Elbetal-Schaalsee circular route

In Ludwigslust, the historical journey starts with pompous splendor. The late Baroque palace with its fairy-tale park is host to lavish costume parties and classical concerts. A charming contrast to this is the drive through the Griese area and a little later through the Elbe meadows. From the shifting sand dune in Klein Schmölen and from Dömitz Fortress, there is an impressive view of the Elbe Valley, one of the most beautiful river valleys in Europe. Storks chatter, cranes breed, beavers build castles, and sea eagles and gray herons soar over the mighty stream. Through forests and meadows, along avenues of fruit trees and field paths, the route leads through a multifaceted natural landscape. Before reaching Zarrentin, cyclists will cross the former inner-German border several times.

At Schaalsee, the Cistercian monastery in Zarrentin nestles romantically on the steep southern shore. The deepest lake in northern Germany gave its name to the UNESCO biosphere reserve. In Schlagsdorf, the "Grenzhus" provides insights into the history of the inner-German border and shows, among other things, how it was built from original components. A mosaic of forests and lakes, meadows and fields, pastures and avenues awaits cyclists on this stage. The massive brick church of Schönberg greets its guests from afar. The tour leads through gentle hills and along forest and field paths to the state capital. From Wittenförden, a detour to nearby Schwerin is worthwhile.

Southwest of the royal capital, nature enchants in all its diversity. Cyclists enjoy dreamlike silence and seclusion. Glittering ditches and shady forests line the path to Redefin on the last stage. In the midst of the rugged Griesen region is the famous Redefin stud farm, scene of historic stallion parades.