Groß Sarau on Lake Ratzeburg: Sailing, paddling and nature

Groß Sarau is a destination for days by the water: The municipality stretches along the western side of Lake Ratzeburg, from Lübeck and Groß Grönau in the north to Pogeez in the south, and is located within the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Sailing on the lake, paddling on the Wakenitz and trails through the countryside give the area plenty of options for active holiday days. You can plan your trip according to whether you want to focus on water activities or longer excursions on foot and by bike.

Sailing, paddling and swimming

Schanzenberg is a sailing centre on Lake Ratzeburg. In summer, three Lübeck sailing clubs have bases there; Schanzenberg is also home to a boat crane. For a first paddle, Groß Sarau has a publicly accessible canoe launch on the Wakenitz. The launch site has parking, sanitary facilities and space for trailers. Lake Ratzeburg is about 120 metres away on foot.

There is a bathing area on the shore of Lake Ratzeburg with a DLRG lifeguard station. Another place to enjoy activities on the water is Wakenitz-Camp, right on the Wakenitz near Lake Ratzeburg. Canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding and overnight stays are all possible there. If you are planning an overnight stay or water sports there, check availability in advance.

Trails through Groß Sarau and the surrounding area

You can also explore the area on foot and by bike. The Ice Age Tour runs through Groß Sarau to Buchholz and Pogeez, and continues via Holstendorf after leaving Lake Great Ratzeburg. The Drägerweg lets hikers and cyclists travel from Lübeck to Rothenhusen without sections on busy roads. Its final section runs through Groß Sarau to the historic Rothenhusen ferry house on Lake Ratzeburg.

These routes offer different ways to shape your stay: a tour through Groß Sarau on the Ice Age Tour, or the connection between Lübeck and Rothenhusen on the Drägerweg. This way, you can decide whether a bike ride or a walk better suits your plans for the day.

A memorial site on the Wakenitz

The Wakenitz adds a cultural dimension: Next to the footbridge between Schattin and Nädlershorst in Groß Sarau stands the sculpture “Overcoming Borders.” It commemorates the division and reunification of Germany, offering a distinct point of interest alongside the area’s water activities and routes.

The wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg

The landscape takes on a broader scale across the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg: 26 percent of the district is forest, and it includes 48 lakes. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy. Visitors can hike, cycle, canoe and swim in forest lakes there.

For cyclists, the Old Salt Route offers a regional perspective: This 113-kilometre route connects Lüneburg and Lübeck. It is considered not very difficult and suitable for beginners, leisure cyclists and families with children.

Discover more destinations

Salem, Tramm, Güster, Fredeburg, Kittlitz, Brunstorf, Linau, Wentorf bei Hamburg

For the overview of the wider destination: Duchy of Lauenburg.