Following the Old Salt Road Self-Guided 

Welcome to Hamburg | Hamburg – Geesthacht

Your journey begins in Hamburg, one of Germany’s great port cities. Individual arrival and embarkation take place in the afternoon. From 4:00 p.m., the crew welcomes you on board, and during a welcome meeting you receive the first important information about the week ahead.

Around 5:00 p.m., the ship casts off and heads toward Geesthacht. As Hamburg slowly disappears behind you, enjoy your first impressions of the changing river landscape. After dinner on board, there will be a safety briefing and an introduction to the upcoming cycling routes. The ship remains in Geesthacht overnight.

Following the story of “white gold”: Geesthacht – Lüneburg 30km or 45km

After breakfast, the ship continues upstream and reaches the impressive Scharnebeck ship lift. This engineering landmark overcomes a height difference of 38 meters / 125 feet and is one of the largest ship lifts in Europe.

Afterwards, you can choose from different cycling routes. The direct route leads to Lüneburg, a historic salt-trading town with a beautifully preserved old center. Discover Am Sande square, the town hall, the narrow lanes of the old town and the German Salt Museum, which tells the story of the “white gold” that shaped Lüneburg’s history for centuries.

If you prefer a longer ride, you can explore the attractive countryside around Lüneburg. This route leads via the Bardowick lift bridge, through quiet woodland along the Landwehr and on peaceful paths beside the Ilmenau River back into town. In the afternoon, you return to the ship in Lüneburg.

Through the Elbe river landscape: Lüneburg to Lauenburg 35km or 50km

Early in the morning, the ship continues along the Elbe. After breakfast, today’s cycling route takes you through the attractive Elbe river landscape, with small villages, traditional half-timbered houses, meadows, fields and natural riverside scenery.

Along the way, a stop in Bleckede is worthwhile. This charming small town has a long history as a trading and administrative center on the Elbe.

In the afternoon, you reach Lauenburg. Set directly on the river, its picturesque old town with half-timbered houses is one of the most attractive places along the Elbe. Your ship is waiting here for the night.

Lakes, forests and Till Eulenspiegel: Lauenburg – Mölln – Lübeck 34km or 50km

While the ship follows the canal in the morning and passes several locks, cyclists begin today’s stage at the Witzeeze lock. The route leads through the lakes and forests of the Lauenburg region, one of northern Germany’s especially scenic natural areas. Along the way, you reach the historic town of Mölln, associated with Till Eulenspiegel, a famous trickster figure in German folklore. The old town, St. Nicolai Church and surrounding lakes give Mölln its distinctive charm.

After your time in Mölln, you continue cycling along the canal before returning to the ship in the afternoon. The ship then continues to Lübeck, one of the great historic trading cities of northern Germany. You spend the night in the harbor of this storied city, whose old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lübeck and the Baltic Sea: Lübeck – Travemünde | Travemünde – Lübeck 33km

This morning is dedicated to Lübeck, once one of the most powerful cities of the Hanseatic League. Use the time to explore the historic old town. The famous Holsten Gate, St. Mary’s Church and narrow lanes of the UNESCO-listed center all tell the story of Lübeck’s former importance as a trading city. A taste of Lübeck’s world-famous marzipan is also part of the local experience. Afterwards, you cycle from Lübeck to the Baltic Sea. Passing coastal scenery and popular seaside areas, you reach Travemünde, Lübeck’s traditional seaside district at the mouth of the Trave River. Here you return to the ship. In the evening, the ship brings you back to Lübeck, where you spend another night.

Along the canal or through gentle hills: Lübeck – Witzeeze 32km or 45km

While the ship leaves Lübeck in the morning and heads toward Lauenburg, today’s bike ride begins at Donnerschleuse.

You can either follow the historic canal toward Mölln or choose a more varied route through the gentle hills of the Lauenburg region. The latter route also passes Gut Schloss Wotersen, one of the region’s attractive manor houses.

Quiet paths and water-rich scenery make this a particularly relaxed cycling day. In the afternoon, you reach the Witzeeze lock and return to the ship. The ship remains in Witzeeze overnight.

Back toward Hamburg: Witzeeze – Lauenburg – Geesthacht | Geesthacht – Hamburg 25km or 64km

Your final cycling day once again follows the Elbe through the wide river meadows and marshland landscapes of northern Germany. Depending on the route option you choose, today’s ride can be short and relaxed or considerably longer.

The quiet riverside paths offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the landscape and look back on the past days of cycling. In Geesthacht, you return to the ship. As the ship passes the lock and continues toward Hamburg, the scenery gradually changes. The rural calm gives way to the maritime atmosphere of the city. From the sun deck, you can enjoy your final hours on the water before reaching Hamburg. During the shared farewell evening, your journey along the historic salt and trade routes of northern Germany comes to a close.

Farewell to Hamburg

After breakfast, it is time to say goodbye. Disembarkation takes place by 9:00 a.m. You then begin your individual journey home, taking with you memories of historic trading cities, peaceful river and canal landscapes, and varied cycling days along the Old Salt Road.