Discover Basthorst

Basthorst brings together the architectural history of St. Mary’s Church and the centuries-old Basthorst Estate, whose grounds include agricultural and wooded areas, springs, streams and hedgerows. Markets, cultural events and equestrian events add to this historic and scenic character. When planning your trip, consider whether you want to focus your stay on the estate’s history, an event date or exploring the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg.

St. Mary’s Church: architectural history and furnishings

The Neo-Gothic fieldstone church of St. Mary was built between 1857 and 1859, after an older church in Basthorst was demolished in 1856. This predecessor church is first mentioned in 1319. The present church has a 43-metre-high west tower and historic furnishings, including a brass lectern dating from 1651. Its history thus brings together accounts of the earlier church, the construction of the Neo-Gothic church and a furnishing from the 17th century.

Basthorst Estate: historic monument, park and landscape

Basthorst Estate is considered an 800-year-old cultural monument and welcomes visitors. The complex, which is listed as a historic monument, includes buildings dating from the 17th to the 20th century and has its origins in the medieval Schack estate of the 13th century. The three-winged manor house is part of the complex and has a core dating from around 1750. A fortification stood here around 1640; after it was demolished, a park was created in the 18th century. The northern moat preserves the layout of the former fortification.

The estate grounds include agricultural land and woodland, as well as springs, streams and hedgerows. These landscape features offer a different way to experience the estate than its architectural history: in addition to the buildings, waterways, leafy hedges and areas with different uses also shape the grounds. Guided tours of the estate grounds explain the history of the estate. Arrangements must be made in advance to take part.

Markets and events

The estate regularly hosts markets and is home to small craft businesses. Traditional events include the spring, autumn and Christmas markets, which attract many thousands of visitors each year. Cultural and equestrian events also take place throughout the year; Basthorst is also a venue for motorsport events, such as classic car rallies. If a market, concert or other event is to be the focus of your stay, check the specific dates before travelling.

The estate also has a culinary connection: the Basthorst Estate restaurant serves its own estate-brewed beer. Feingeisterei distillery, based in Basthorst, is associated with the restaurant. Products available may change.

Accommodation and getting here

For overnight stays, Basthorst Estate offers rooms and holiday apartments. Check availability before travelling. There are also two publicly accessible electric vehicle charging stations on the estate. As charging facilities may change, it is advisable to check the latest information before setting off.

Basthorst is connected to the A24 and B404 roads. Hamburg, Lübeck and Schwerin are destinations that can be reached in less than an hour by car; actual journey times depend on the route and traffic. If you are planning to visit different places in the wider destination, allow for these variations when scheduling your time.

In the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg

The Duchy of Lauenburg district is 26 percent forested and has 48 lakes. The district is also home to the Sachsenwald, Schleswig-Holstein’s largest contiguous forest. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy. Its area, about 35 by 17 kilometres, provides a habitat for kingfishers, white-tailed eagles and cranes, among other species. Hiking trails, observation towers, nature trails and places to rest add to the outdoor experiences; visitors can hike, cycle, canoe and swim in forest lakes in the nature park. Four signposted cycle routes offer further ways to explore the landscape.

Birdwatchers will find a dedicated spot at the observation tower on Lake Mechow: the tower is a good place to watch waterbirds, and with a little luck you may also see a white-tailed eagle. For longer hikes, the European long-distance footpaths E1, E6 and E9 cross the Duchy of Lauenburg from north to south via Ratzeburg, Mölln and Lauenburg. Guided nature park excursions led by experts focus on the district’s flora, fauna and cultural history.

Culture is another aspect to explore in the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg. The Elbe Shipping Museum in Lauenburg/Elbe features the interactive, three-storey exhibition “People-Model-Machine” about shipping. Visitors can get hands-on with models and experimental stations. The District Museum of the Duchy of Lauenburg in Ratzeburg displays exhibits on the history of the Dukes of Lauenburg and the border between East and West Germany. In Mölln, the Uhlenkolk Environmental Centre’s nature programme is aimed at kindergartens, school classes, families and adults; check the relevant opening times and visitor arrangements when planning a visit.

For a culinary break, the rural and farm cafés in the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg are another option: they are known for homemade cakes made with regional products. This gives you the flexibility to choose different focuses when planning your trip—from estate history and events in Basthorst to nature, museums and regional cuisine in the Duchy of Lauenburg.

Discover more destinations: Gülzow.

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