Wiebke Lühmann's Epic 20,000-Kilometre Solo Bike Journey Across Africa Hits Lübeck
A new documentary follows Wiebke Lühmann's extraordinary solo bicycle journey from Germany to South Africa. Same Sun – Cycling Across Africa captures her 20,000-kilometre expedition through 22 countries. The film will screen in Lübeck on April 6, followed by a live discussion with the cyclist herself. Lühmann began her adventure on October 3, 2023, setting off from Freiburg im Breisgau with a fully loaded bike. Over 430 days, she crossed diverse landscapes, from Morocco's mountains to the Sahara's dunes, the rainforests of Liberia, and the Namib Desert. The documentary highlights a pivotal moment around the 15,000-kilometre mark in southern Congo, where the journey took a decisive turn.
Before arriving in Lübeck, the film's promotional tour visited 12 German cities, including Berlin, Hamburg, and München, as well as five European locations: Wien, Zürich, Amsterdam, Brüssel, and Paris. The Lübeck screening at CineStar Stadthalle starts at 6:00 PM, offering viewers a chance to see the challenges and triumphs of her route. After the film, Lühmann will join a Q&A to discuss the realities of cycling through remote regions and the lessons learned along the way. Her expedition concluded on December 5, 2024, when she reached the Cape of Good Hope. The documentary traces not just the physical demands of the trip but also the cultural encounters and personal reflections that shaped it.
The Lübeck event marks another stop on the film's extensive tour. Audiences will hear firsthand about Lühmann's experiences navigating unfamiliar terrain and the resilience required for such a journey. The screening and discussion provide a rare glimpse into one of the longest solo bicycle expeditions ever recorded.
