Mölln: Lakes, City Forest and Culture

Mölln combines a distinctive lake landscape with a large city forest and a historic market square ensemble. Nature and culture sit side by side here: you can plan your stay around the lakes and trails, or focus on the town hall, church and museum. The focus that suits your trip can also guide your search for accommodation.

Lakes and City Forest

The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park stretches along Mölln and covers a 474-square-kilometre protected area with habitats for rare and endangered species. Mölln’s city forest is another highlight: its 1,200 hectares provide a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The forest has trails for hiking and horse riding; benches and shelters offer places to take a break.

Mölln’s lake landscape includes Ziegelsee, Stadtsee, Schulsee, Hegesee, Schmalsee and Lütauer See. Together, they form a chain of lakes. You can swim and relax at various bathing spots on Mölln’s lakes. Check bathing conditions and access to the bathing spots before your visit.

Water and Trails at Your Own Pace

At Stadtsee, visitors can rent pedal boats or electric boats for their own outings; check availability before your trip. Boat trips are also offered on Mölln’s lakes and the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. This gives you a choice of different ways to enjoy the water: a self-planned outing in a rental boat or an organised boat trip.

If you prefer to explore on foot, the city forest has hiking trails, and the Mölln Town Walk is an easy route past the main sights. The path up to Kirchberg includes a few steps. For cycling tours, Mölln offers visitors rental bicycles and e-bikes; booking in advance is strongly recommended.

Uhlenkolk Wildlife Park offers another way to discover local wildlife: you can observe animal species, walk through the park and learn more about local fauna. Wildlife watching, getting active on the trails and spending time by the water offer different ways to enjoy your days in Mölln.

Town History and Culture

Built in 1373, the Gothic brick town hall is the second-oldest town hall in Schleswig-Holstein. It reopened as Mölln Town Museum in 1993. It features a permanent exhibition on the town’s history. The restored council chamber provides a setting for concerts, readings and other cultural events.

St. Nikolai Church is another of Mölln’s prominent cultural landmarks: it is the town’s oldest church and an important cultural monument. A walk around St. Nicolai Church also offers views of the historic market square ensemble. If you are focusing on the town’s history during your stay, you can combine these sights with a visit to the town museum and cultural events.

Mölln within the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg

The Duchy of Lauenburg provides a regional setting for more nature and hiking experiences. Forests cover 26 percent of the District of the Duchy of Lauenburg, which also has 48 lakes. The European long-distance hiking trails E1, E6 and E9 cross the duchy from north to south via Ratzeburg, Mölln and Lauenburg. If you are planning a longer hike, you can also consider Mölln as part of these long-distance routes.

Within the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg, the Uhlenkolk Environmental Centre in Mölln offers an educational and nature experience programme for kindergartens, school classes, families and adults. Check current opening arrangements before planning a specific visit.

Accommodation to Suit Your Plans

When considering a specific accommodation, check whether its location suits the activities you have planned. This lets you shape your search around the experiences that matter to you during your stay in Mölln.

Discover more destinations: Gudow, Klempau, Dassendorf, Wohltorf, Müssen, Lankau, Römnitz, Rondeshagen

View the wider travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.