Lauenburg Lakes: Forests, Water and Art

The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park is characterised by forests, water and a hilly landscape shaped by the Ice Age. Around 40 lakes are part of this natural area. Other highlights include views of waterbirds, activities on the water, suggested cycling routes and a summer art exhibition series in local villages. Nature observation, culture and outdoor activities offer different ways to enjoy a stay. When looking for accommodation, it helps to first consider which of these aspects is most important for your trip.

Observe the Landscape and Nature

On the north-west shore of Lake Mechow, an observation tower offers views over the glacial ribbon lake and its many waterbirds. Two defining features of the landscape meet here: its Ice Age origins and the birdlife on the lake. The view from the tower makes Lake Mechow a specific nature experience within the expansive lake district. Around 40 lakes give the nature park its abundance of water; the observation point focuses on a single lake and its waterbirds.

Art in the Villages

“Villages Show Art” adds a cultural dimension. The exhibition series has been organised since 2004 by the Lauenburg Lakes administrative district, which was called Amt Ratzeburg-Land until 2006. During the series, village community centres are transformed into galleries for craftspeople, sculptors and painters. On four weekends in summer, it invites visitors to exhibitions and special events at up to 20 different locations—in and around the administrative district and as far as Mecklenburg. Alongside experiences of the landscape, art and the different exhibition venues can therefore also be highlights of a trip.

Get Out on the Water

At the water sports paradise of Lake Ratzeburg, you can hire kayaks, canoes, pedal boats and water bikes. North of Ratzeburg, waterways in the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park are part of the Lauenburg Lakes–Trave water sports area. Another way to experience Ratzeburg from the water is by hydrobike: you can ride one around the island town. Paddling, pedalling and taking a ride on a hydrobike involve different ways of getting around and each offer a distinct view of the water and its surroundings.

Cycling Routes and a Rail-Bike Tour

There are 22 suggested cycling routes in the Lauenburg Lakes administrative district. Depending on the distance and trail conditions, many of these routes can also be used as walking paths. So if you are planning a route on foot, consider not only the distance but also the trail conditions. The Erlebnisbahn Ratzeburg offers a different kind of activity: along a disused railway line, the 13-kilometre route from Ratzeburg to Hollenbek passes through the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. The Erlebnisbahn provides hand-operated rail bikes powered by human strength. A hand-operated rail bike is propelled by working a lever—a distinct alternative to a walk or an activity on the water.

If you are planning water sports, consider the activities available on Lake Ratzeburg. If you are interested in “Villages Show Art,” check the specific event dates; the series takes place over four weekends in summer. For a rail-bike tour, you can plan the route between Ratzeburg and Hollenbek as the main focus of your activity. This lets you tailor your search to the balance of nature, culture and outdoor activities you are looking for.

Discover more destinations: Bäk, Schmilau, Behlendorf, Lauenburg/Elbe, Müssen, Salem, Elmenhorst, Hohenhorn.

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