Discover Linau: Castle, Hahnheide and hotels

Linau combines its location on the edge of Hahnheide with a distinctive castle ruin. If you are looking for hotels in Linau, you can choose where to stay based on two interests: natural surroundings and history. At Linau Castle, the focus is on its architectural design and history dating back to the late 13th century, as well as its preserved foundations, ramparts and archaeological traces.

Linau on the edge of Hahnheide

Linau lies on the edge of the Hahnheide nature and recreation area, directly next to the district boundary with Stormarn. The municipal coat of arms shows another local connection to the landscape: the source of the Bille is depicted as a local feature. This gives you two different perspectives on Linau: its location by a nature and recreation area, and a landscape motif featured in the municipality’s emblem.

In the wider Stormarn area, Hahnheide is the district’s largest nature reserve, with numerous hiking trails and a cycling loop. The “Langer Otto” observation tower offers views as far as Hamburg. Also in the wider Stormarn area is Hohenfelder Damm, a protected cobblestone road dating from the 18th century.

Linau Castle: architecture and history

The Scharpenberg knights built Linau Castle in the late 13th century, overlooking the Hamburg–Lübeck trade route. The castle is a motte built on a ring-shaped foundation. The preserved stone ring foundations are designated as an archaeological monument. Following the authentic restoration of the foundations, the remaining structures are more clearly visible; the ruin is considered the only one of its kind in Sütholstein.

The castle lies west of Linau’s village centre, near Dorfstraße. Three ramparts surrounded by moats are still clearly visible in the grounds. Together, the location and preserved features make the castle recognisable both as a historic site and as part of the landscape.

Traces in the landscape and archaeological finds

Archaeological findings include a brick kiln documented during work at the castle, probably dating from the 19th century. Medieval masonry remains with diameters of up to four metres have also been preserved. The findings point to different periods: the castle was built in the late 13th century, while the kiln is only tentatively dated to the 19th century.

An association maintains the ruin and provides information about it, including through guided tours. If you are planning a guided tour, check its availability before your visit.

The Duchy of Lauenburg in its regional context

Forests and lakes shape the regional landscape of the wider travel destination, the Duchy of Lauenburg. Forests cover 26 percent of the Duchy of Lauenburg district, which has 48 lakes. The district is also home to the Sachsenwald, the largest contiguous forest in Schleswig-Holstein.

The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park is located in the heart of the Duchy of Lauenburg. Facilities for visitors include hiking trails, observation towers, educational trails and picnic spots; there are also four signposted cycling routes. Activities on offer include hiking, cycling, canoeing and swimming in forest lakes. Guided excursions with experts focus on the district’s wildlife, plant life and cultural history. Check individual dates in advance if you are planning such an excursion.

Discover more destinations: Geesthacht, Mechow, Nusse, Brunstorf, Schwarzenbek-Land, Fredeburg, Rondeshagen, Groß Disnack

Go to the regional travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.