📷 Leonhard Lenz, CC0Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs
Red-brick Lübeck, Wismar and Stralsund, then the chalk cliffs of Rügen.
- Distance
- 342 km (212 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 43 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 6
- Countries
- Germany
- Updated
- July 3, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 342 km (212 mi) with 6 stops, from Hamburg to Königsstuhl chalk cliffs. About 4 h 43 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Germany · More road trips from Lübeck
Route description
From Hamburg the A1 leads north-east to Lübeck, whose old town on an island, with the Holstentor gate and brick churches, is a UNESCO site. The city is also known for marzipan.
The A20 (E22) runs east to Wismar, whose old town, with its market square and brick churches, is a UNESCO site together with Stralsund. Further east, Stralsund has the Ozeaneum marine museum on the harbour and the large St Mary’s Church.
From Stralsund, a bridge crosses to Rügen, Germany’s largest island, and the B96 leads to Sassnitz, a harbour town. Nearby, the Königsstuhl chalk cliffs rise above the Baltic in the beech forests of Jasmund National Park.
The Königsstuhl can be reached from the car park at Hagen by shuttle bus or on foot through the forest. In summer, traffic on Rügen is heavy, especially on the B96, so plan to travel early or late in the day.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Hamburg
Germany - 272 km
Lübeck
Germany - 364 km
Wismar
Germany - 4144 km
Stralsund
Germany - 554 km
Sassnitz
Germany - 68 km
Königsstuhl chalk cliffs
NatureSassnitz, GermanyWhite chalk cliffs above the Baltic in the beech forests of Jasmund National Park on Rügen.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Hamburg → Lübeck · 72 km · 0 h 60 minOvernight nearby, for example: Wakenitz-Camp (11 km); Camping Schwalkenberg (18 km).
- Day 2: Lübeck → Wismar · 64 km · 0 h 53 minOvernight nearby, for example: Wohnmobilpark Westhafen Wismar (< 1 km); Stellplatz Quaduxenbarg (6 km).
- Day 3: Wismar → Stralsund · 144 km · 1 h 59 minOvernight nearby, for example: An der Rügenbrücke (1 km); Sund-Camp-Altefähr (4 km).
- Day 4: Stralsund → Königsstuhl chalk cliffs · 62 km · 0 h 51 minOn the way: Sassnitz.Overnight nearby, for example: Naturerlebniscamp Rügen (6 km); Störtebeker Camp (14 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. Cold, short days in December–March. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Germany: No motorway tolls for cars. No general motorway speed limit (130 km/h advised) and no tolls for cars.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs?
4-day road trip of about 342 km (212 mi) with 6 stops, from Hamburg to Königsstuhl chalk cliffs. About 4 h 43 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs?
We suggest 4 days: about 4 h 43 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs start and end?
It starts in Hamburg and ends in Königsstuhl chalk cliffs.
Which countries does Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs pass through?
Germany.
Where can you camp along Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs?
OpenStreetMap lists 109 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Wohnmobilhafen Hamburg, Camping Buchholz and Wohnmobilhafen Hamburg Süd.
When is the best time for Baltic coast: Hanseatic towns and chalk cliffs?
The most pleasant months are usually June–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
