4.4
(313)
1,435
riders
81
rides
Gravel biking in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei offers routes through a former military training ground near Lübeck. The area features a diverse landscape with approximately 64% grassland, numerous small fen depressions and ponds, and 27% forest. Riders encounter unpaved tracks, hedgerow systems, and varied terrain, including a "Wallüberquerung" that provides changes in elevation. Much of the 386-hectare area is protected, ensuring a natural environment for exploration.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
6
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(12)
65
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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4.6
(22)
95
riders
42.9km
02:33
190m
190m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(38)
175
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(34)
113
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Beautiful place that invites you to linger. Simply pause for a moment and enjoy the winding path through truly beautiful nature. We took our time and were able to discover a lot.
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This section of the route has very little car traffic and at the same time offers a view of the fields.
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Indeed, despite my grandparents' house in the Bay of Lübeck, I have only now "discovered" this nature reserve. Great. In summer, besides many animals, you will also find plenty of plants like wild thyme – partly in large quantities. It smells fantastic.
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Beautiful spacious sandy beach 🌞 🛟.
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This area here is truly a beautiful, untouched, and peaceful place. It's almost a shame to cycle there, as you're almost too fast to truly enjoy the beauty. Yes, you can cycle, but my tip: Go on foot. Walking along the Trave and observing the flora and fauna can almost only be done on foot. For me, the path along there is unfortunately also associated with the memory that on the other side of the Trave, "German soldiers" of the border troops had to watch "German citizens" to prevent them from "escaping" to Germany. The only good thing about it is that nature could develop completely without hustle and bustle because of it.
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Here gather remnants of fortifications from the 30 Years' War and the Cold War of the 20th century.
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As if the trees were standing in a trellis, a beautiful winding path.
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Direct access to the lake... Swimming is permitted here under supervision.
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There are over 140 gravel bike trails in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find 37 easy routes, 78 moderate routes, and 29 more challenging trails.
The terrain in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei is quite diverse, featuring unpaved tracks, dense hedgerow systems (Knicknetz), and numerous small fens and ponds. You'll also encounter a unique "Wallüberquerung" (rampart crossing) that adds some elevation changes. The area is characterized by approximately 64% grassland and 27% forest, providing varied scenery.
Yes, Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei offers several family-friendly options. For an easier ride, consider the Holsten Gate, Lübeck – Cycle Route Through the Fields loop from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, which is rated as easy and covers 28.6 km. The area's generally not overly technical terrain makes it suitable for various skill levels.
The southern part of Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei is generally accessible to the public for recreational use, provided no military exercises are taking place. However, the northeastern section remains a military security area and is strictly off-limits.
Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the Wüstenei Training Area Nature Reserve, which is part of a Flora-Fauna-Habitat (FFH) protected area, home to diverse ecosystems and amphibian species. You might also encounter the unique "over the embankment" feature, a rampart crossing that adds an interesting element to your ride.
Many of the gravel bike routes in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei are designed as loops. For example, the Palinger Heathland – Hohe Meile forest area loop from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof is a popular moderate route that guides riders through varied natural scenery in a circular fashion.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 400 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the tranquil environment of the former military training ground, and the rich natural landscapes, including the dense hedgerow systems and numerous small bodies of water.
While the region is easily accessible by car, located northwest of the Lübeck motorway junction (A1 and A20), some routes, like the Through the Borndiek hollow loop from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, start from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof, making them accessible via public transport connections to Lübeck.
Yes, Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei offers routes suitable for beginners. With 37 easy routes available, you can find paths that are less technical and allow you to enjoy the scenic environment without excessive difficulty. The overall terrain is varied but generally not overly technical.
As a diverse biotope network and a protected FFH area, Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei is home to various wildlife. You might spot numerous bird species and at least seven amphibian species, including the endangered Great Crested Newt, particularly around the 40 small bodies of water and fens.
Yes, for more experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, there are 29 difficult routes available in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei. These routes might incorporate more elevation changes, such as the "Wallüberquerung," or cover longer distances through varied terrain.
While Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei itself is inland, some longer routes connect to coastal areas. For instance, the Brodtener Coastal Cliff Cycle Path – View from Hermannshöhe loop from Lübeck Hauptbahnhof offers a moderate 55.5 km ride that includes coastal views.


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