Wolfgang K.

The Schusteracht runs in a figure of eight through the northern part of Holstein Switzerland. The 74-kilometre-long hiking trail is a reminder that the shoemakers' guild was based in Preetz until the 19th century. The Schusteracht is divided into a northern and a southern loop, starting in Preetz. This hiking tour runs along a section of the northern loop. The start and end of the hiking tour are connected via the railway stations in Raisdorf and Preetz.

The Schusteracht runs through northern Holstein Switzerland in the shape of a figure eight. The 74-kilometre-long hiking trail is a reminder that the shoemakers' guild was based in Preetz until the 19th century. The Schusteracht is divided into a northern and a southern loop, starting in Preetz. This hiking tour covers part of the northern loop. Together with the first section of the northern loop, this makes a circular hiking trail of approx. 30 km. With a few exceptions, this part of the hiking tour follows the course of the Schwentine river. The paths are often simple trails, which can be a little damp near the water. Most of the route is through woods or old avenues.

The heathland around Wilsede and the nearby Wilseder Berg is among the largest heathland areas in Europe. The heathland stretches across some 230 km², offering unique, barren habitats for plants and animals. This cultural and natural area was placed under protection as early as 1921. The walking tour offers a varied route through the typical heathland and pine forests. The paths are mostly unpaved and often quite sandy.

The Schusteracht runs through northern Holstein Switzerland in the shape of a figure of eight. The 74-kilometre-long hiking trail is a reminder that the shoemakers' guild was based in Preetz until the 19th century. The Schusteracht is divided into a northern and southern loop, both starting in Preetz. This hiking tour runs along a section of the southern loop. The hiking trail offers a few alternative routes on the southern loop. On this part of the southern loop, the Schusteracht mostly leads through fields and along typical hedgerow landscapes. The region is slightly hilly without any particular climbs or other challenges. It is especially beautiful here in spring. When the rapeseed is in bloom, the landscape can often be seen shining yellow as far as the eye can see. To the second part of the southern loop

The Schusteracht runs through northern Holstein Switzerland in the shape of a figure of eight. The 74-kilometre-long hiking trail is a reminder that the shoemakers' guild was based in Preetz until the 19th century. The Schusteracht is divided into a northern and a southern loop, both starting in Preetz. This hiking tour covers part of the southern loop. The hiking trail offers a few alternative routes on the southern loop. This section of the southern loop leads along several lakes left behind by the Ice Age in Holstein Switzerland. The nature reserves at Lanker See and Kührener Teich are particularly interesting.

The Schusteracht is a hiking and cycling trail that leads through the varied landscape of East Holstein. Sometimes it is more wooded and runs along the Schwentine river, sometimes it follows the typical hedgerows, manor farms and nature reserves of the region. The southern loop in particular offers a number of options for cycling and hiking. The options used here are the most attractive for hikers. The centre is the market square in Preetz. From here, you can hike the northern and southern loops of the Schusteracht in two to four stages. Depending on the route you choose, you can cover up to 74 kilometres in total.

The walk starts in Hetzbach and leads to the nearby Marbach Reservoir. Swimming enthusiasts should pack their swimwear in summer. The route takes you almost directly to the bathing spot by the lake. From the Marbach Reservoir, the path leads through the woods, up to one of the Odenwald’s characteristic open hilltops. At the turning point, a lovely rest area with a view and a ‘bird box’ awaits the walkers. The return route takes you through the fields back to the starting point in Hetzbach.