Europäischer Fernwanderweg E9, Deutschland, Schleswig-Holstein (Lübeck)

The Europäischer Fernwanderweg E9 (Lübeck section) is a short, flat point-to-point coastal trail in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, running roughly 25 km from the Hanseatic city of Lübeck through Travemünde to the Priwall peninsula at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state border. With negligible elevation gain, it is rated easy and showcases the Baltic Sea shoreline, salt marshes and historic harbour towns.

About the Europäischer Fernwanderweg E9, Deutschland, Schleswig-Holstein (Lübeck)

The Europäischer Fernwanderweg E9 is one of twelve numbered European long-distance paths coordinated by the European Ramblers Association (Europäische Wandervereinigung). Nicknamed the "International Coastal Path," the full E9 stretches approximately 9,890 km from Cabo de São Vicente in Portugal to Tallinn in Estonia, hugging the Atlantic and Baltic coastlines of eleven countries. Of that vast network, around 5,000 km is currently signed and walkable, with gaps remaining in Spain, southern France and the Baltic states.

The section described here is the compact but scenic Schleswig-Holstein leg around Lübeck. The OSM route definition marks it precisely: Lübeck (separation from the E6) — state border with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Priwall). In other words, this is where the E9 splits from the north–south E6 path and turns east along the Bay of Lübeck. Over roughly 25 km the trail leaves the medieval brick-Gothic core of Lübeck, follows the River Trave downstream, reaches the Baltic seaside resort of Travemünde, and crosses by ferry onto the Priwall, the sandy spit that touches the regional boundary with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Because northern Germany is overwhelmingly flat, this is a gentle, accessible walk rather than a mountain challenge. The maximum elevation barely exceeds 30 m above sea level, and most of the route sits within a few metres of the Baltic. That makes the Lübeck E9 ideal for first-time long-distance walkers, families, and anyone wanting to sample a famous European trail in a single day. Three German hiking associations maintain the country-wide E9; in Schleswig-Holstein the route overlaps with regional coastal paths, so waymarking is generally reliable. The trail is point-to-point, so plan your return transport before setting out.

Route Overview & Stages

The Lübeck E9 is short enough to complete in one day, but it divides naturally into three logical sections. The table below breaks the roughly 25 km into manageable stages with their main features. Distances are approximate and follow the waymarked coastal corridor rather than the straightest line.

Total moving time for a fit walker is around 6 hours, plus the short ferry crossing of the Trave between Travemünde and the Priwall. None of the stages demands technical skill; the surface alternates between paved promenade, gravel coastal track and short sandy beach sections.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Holstentor (Lübeck): The 15th-century twin-towered brick city gate is Lübeck's icon and your symbolic starting line. The entire old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
• Trave riverfront: The path follows the working River Trave past warehouses, marinas and the salt-store buildings that built Lübeck's Hanseatic wealth in salt and herring.
• Wakenitz wetlands: Just east of the old town, the slow Wakenitz river forms a reedy, bird-rich corridor sometimes called the "Amazon of the North."
• Schlutup: A former border crossing point during German division; today a quiet harbour suburb on the Trave.
• Brodtener Steilufer: A short detour north of Travemünde reaches this 4 km active sea cliff rising to about 20 m, one of the few real cliffs on Germany's Baltic coast.
• Travemünde beach and Alter Leuchtturm: Germany's oldest lighthouse (1539) overlooks the broad sandy promenade where the Trave meets the open sea.
• Viermastbark Passat: A four-masted steel windjammer permanently moored on the Priwall side, now a maritime museum and landmark.
• Priwall peninsula & nature reserve: Sandy dunes, salt meadows and a protected lagoon mark the trail's end at the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state line.

Best Time to Hike the Europäischer Fernwanderweg E9, Deutschland, Schleswig-Holstein (Lübeck)

The Baltic coast has a temperate maritime climate with mild summers and cool, damp winters. The walking season runs comfortably from May through September. In May and June the days are long, wildflowers fill the salt meadows, and daytime highs sit around 16–21 °C. July and August are the warmest months, with averages near 22–24 °C and occasionally higher, but they are also peak holiday season in Travemünde, so the beach promenade and ferry can be crowded.

The single best month is June: long daylight (over 17 hours at the solstice), stable high-pressure spells, comfortable temperatures, and far fewer holidaymakers than the school-holiday weeks of July and August. As of 2026, Schleswig-Holstein's summer holidays begin in early July, so a June trip avoids both the crowds and the highest accommodation prices. September is a strong runner-up — warm Baltic water, golden light and quieter trails — though the risk of rain and wind rises.

Avoid late autumn and winter (November–March) unless you enjoy bracing coastal weather; gales off the Bay of Lübeck, short daylight and reduced ferry schedules make the experience harsher. Whatever the month, the sea breeze can make it feel several degrees cooler than inland, so pack a windproof layer year-round.

