Buchbar: Geführte Fahrradtour auf Tuchfühlung mit Natur und innerdeutscher Grenze

Exploring the former death strip of the inner-German border by bike is an experience in many respects. The unnatural division of Germany is a thing of the past and in place of the barriers on the "Iron Curtain" death strip, there is now a "green belt" in which nature has been able to develop in many places in unique biotopes. Relics of the division and memorials can be found in many places.

The cycle tour for groups leads through a fantastically beautiful landscape on both sides of the former border of death and expertly addresses tragic and fateful events from the history of the inner-German border at various points. Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania or Schleswig-Holstein - in many places along the way, the question arises as to which federal state you are currently in - a border is no longer discernible in the beautiful countryside. There is an opportunity to stop for refreshments in Zarrentin about halfway along the route. Another stop-off point is the Café Grenzstein in Schlagsdorf. There you can enjoy delicious cakes with a cup of coffee.

After the break, you can visit the museum or head straight back to Ratzeburg through landscapes that continue to be unique.

The "Grenzhus Schlagsdorf" is the largest and most important museum facility commemorating the inner-German border in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, where evidence, traces and memories from history are presented in a museum and an outdoor area.

Tour - Highlights

Michael Gartenschläger memorial

On April 30, 1976, 32-year-old Michael Gartenschläger was shot dead by a special Stasi commando. The former GDR citizen, who had been living in Hamburg after his release from prison in Brandenburg, had pulled off a coup a few weeks earlier. He dismantled two automatic firing devices on the inner-German border and presented them to the public. The Honecker state, which had denied the use of the automatic killers, was embarrassed. Gartenschläger fell into a trap when he tried to steal a third system and was "liquidated" on Erich Mielke's orders.

Schaalsee biosphere reserve

The Schaalsee biosphere reserve represents the central area of the "Baltic beech forest" as a landscape type and was recognized as an international UNESCO biosphere reserve by the World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 2000. The route leads through the biotope-rich and species-rich landscape around the Schaalsee, which makes the area so unique.

Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park

The Duchy of Lauenburg lies in the south-east of Schleswig-Holstein. In the hilly landscape formed by the ice age, flora and fauna were able to develop almost undisturbed in the shadow of the inner-German border. This resulted in a cultural landscape near Hamburg and Lübeck with forestry, animal husbandry and agriculture, embedded in deep forests, lakes and wetlands as well as fallow and pasture land.

Grenzhus in Schlagsdorf

Visit to the museum and expert guided tour of the outdoor area, where elements of the once deadly inner-German border are on display.

Cancellations due to weather conditions reserved.

Participants must bring their own roadworthy bicycle. The ride is at your own risk and responsibility. In the event of defects on the bike or similar, return transport must be organized independently.