Lauenburg Lakes: Nature, Water and Culture

In Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, forests, water and a distinctive landscape of hills shaped by the Ice Age define the scenery. The nature park is home to around 40 lakes. When choosing a hotel, it helps to decide what you want to focus on during your stay: observing nature, activities on the water, exploring suggested cycling routes or summer art events.

Nature and Landscape

On the northwestern shore of Lake Mechow, the observation tower offers views across the glacial channel lake and its many waterbirds. The roughly 40 lakes characterize the waterscape across the nature park as a whole; the observation tower at Lake Mechow focuses attention on a single body of water and its birdlife. The tower thus brings together two natural features: the lake’s shape, formed by the Ice Age, and the opportunity to observe waterbirds. For trip planning, this offers a distinct option alongside water sports or cycling the routes.

Water and Activities

Kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and water bikes can be rented at Lake Ratzeburg. North of Ratzeburg, the waters in Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park are part of the Lauenburg Lakes–Trave water sports area. For planning purposes, it is worth distinguishing between the two: the rental options are at Lake Ratzeburg, while the water sports area refers to waters north of Ratzeburg.

The Ratzeburg Adventure Railway offers pedal-powered handcars on a disused railway line along the 13 km route from Ratzeburg to Hollenbek through Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Hydrobikes let you circle the island town of Ratzeburg on the water. The two activities differ in route and terrain: the handcar route runs on rails from Ratzeburg to Hollenbek, while Ratzeburg can be circled on the water.

Cycling Routes and Hiking

There are 22 suggested cycling routes in the Lauenburg Lakes district. Depending on the distance and trail conditions, many of these routes can also be used for hiking. This qualification matters when choosing between cycling and hiking: the routes are suggested as cycling routes; many, but not necessarily all, are suitable for walking. So check the distance and trail conditions for the route you have in mind.

Art in the Villages

The “Villages Show Art” exhibition series has been organized by the Lauenburg Lakes district since 2004; until 2006, the district was called Ratzeburg-Land. During the series, village community centers are transformed into galleries for craftspeople, sculptors and painters. On four summer weekends, visitors are invited to exhibitions and special events at up to 20 different locations. These are in and around the district and extend into Mecklenburg.

If you are planning your trip around the series, check the current event dates in advance. The art events add a seasonal focus; observing nature and the water activities described above are other possible themes for your stay. When planning, you can first decide whether to center your trip on a specific summer event or on the landscape and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Bäk, Schmilau, Kuddewörde, Nusse, Fredeburg, Mechow, Groß Grönau, Grambek.

For the broader travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.