Scenic Former Cattle Track Historic Oxen Trail

Up until the 19th century, the Historic Oxen Trail was the main land route between Denmark and Northern Germany. With a length of approx. 245 kilometres, the trail not only served as a cattle track for farmers, but was also used by knights, soldiers, merchants, pilgrims and beggars as a direct link to the south.

Cyclist looking at a map with blooming rape field in background. The Historic Oxen Trail takes cyclists through the scenic Northern German countryside. Along the way, you will pass many landscape and historic sights, such as the Uetersen Rosarium rose garden and the Viking Museum in Hedeby/Haithabu.

Cultural history in northern Germany and Denmark

Cultural history in Northern Germany and Denmark

Today, cyclists can experience the natural environment and cultural history of Northern Germany and Denmark during their tour along this historic trail. This low-traffic route leads you through extensive moorlands and marshes, through forests and typical north German meadows and pastures, and past lakes and along rivers. As you proceed on your journey, you will pass through lovely towns such as Neumünster and Rendsburg as well as various villages and municipalities by the wayside.

Suggested route for a one-day tour: 44 km from Elmshorn to Wedel 

The stretch between Elmshorn and Wedel is ideal for a day trip. Simply follow the River Krückau to Kronsnest, where you will cross the Krückau on board Germany’s smallest ferry. As you cycle on, you will reach the town of Uetersen, which is famous for its Rosarium rose garden. Passing through the Wedel marshes and the Holmer Sandberge nature reserve – a largely preserved inland dune area that dates back to the Ice Age – you finally arrive in Wedel, the maritime town on the Elbe.

In a nutshell 

  • Length of route: 245 kilometres in total
  • Sights: Rosarium in Uetersen • Wildlife Park Eekholt near Bad Bramstedt • KinderKunstpfad in Nortorf (children’s art trail) • Gottorf Castle in Schleswig • Danevirke fortifications • Viking Museum 'Haithabu' • Museumswerft in Flensburg
  • Trail conditions: The cycle lane is mostly asphalted and largelyleads along secondary roads that are low in traffic. The stretch to Rendsburg mainly comprises concreted agricultural roads. The northern stretch of the route contains several sandy paths, forest trails and earth paths – these are the original paths of the historic trail.
  • Signage: The entire trail is signposted with the 'Ochsenweg' logo.
  • Special features: Cyclist-friendly accommodation • bike rental stations

GPX data, maps, information and free brochures: 

Holstein Tourismus e. V.
Große Nübelstr. 31 · 25348 Glückstadt
Phone: +49 41 24 604 95 92​​​​​​​
info@holstein-tourismus.de
Schleswig-Holstein-Tourism

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Tanja Blätter

Tourismus, Zukunftsagenda - Tourismus und Internationales Marketing, IKM, EU Projekt Star Cities

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20459 Hamburg
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