In Holstein one route goes via Itzehoe and another takes in Neumünster on the way to Rendsburg. In the Duchy of Schleswig it skirts the towns of Schleswig and Flensburg, then continues via Jels to Königsau, the old border of the duchy. The trail was also used by pilgrims, particularly in the late Middle Ages (1400-1520) to reach the major western places of pilgrimage – Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago die Compostela. This great land route developed its own pilgrims' lodgings along with St Gertrude's hostels and poor guilds, often located a day's trek from each other. Only a few parts of the original Oxen Trail remain, in Lürschau and in the Kropper Busch for example, but fords and inns often provide evidence of the route, and there are prehistoric burial mounds which were likely to have been sited close to the trail.
It's worth a detour to travel along the Historic Oxen Trail, not just to follow the route itself and to learn about the way it was used, but also to follow in the footsteps of the Vikings and admire the churches, architectural monuments, old mills and megalithic tombs along the way. Amateur archaeologists can visit excavations, discovery sites and places of worship, but sports, water sports and fitness enthusiasts are also well catered for. Cyclists and pilgrims can enjoy the scenery and rediscover ancient pathways. Meeting friendly people and sampling local food and drink is part and parcel of this journey of discovery through Germany's most northerly territory There is a selection of inclusive packages on the theme of "Cycling the Historic Oxen Trail“ to help you find your way as individual travellers or in groups from Flensburg to Wedel – sounds good, doesn't it?.
