Discover Mechow: Mechower See, Nature and History

Mechow appeals through a clear contrast: at Mechower See, a glacially shaped landscape, nature watching and the history of the former inner-German border region come together. The lake is accessible from Mechow and can be explored along a designated circular hiking route. Gut Mechow adds its own architectural and cultural-historical note. Those who enjoy spending time outdoors and are also interested in traces of history will encounter a range of different themes here.

At Mechower See: Circular Trail, Birdlife and Border History

Mechower See is a glacial ribbon lake. The lake can be circled completely along a trail of approximately nine kilometres. The circular trail also offers historical context: the lake is in a former inner-German border region. The route therefore combines an experience of the landscape with a glimpse into the history of this border area.

An observation tower stands on the north-west shore, where waterbirds can be watched; with a little luck, you may also spot a white-tailed eagle. A panoramic observation shelter provides further opportunities to watch wildlife. A wheelchair-accessible observation shelter is located at the southern end near Wietingsbek. The hedgerows that characterise the lake area are also part of the landscape. The approximate length of the full circuit helps you estimate the scale of an outing. Check trail conditions and accessibility on site before setting out.

Gut Mechow as a Cultural-Historical Highlight

Gut Mechow comprises a tenant house, a four-post barn, a stable, a forecourt, a gatehouse and a park. The park is considered historically significant and shapes the cultural landscape. The different building types and the park give the estate a different focus from the landscape around the lake: there, the circular trail and nature watching take centre stage; here, it is the architectural ensemble and its historical significance.

Herzogtum Lauenburg: The Wider Landscape

The wider travel destination of Herzogtum Lauenburg opens up a broader landscape. The district of Herzogtum Lauenburg is 26 percent forest and contains 48 lakes. The district is also home to Sachsenwald, the largest contiguous forest in Schleswig-Holstein. Naturpark Lauenburgische Seen lies at the heart of the duchy. Its area, approximately 35 by 17 kilometres, provides habitat for kingfishers, white-tailed eagles and cranes, among other species.

Hiking trails can also be considered on a regional scale: the European long-distance trails E1, E6 and E9 cross Herzogtum Lauenburg from north to south via Ratzeburg, Mölln and Lauenburg. Mechower See, by contrast, offers its own circuit of approximately nine kilometres. These different scales can help with planning when you want to compare a walk around a lake with longer hiking plans in the wider travel destination.

Naturpark Lauenburgische Seen offers guided excursions with experts on the district’s wildlife, plant life and cultural history. If you would like to include one of these tours in your plans, check the dates in the current programme. This helps distinguish independent hiking at Mechower See from a guided excursion in the wider region.

Those interested in culture will find other places to visit in Herzogtum Lauenburg: Kreismuseum Herzogtum Lauenburg in Ratzeburg exhibits artefacts relating to the history of the dukes of Lauenburg and the German-German border. In Lauenburg/Elbe, Elbschifffahrtsmuseum presents the interactive, three-storey exhibition “Mensch-Modell-Maschine” about shipping. Visitors can get hands-on with models and interactive stations. Both museums offer a different focus from the border history at Mechower See.

Compare the locations of the accommodation you are considering with the activities you have planned.

Discover more destinations: Krummesse, Schönberg, Lauenburgische Seen, Linau, Fredeburg, Rondeshagen, Wohltorf, Nusse.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Herzogtum Lauenburg.