Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
According to the official source, the Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg is 361 km long and links the Elbe valley with the Schaalsee. You’ll ride through places including Ludwigslust, Dömitz, Boizenburg/Elbe, Zarrentin am Schaalsee, Wittenburg, Gadebusch and Rehna, and you’ll be travelling in the UNESCO biosphere reserves Flusslandschaft Elbe MV and Schaalsee.
The Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg is 361 km long according to the official source and designed as a loop. You can, for example, start in Ludwigslust and roll back in there later. On the way you link up Elbe valley sections around Klein Schmölen, Dömitz and Boizenburg/Elbe with the Schaalsee area around Zarrentin am Schaalsee, plus towns like Wittenburg, Gadebusch, Rehna, Schönberg, Schlagsdorf and Wittenförden. What defines the route is the mix of two UNESCO biosphere reserves — Flusslandschaft Elbe MV and Schaalsee — and specific stops like Festung Dömitz, the Wanderdüne in Klein Schmölen, or PAHLHUUS as an information centre. Cultural stops such as Schloss Ludwigslust, Kloster Zarrentin and Kloster Rehna give you solid targets for breaks. Who’s it for? Leisure riders who like to build in nature and culture stops; there’s no confirmed info on surface, signage or elevation profile. You’re planning this trip yourself: use the POIs as anchor points and stitch together your own day stages.
Route Profile
| Distance | 424 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg
The strongest part for me was the Elbe stretch between Klein Schmölen and Dömitz: the Wanderdüne in Klein Schmölen gives you a clear viewpoint, and in Dömitz the Festung is a tough, tangible contrast to the river landscape. Highlight: In Dömitz, pair up the Festung with a detour through the Elbtal before you carry on towards Boizenburg/Elbe and the open-air exhibition EinFlussReich.
Highlights on the Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg
- Schloss Ludwigslust (Ludwigslust).
- Wanderdüne in Klein Schmölen.
- Festung Dömitz (Dömitz).
- Freiluftausstellung EinFlussReich (Boizenburg/Elbe).
- PAHLHUUS – information centre of the UNESCO-Biosphärenreservat Schaalsee (Zarrentin am Schaalsee).
- Grenzhus Schlagsdorf (Schlagsdorf).
Accommodations on the Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg
Along the Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Elbetal-Schaalsee Rundweg Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
This loop scores with clearly named stops — from Schloss Ludwigslust to Festung Dömitz to PAHLHUUS and the monasteries in Zarrentin and Rehna. The weak spot: the official source doesn’t give any detail on signage, surface or elevation profile, so you should plan on navigating with your own tools.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.