Practical Information

Accommodation

This is an urban-and-coastal walk, so wild camping is neither necessary nor legal in Germany without landowner permission. You have three realistic options. Hostels: the Lübeck DJH youth hostels and the Vor dem Burgtor hostel offer dorm beds from roughly €28–38 per night including breakfast. Hotels and guesthouses: mid-range rooms in Lübeck and Travemünde run €80–140 for a double in summer, with the Travemünde seafront commanding the higher end. Campsites: the Priwall and Travemünde area has well-equipped campgrounds; a tent pitch with two people typically costs €18–30 per night in season, and many sites also rent simple cabins. Booking ahead is strongly advised for any July or August weekend.

Getting There & Back

Lübeck is exceptionally easy to reach. Lübeck Hauptbahnhof sits a few minutes' walk from the Holstentor and has direct regional trains to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof in about 45 minutes; Hamburg Airport is the nearest major international airport, roughly 70–80 minutes away by train and connection. At the finish, regional trains and buses link Travemünde back to Lübeck Hbf in around 20–30 minutes, so you can easily return to your starting point the same day. The short ferry across the Trave between Travemünde Vorderreihe and the Priwall runs frequently and costs only a few euros for foot passengers. Because the trail is point-to-point, the train-and-ferry combination makes a car unnecessary.

Permits & Fees

No permit is required to walk the E9 in Schleswig-Holstein, and the trail itself is free of charge. The only routine costs are the Trave ferry to the Priwall (a few euros) and any optional museum entry, such as boarding the Passat. The Brodtener Steilufer and Priwall nature reserve are open-access but ask walkers to keep to marked paths to protect dunes and ground-nesting birds.

Gear & Packing List

This is a low-altitude coastal day or weekend walk, so heavy mountaineering kit is overkill — but Baltic weather is changeable and the wind is relentless. A light, comfortable daypack handles this route easily; the ADV Skin 20 is plenty for a single day, while a slightly larger pack such as the Abisko Hike 35 suits an overnight with a change of clothes. If you plan to link this leg with more of the E9 and carry camping gear, an ultralight option like the 2400 Windrider keeps weight down. For more pack ideas, our best ultralight backpacks of 2026 round-up tests seven models head to head.

Essentials: a windproof and waterproof jacket (non-negotiable on the Baltic), sun protection for the exposed promenade and beach, comfortable trail shoes that cope with both pavement and sand, and at least 1.5 litres of water since shops cluster only in the towns. Pack snacks dense in energy — sea wind burns more calories than you expect, as our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day explains.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the international scope of the E9 appeals to you, Germany hosts several other long-distance European paths worth exploring. The E8 traverses the country on its way across the continent, and the E11 runs west to east through the northern plains and lake districts — all flat-to-rolling routes well suited to relaxed multi-day walking.

• Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Rheinland-Pfalz (Germany), 4,390 km
• Europäischer Fernwanderweg E8, Nordrhein-Westfalen (Germany), 4,390 km
• Europäischer Fernwanderweg E11, Sachsen-Anhalt (W) (Germany), 2,070 km
• Europäischer Fernwanderweg E11, Sachsen-Anhalt (O) (Germany), 2,070 km
• Europäischer Fernwanderweg E11, Brandenburg (O) (Germany), 2,070 km

For a complete contrast, the dramatic mountain crossing in our Theth to Valbona hike guide shows what a high-alpine point-to-point trail looks like.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the E9 around Lübeck?
June is the single best month. You get over 17 hours of daylight near the summer solstice, comfortable temperatures around 18–21 °C, generally stable weather, and far fewer crowds than the July–August school holidays. May and September are excellent alternatives, while winter brings strong gales, short days and reduced ferry service along the Bay of Lübeck.

How difficult is the Lübeck section of the E9?
It is easy. Northern Germany is essentially flat, so total elevation gain across the roughly 25 km is only a few dozen metres. The surface is mostly paved promenade, gravel coastal track and short sandy beach. The main challenge is exposure to Baltic wind and sun rather than terrain, making it suitable for beginners, families and casual walkers.

How long is the trail and how far should I walk per day?
The Lübeck-to-Priwall section is approximately 25 km and can be completed in a single day of about 6 hours' walking plus a short ferry crossing. If you prefer a relaxed pace, split it into two easy days of 12–13 km, overnighting in or near Travemünde to enjoy the beach, lighthouse and Passat windjammer.

What accommodation is available along the route?
Options range from DJH youth hostels in Lübeck (dorm beds roughly €28–38 with breakfast) to mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Lübeck and Travemünde (€80–140 per double in summer). Campsites near Travemünde and the Priwall charge about €18–30 per night for a tent pitch. Book ahead for July and August weekends, when the coast is busiest.

Do I need a permit or pay any fees?
No permit is needed and the E9 itself is free to walk in Schleswig-Holstein. The only routine cost is the short Trave ferry to the Priwall, a few euros for foot passengers. Optional extras include museum entry, such as boarding the Passat. Wild camping is not permitted in Germany without the landowner's consent, so use established campsites or hostels.

For official route information, consult the European Ramblers Association, which coordinates all twelve E-paths, and the regional tourism authority Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein for local transport, ferry and accommodation details as of 2026.