The Fördestieg from Glücksburg: Hiking straight from the lodge

What is the Fördestieg?

The Fördestieg is a waymarked long-distance walking trail of approximately 75 kilometres running along the Flensburg Fjord. It starts at the Danish border near Kupfermühle, passes through Flensburg and the seaside resort of Glücksburg, and continues via the Holnis peninsula all the way to the Schlei estuary. The route is divided into day-hike stages and suits both casual walkers and experienced hikers.

Glücksburg at the heart of the route

Glücksburg sits roughly in the middle of the Fördestieg. From here, both the northern section towards Flensburg and the Danish border and the southern section towards Holnis and the Schlei can be walked as day trips – with a return to the same lodge each evening. No need to repack or change accommodation.

The Ostseelodges are situated on the edge of Glücksburg, close to woodland and a short walk from the fjord shore. In practice that means: lace up your boots and step onto the trail.

Key stages from Glücksburg

• Glücksburg – Flensburg (approx. 14 km): Largely flat, with fjord views and a pass by Glücksburg Castle. Suitable for beginners.
• Glücksburg – Holnis (approx. 12 km): Varied terrain through woodland and coastal paths to the Holnis peninsula, ending at the Holnis Cliff – the northernmost steep coastal face in Germany on the Baltic side.
• Holnis – Steinberg (approx. 10 km, continuing south towards the Schlei): Good as a two-day extension from Glücksburg for those wanting to explore further south.

Glücksburg Castle: a stop along the way

Walking north from the lodge towards Flensburg, you pass Glücksburg Castle – a 16th-century Renaissance water castle built on an island in its own lake. It is one of the most significant castles in Northern Europe and was for centuries the seat of the House of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Glücksburg, from which the Danish and Norwegian royal families descend. The castle is open to the public.

Holnis peninsula: cliff, beach and wind

At the far end of the Holnis section stands the Holnis Cliff – a glacial moraine bluff rising up to 23 metres above the shore. The beach below is accessible on foot. The peninsula is also a well-known spot for water sports: windsurfing, kitesurfing and stand-up paddleboarding are practised here in suitable conditions.

Practical information for walkers

• The Fördestieg is continuously waymarked with its own symbol; maps and GPX files are available from the local tourism authorities.
• Sturdy footwear is recommended – some sections run over clay woodland paths that become slippery in wet weather.
• Between Glücksburg and Holnis there are few places to stop for food; packing a lunch is advisable.
• Dogs are generally permitted on the trail; lead rules apply in protected nature areas, including parts of the Holnis peninsula.

Why use the Ostseelodges as a base?

Walkers planning several stages of the Fördestieg do not need to move between accommodations. Both directions are reachable as day trips from Glücksburg. The lodges offer parking, an on-site sauna for recovery after a long walk, and a dog-friendly policy. The Glückselig restaurant in the grounds serves dinner and focuses on regional produce according to the operator. Guests wishing to walk the Flensburg–Glücksburg section one way can use bus line 21, which runs regularly between the two towns.