Three rivers, one circular tour, and authentic Schleswig-Holstein far from the coast: the Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route takes you through the heart of Germany's northernmost state. Here, river meadows, vast grasslands, mysterious moors, and quiet canals shape the scenery. Between the towns of Husum, Heide, Schleswig, and Rendsburg, the cycling route winds through largely untouched nature where rare animal and plant species find ideal living conditions.

The circular tour traditionally starts in Friedrichstadt and passes through tranquil villages like Stapel, Schwabstedt, Hollingstedt, Bergenhusen, Meggerdorf, Christiansholm, Hohn, Wrohm, Pahlen, Delve, and Lunden before returning to the starting point. In the small villages with their characteristic thatched-roof timber houses, traditional ways of life persist. The region offers undisturbed nature experiences and a slower pace of life.

Essential Route Information

Difficulty: Easy, ideal for leisure cyclists and families
Elevation profile: Predominantly flat in the lowland areas and marshland, gentle climbs in the eastern geest region
Surface: Mixed surfaces including asphalt, loose ground, paved roads, and field paths
Route type: Circular tour through rural areas
Recommended direction: Clockwise from Lunden
Recommended bike: Touring bike or trekking bike with wider tires for the field path sections

Route Marking and Navigation

The Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route is signposted throughout. The distinctive route logo depicts a winding river through green meadows and is clearly visible at all major intersections and junctions. Numerous information boards along the way provide additional orientation and share details about the cycling region, the unique river landscape, and local wildlife. Navigation is straightforward, allowing you to fully focus on the nature experience.

Best Direction and Season

The recommended starting point is the Heimatmuseum in Lunden, from where you ride the route clockwise. This direction provides a pleasant start to the tour and good timing for the various attractions along the way.

Spring to autumn: Ideal conditions for the entire circular tour
May: Particularly recommended for stork watching in Bergenhusen at the end of the breeding season

Key Attractions Along the Route

The cycle route connects several unique places that invite you to linger and explore. Cultural highlights alternate with nature experiences.

Friedrichstadt: This Dutch-style town features canals and historic stepped-gable houses that recall its 17th-century founding by Dutch settlers.
Seeth: This peaceful village invites you on a walking tour where you can discover the region's typical architecture with its characteristic thatched-roof houses.
Bergenhusen: The famous stork village attracts birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. At the NABU Institute, especially in May, you can watch the hatching and growth of young storks live on screen.
Hohn: The otter enclosure offers daily opportunities to watch the playful otters during feeding time.
Heimatmuseum Lunden: An ideal starting and finishing point with insights into regional history and culture.

Accommodation Options

Along the Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route, you will find a diverse range of rural accommodations. Traditional restaurants and farmhouse cafés offer opportunities to rest and recharge for the onward journey.

Hotels and guesthouses: Various categories in the larger towns
Private rooms: Personal atmosphere with local hosts
Holiday apartments: Ideal for longer stays or families
Campsites: Nature-oriented accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts
Bett+Bike establishments: Cyclist-friendly accommodations with special services for touring cyclists

Practical Considerations

The route is excellent for relaxed cycle touring and can easily be planned as a multi-day stage tour. In the extensive lowland areas as well as the North Frisian and Dithmarschen marshlands in the west, the cycle route is consistently flat. Gentle climbs await you in the eastern section of the route, where the geest landscape begins. However, these sections are manageable even for less experienced cyclists.

The mixed road surfaces require some attention, particularly on the field path sections. In wet weather, these passages can be more slippery.

Final Tips

The Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route suits cyclists wanting to experience authentic Schleswig-Holstein away from the well-known coastal routes. Allow plenty of time for the numerous attractions and take in the quiet river landscape. Further information about the cycle route as well as bookable packages such as the "Eider-Treene-Sorge Cycle Route Gourmet Tour" can be found through regional tourism providers.