Besenthal: Hellbachtal, Hedgerow Landscape and Farm Shop

Besenthal’s rural character is reflected in its mix of fields, meadows, forest and hedgerows. Forest accounts for 25 percent of the area, meadows for 20 percent and arable land for 55 percent. Agriculture is also central: crops include cereals, potatoes and maize, while cattle, calves and pigs are raised. The landscape, agriculture and trails through nature give the village a clear focus for trip planning.

Fields, Hedgerows and Protected Landscape

Besenthal lies in the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park and preserves a hedgerow landscape with birch and oak trees. No land consolidation was carried out in the municipality. The hedgerows provide a distinctive contrast to the large fields and are part of the village’s rural landscape.

The Talhänge bei Göttin protected area includes Besenthal. Remnants of the Lauenburg Warm Heath have been preserved there on the edge of the glacial meltwater channel of the Delvenau. The protected landscape and preserved heathland remnants add to the picture of the surrounding area shaped by agriculture.

On Foot and by Bike in Hellbachtal

Cycling and hiking routes run through the protected Hellbachtal valley. The starting point for a hike there is the Sarnekow hiking car park in Besenthal. Check for current information about the trail and car park before setting out. When planning your day, you can choose between a hike and a bike ride through Hellbachtal.

Nature watching is another possible experience: with patience and a bit of luck, you can spot rare dragonflies in Hellbachtal; ospreys may also be seen there. Three bridges offer opportunities to look out for kingfishers. Such sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed. Besenthal also has two wildlife areas for red and wild boar, where animals can sometimes be seen during the day.

Agriculture and Farm Shop in Sarnekow

Hof Schmidt – Lila Hofladen in Sarnekow has been run by the same family for four generations and also works with producers from the surrounding area. Its range includes potatoes, eggs, meat and speciality sausages. The selection may change. The farm shop is considered a possible refreshment stop on a bike ride along the Hellbach. This adds a local shopping option to the nature experiences: you can focus your plans on trails and wildlife watching, or include the farm shop as another way to connect with local agriculture.

Besenthal and the Duchy of Lauenburg

This distinction makes it clear whether you mainly want to explore the village or plan a wider-ranging trip.

The Duchy of Lauenburg is 26 percent forested and encompasses 48 lakes. It is also home to Sachsenwald, the largest contiguous forest in Schleswig-Holstein. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park offers hiking trails, observation towers, nature trails and places to rest. One regional cycling option is a circular route of about 40 kilometres through the nature park, starting in Ratzeburg. These examples form part of the wider regional context and complement Besenthal’s local offerings with additional nature experiences.

Discover more destinations: Behlendorf, Kuddewörde, Schulendorf, Aumühle, Groß Grönau, Linau, Kittlitz, Wohltorf.

For the regional travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.