The Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail (E9) is Germany's most beautiful coastal route. The 400 kilometres from Lübeck to Ahlbeck are a mixture of shoreside lifestyle and glorious hiking routes.

Our hike starts in Travemünde, Lübeck's seaside resort. In his novel "Buddenbrooks", Thomas Mann told tales of the fun to be had bathing in Travemünde. We start our walking tour here and head east. The Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail is part of the E9 European long-distance path from the Atlantic in Portugal across to the Baltic Sea in Estonia. The route takes us through pine forests and along yellow rapeseed fields. It is important to take this hiking trail at a steady pace. For example, you can take a detour and look for shells and amber on the beaches, stop off in the nearby Hanseatic city of Wismar and town of Stralsund with their red-brick churches, cast a glance at the infinite blue of the Baltic Sea and take in the fresh sea breeze. We also pack our swimming gear so that we can swap our hiking clothes for swimsuit or trunks and take a refreshing dip in the sea at the many fine sandy beaches along the way. As the day draws to a close, we enjoy some northern German culinary specialities in the seaside resorts along our hiking trail. The Baltic Sea Coast Hiking Trail (E9) ends in the seaside resort of Ahlbeck on the island of Usedom. We take a last look at the Baltic Sea on Germany's oldest pier by the Polish border.

TIP: stop off in Warnemünde

Manuel Andrack, editor, presenter, author and hiking blogger:

"On our hike along the beach, we stopped off in the Baltic seaside resort of Warnemünde. Just a few metres from the Westmole jetty is the emblem of Warnemünde: the Teepott (teapot) complex and adjacent lighthouse. Don't worry, though! Coffee is available in the Teepott, too. The fishing boats selling fresh fish sandwiches in the nearby Alter Strom canal also attract visitors. Yum!"

Explore the surroundings