Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
This loop links Rostock and Warnemünde with stops including Ribnitz-Damgarten, Barth, Stralsund and Greifswald. It runs past the Bodden waters by Fischland-Darß-Zingst, then swings through the Trebel and Recknitz valleys to Bad Sülze.
The Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg is a 387.8 km themed loop in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, with Rostock as your main reference point. On the way you’ll roll through places like Warnemünde, Ribnitz-Damgarten, Barth, Stralsund and Greifswald. The route mixes coast and inland: Baltic air in Warnemünde, then the Bodden lagoons between Fischland-Darß-Zingst and the mainland, and later Hanseatic towns again with loads of Brick Gothic. It’s worth budgeting time for churches: in Rostock you’ve got brick churches and gabled merchant houses; in Stralsund there are three monumental brick churches (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); in Greifswald you get three medieval churches plus the Eldena monastery ruins, made famous by C. D. Friedrich. In between, you’ll have quieter stretches through Rostocker Heide and along the Trebel and Recknitz valleys to Bad Sülze (the oldest peat and brine spa in northern Germany). It suits riders who are in it for culture and good stops; there’s no official info for a more “sporty” classification. You’ll plan the trip yourself: grab the GPX track and choose your breaks and overnights based on what you actually care about.
Route Profile
| Distance | 388 km |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | unknown |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Östlicher Backstein-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 Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg
The Brick Gothic theme is at its densest on the Stralsund → Greifswald stretch: Stralsund packs in three monumental brick churches within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Greifswald follows straight after with three medieval churches. Highlight: the Eldena monastery ruins near Greifswald. As a Caspar David Friedrich motif, it’s a non-negotiable stop if you’re riding this route for Brick Gothic.
Highlights on the Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg
- Brick churches and gabled houses in Rostock.
- Warnemünde seaside resort with a proper maritime vibe.
- St. Marien tower in Ribnitz-Damgarten (the Amber Town).
- Barth church tower: views over the Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft National Park.
- Three monumental brick churches in Stralsund (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
- Eldena monastery ruins near Greifswald (C. D. Friedrich motif).
Accommodations on the Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg
Along the Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Östlicher Backstein-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 Östlicher Backstein-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
The Östlicher Backstein-Rundweg is at its best where the Hanseatic towns and churches come thick and fast: Rostock, Stralsund and Greifswald give you substance, not just scenery. The downside if you like planning from hard facts: official details on surfaces, signage and stage structure are pretty thin in the sources available. If you enjoy theme routes and you’re happy setting your own stops, this loop works really well.
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.