Ziethen: Village History and Hiking Tours

Ziethen is a rural village set in an appealing landscape, close to many lakes and the Baltic Sea. Its village history and trails through moorland, mixed forests and lakeside scenery offer a variety of ways to enjoy a stay. When looking for a hotel in Ziethen, you can decide whether to focus on the historic village centre, a hike or the wider travel destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg.

Church, Angerdorf and Local History

The name Ziethen was first recorded in 1158. A chapel dedicated to Saint Lawrence once stood on the site of today’s St. Lawrence Church. In 1599, Ziethen became an independent parish. Together, the church, the churchyard wall dating from around 1600, the lower village pond and the surrounding farmsteads shape the character of an old Angerdorf, a village built around a central green.

The three present-day districts are the main village around the church, built in 1595, as well as Wietingsbek and Sande. The municipal coat of arms also reflects the history of the landscape: it refers to the former Lake Ziethen, which was drained at the end of the 19th century. The church and its surroundings are thus part of a landscape whose present-day appearance also tells a story of past changes.

Hikes Through Moorland, Forest and Lakeside Scenery

The official circular hiking route “From the Garrenseerinne to the Salem Moor” is 12.3 kilometres long, moderately difficult, and starts and ends at a car park between Ziethen and Mustin. The route passes through moorland, mixed forests and several lakes shaped by the last Ice Age. It follows the eastern shore of Lake Garren and passes Lake Plötscher, Schwarze Kuhle and the Salem Moor. Before setting out, it is worth checking the latest route and car park conditions.

Another hike starts at a meeting point near Ziethen and leads through forest and open countryside. Along the way, there are views of Lake Lankow; the route crosses the border into Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and follows the former patrol road along the lake’s north shore. The two tours offer different highlights: the Salem Moor loop has a specified distance and difficulty level, while the hike near Ziethen is defined above all by its scenery, lake views and former border path.

Getting There by Bus

The infrequent bus route 131 serves Ziethen and Sande. On weekdays, route 8790 also runs to Salem and Seekamp. As timetables can change, it is best to check connections before travelling.

In the Wider Travel Destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg

The Duchy of Lauenburg district is 26 percent forested and includes 48 lakes. In the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, well-signposted hiking and cycling trails lead through forests, meadows and moors, as well as along waterways, the Elbe-Lübeck Canal and lakes. The nature park offers four signposted cycling routes. These regional details offer a distinct perspective on the landscape of the duchy and should be distinguished from Ziethen’s village character.

Regional cuisine also has its own distinctive touches: specialities in the Lauenburg area include game, fine fish, asparagus and fruit. Availability varies by season. When planning your trip, you can therefore consider the seasonal variety of the wider destination alongside Ziethen’s historical and natural attractions.

Discover more destinations: Lankau, Nusse, Rondeshagen, Krummesse, Besenthal, Hohenhorn, Mustin, Kittlitz.

Go to the wider travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.