The Tour is back in Germany – racking up the kilometers!

Michael Poepke | 27. August 2025

Germany tour with a twist – one rider, one challenge, 500 kilometers. In 6 days, from the Polish border to the Danish border. Not on a racing bike like the pros of the recently finished Deutschland Tour, but on the igus:bike. Less elevation gain, but plenty of headwinds, sand, salty air, and the solitary battle against oneself during long days in the saddle. Will Jan Hendrik make it through or hit a wall along the way? How does our plastic bike handle? And apart from a flat tire at the start, will there be any other punctures? Lots of questions, and now it’s time for the answers! Let’s kick things off.

Day 1: From Ahlbeck to Greifswald – Between Lakes, History, and Coast

• Date: 19.08.2025
• Starting Point: Ahlbeck (near the Polish border)
• Destination: Greifswald
• Distance: 85 km

The first stage of this tour was packed with highlights: Starting at the seaside resort Ahlbeck on Usedom, the route led past the scenic Achterwasser and included a quick stop at the historic Bockwindmühle windmill in Pudagla.

From there, it continued to the northern coast, through Zinnowitz with its elegant spa-style villas, and on to Peenemünde, where the retired submarine U-461, now a museum, left a lasting impression. After a ferry ride to the quiet fishing village of Freest, the journey passed through serene natural landscapes, offering a peaceful contrast to the coastline.

Finally, after around 85 kilometers, the tour reached Greifswald – the perfect blend of maritime charm and vibrant city life.

Day 2: From Greifswald to Ribnitz-Damgarten – Cobblestones, Coastal Views & Open Landscapes

• Date: 20.08.2025
• Starting Point: Greifswald
• Destination: Ribnitz-Damgarten
• Distance: 107 km

The second stage offered two very different sections over the course of its 107 kilometers. The first stretch led from Greifswald to Stralsund – cobblestone roads made the initial 30 kilometers a bit bumpy, but the quiet beach with views of Rügen was a rewarding highlight.

Stralsund stood out with its maritime charm, historic old town, and UNESCO World Heritage status. The second part of the route turned much quieter and more natural: passing through forests, pastures, and challenging paths made of sand, gravel, and old concrete slabs, it led toward Ribnitz-Damgarten.

Despite the rugged terrain and a touch of adventure, the ride was manageable thanks to mild temperatures and a gentle tailwind – offering tranquility and breathtaking expanses of nature along the way.

Day 3: From Ribnitz-Damgarten to Wismar – City, Trail, and Salzhaff

• Date: 21.08.2025
• Starting Point: Ribnitz-Damgarten
• Destination: Wismar
• Distance: ca. 85 km

The third stage from Ribnitz-Damgarten to Wismar had it all: challenging stretches, diverse landscapes, and the Baltic Sea often within view. After traversing Rostock—complete with construction chaos and harbor vibes—the route took us onto a demanding woodland trail with a steady incline, feeling almost like a beginner’s MTB trail.

The effort paid off as we reached the serene Salzhaff, a tranquil Baltic bay known for its expansiveness and stillness. The coastal path westward offered stunning water views and led us to the grand finale: Wismar.

This Hanseatic city greeted us with maritime charm, striking brick Gothic architecture, and plenty of character. After 85 kilometers and around 450 meters of elevation gain, this leg of the tour was a true highlight for both nature and coastal enthusiasts.

Day 4: From Wismar to Plön – Headwinds, Coastal Towns, and Lake Landscapes

• Date: 22.08.2025
• Starting Point: Wismar
• Destination: Plön
• Distance: 93 km

The fourth stage of the tour took us from Wismar to Plön, and with 93 kilometers and relentless headwinds reaching up to 50 km/h in gusts, it was the most challenging leg so far. The first scenic highlight was the stretch along the Baltic Sea coast, featuring open fields, cliffs, and stunning sea views, though we were completely exposed to the wind.

After a quick break in Travemünde, soaking in the maritime vibes of the harbor, we continued through the bustling beach destinations of the Lübeck Bay, full of holiday energy and elegant spa-style villas. Leaving the lively coast behind, the route ventured into the rolling hills and lakes of Holstein Switzerland.

The destination was the Great Plön Lake, Schleswig-Holstein’s largest lake, known for its islands, diverse birdlife, and the striking Plön Castle. After a tough but rewarding day, we arrived in Plön, surrounded by serene water, nature – and finally, a break from the wind!

Day 5: From Plön to Eckernförde – Lakes, Fjord Views, and Baltic Sea Beach

• Date: 23.08.2025
• Starting Point: Plön
• Destination: Eckernförde
• Distance: ca. 70 km

The fifth stage took us on a 70-kilometer scenic ride from Holstein Switzerland to the Baltic Sea beach in Eckernförde, with water views almost the entire way. The day started in Plön, framed by the Great Plön Lake and the striking baroque Plön Castle perched above the waters—a stunning beginning to the route.

Continuing through Kiel, we visited the historic Levensau High Bridge over the Kiel Canal, where the views of passing ships created a unique atmosphere.

The final stretch led through rolling hills toward the coast, culminating in Eckernförde, where a sandy beach, seaside promenade, and cozy harbor provided a relaxed ending to this day’s ride.

Day 6: From Eckernförde to Flensburg – Schlei, Ferry, and the Northernmost Point

• Date: 24.08.2025
• Starting Point: Eckernförde
• Destination: Flensburg
• Distance: ca. 58 km

The sixth and final stage took us 58 kilometers from Eckernförde to Flensburg – shorter but packed with stunning scenery to end the tour. We started off through the gently rolling landscapes of northern Schleswig-Holstein before reaching the Schlei, a fjord-like inlet of the Baltic Sea.

With great viewpoints along the water and a short ferry crossing, the Schlei was a definite highlight. The final stretch led through villages and fields before we rolled into Flensburg.

With its maritime harbor, colorful gabled houses, and Scandinavian-influenced old town, Germany’s northernmost city was the perfect endpoint to this six-day journey along the Baltic coast.

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