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.

From Ratzeburg, the saltire , on the long-distance E1 and E6 trails and the Green Arrow of the North-South Trail, leads walkers all the way to Mölln. From the island district, the route follows the Küchensee to the Farchauer Mühle. The rest of the walk takes you through the extensive forests of the Duchy of Lauenburg. At the weekend, the paths along the lakeshore are often bustling with walkers and cyclists. With every step away from the lake, the day-trippers disperse into the surrounding countryside, so that you’re almost on your own again relatively quickly. Whilst there are still a few places to rest near the lake, a tree trunk will now have to suffice for a break. Shortly before Mölln, the walking route takes several twists and turns, meandering in a zigzag pattern through the forest.

The Schusteracht runs through northern Holsteinische Schweiz in the shape of a figure of ‘eight’. The hiking trail, which is 74 kilometres long in total, is intended to commemorate the fact that the cobbler’s guild was based in Preetz until the 19th century. The Schusteracht is divided into a northern and a southern circular route, both starting in Preetz. This walking tour follows a section of the northern circular route. Together with the first section of the northern circular route, this forms a circular walking route of approximately 30 km. With a few exceptions, this part of the walk follows the course of the River Schwentine. The routes are often simple paths, which can sometimes be a little damp where they run close to the water. For the most part, the route takes you through woodland or along old tree-lined 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.

Schmalsee and Lütauer See are part of a string of lakes in the Duchy of Lauenburg that stretches from Gudow to Mölln like a string of pearls. The lakes are linked by the Hellbach stream, which also feeds the Hellbachtal floodplain a little further south. The walk takes you round both lakes along paths that are mostly well-maintained.

A varied walking tour from the Marbach Reservoir – artificially created for flood protection – up to the panoramic heights of the Odenwald. Once you reach Beerfelden at the top, the Odenwald slopes from north to south, dividing the flowing waters towards the Main and Neckar rivers.

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.