Besenthal: Nature Park, Hellbachtal and Rural Cultural Landscape

Besenthal is located in Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Agricultural land, a hedgerow landscape and protected areas shape the local surroundings; cycling and hiking trails run through Hellbachtal. For planning your trip, useful starting points include the hike from Sarnekow, possible wildlife sightings and a farm shop connected with a cycling tour along the Hellbach.

Landscape and Agriculture

The land in Besenthal is made up of 25 percent forest, 20 percent meadows and 55 percent arable land. Arable land is therefore the largest of the three areas listed. Agriculture remains central: crops include grain, potatoes and maize; cattle, calves and pigs are raised. A hedgerow landscape with birch and oak trees also shapes the village. No land consolidation took place in Besenthal. The protected Talhänge bei Göttin landscape area includes Besenthal; remnants of the “Lauenburg Warm Heath” have been preserved there on the edge of the Delvenau’s glacial meltwater valley. If an agricultural setting matters when choosing a destination, the proportions of land, crops and livestock provide concrete points of reference.

The Wider Natural Region of the Duchy of Lauenburg

The wider travel destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg district includes 48 lakes and is 26 percent forested. Within the region, Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park offers hiking trails, observation towers, educational trails and places to rest; it has been a protected area for visitors to enjoy since 1960. In the Duchy of Lauenburg, the railway junction at Büchen connects the district to the long-distance rail network via the Hamburg–Schwerin–Berlin and Lübeck–Lüneburg lines; please check the current timetable for specific travel times.

Cycling and Hiking in Hellbachtal

Besenthal has cycling and hiking trails through the protected Hellbachtal. A hike in Hellbachtal starts at the Sarnekow hiking car park in Besenthal. Before setting out, it is advisable to check the current route and parking arrangements, as details may change. You can plan your route according to your preferred mode of transport: a starting point is given for the hike, and cycling trails also run through the valley.

Wildlife Watching

With patience and luck, you may spot rare dragonflies and ospreys in Hellbachtal. Three bridges offer opportunities to see kingfishers. Bird and dragonfly sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Besenthal also has two wildlife areas for red deer and wild boar, where animals may occasionally be seen during the day.

Farm Shop and Cycling Tour along the Hellbach

Hof Schmidt – Lila farm shop in Sarnekow has been run by the same family for four generations and works with producers from the surrounding area. Its range includes potatoes, eggs, meat and speciality sausages. As the selection may change, check what is currently available before visiting. The farm shop is also considered a place to stop for refreshments on a cycling tour along the Hellbach.

Discover more destinations: Lankau, Mechow, Hohenhorn, Gudow, Lauenburg Lakes, Fredeburg, Tramm, Schwarzenbek-Land

For the wider travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.