and heathland give it a harsh aspect. Ludwigslust in the middle of the Mecklenburgian sand is home to a terrific baroque castle and a fabulous park. Sparkling ditches and shady forests line the way to Redefin. In the midst of the Griesen area, Duke Friedrich Franz created a legendary stud-farm in the year 1812. The classicistic architectural style serves as the backdrop for historical stud parades and the popular "picnic horse symphonies "in the summer. Approaching Hagenow ,for a long time only the church tower is visible. All the more is one astonished at the pretty half timbered houses to be found at its feet.

One arrives before the gates of the regional capital by way of calm forest and country lanes - in Wittenförden by the Neumühle Lake.

Of course, the fairytale castle and the unique architectural ensemble of Schwerin are always worth a small detour. In the unhurried hinterland southwest of the residence town the buildings are hardly spectacular, but unspoilt nature, cosy villages and nice towns have a quiet allure of their own.. We soon reach Gadebusch The ancient city boasts a gothic town hall and a stately renaissance castle. The Smoke House Moellin is just the place for a break and a hearty snack. Hams and sausages dangle under the reed -covered roofs as in the legendary land of Cockaigne.

The journey leads across gentle hills and valleys to the monastery town of Rehna,. The Middle Ages seem to come alive in the crooked lanes. Further east, a bulky brick church announces the small town of Schoenberg, from where, before long, we reach our starting point again ,not far from the Ratzeburg Lake and Luebeck airport .

To contact this tour operator please use the contact form next to the map on the right.

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Price/Person: 625 EUR
Number of participants
Duration: Hours

Area: Along the fomer German/German border
Accomodation is included in this tour: Bed and breakfast in hotels in double or twin rooms with shower or bath/WC. Special services please refer to To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.

The Guide is able to understand this language also    
   german
   english

Special Hints: We offer bicycle routes in Germany with an English-speaking guide around the most scenic areas of Germany. The guides have an insider’s knowledge of the region.

edited at 03.11.06 | 11:34 PM
last update 03.11.06 | 11:45 PM

Guide details

Birgit Lehmann

Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
Based in Germany, the company offers guided cycling tours with an English speaking local guide in the most scenic areas of Germany like Bavaria, Rhine Valley, Saxon Switzerland or Elbe Valley. The luggage is handled from hotel to hotel. All tours start and end nearby an international airport. Bed and breakfast, maps and description of the tour, cycle hiring, special services like wine tasting are included.

edited at 03.11.06 | 11:08 PM
last update 03.11.06 | 11:11 PM

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