Sterley: Discover the Church, Cycle Paths and Nature

Discover Sterley through several distinctive experiences: the long history of St. John’s Church, cycle routes of varying lengths, and a peaceful waterside experience at Lake Pipersee. This lets you make culture, activity and nature the focus of your stay.

St. John’s Church: History in Fieldstone and Colour

The parish of Sterley was first documented in 1194 and is considered one of the oldest parishes in what later became the Duchy of Lauenburg. St. John’s Church itself was built from fieldstones in the early 13th century. Its history can also be read in its furnishings: well-preserved paintings from different periods remain on the walls and ceiling, including a depiction of the Virgin Mary from the late 13th century. The altar also features a Gothic corpus of Christ crucified, dating from the 14th century.

The architecture and artworks span several medieval periods: from the early church building to the late medieval paintings and the Gothic altar piece. As an open church, it is a place for quiet reflection and welcomes visitors. Check visiting arrangements before you travel if you plan to visit.

Cycle Routes and Waterside Experiences at Lake Pipersee

One cycle route associated with Sterley is an 18-kilometre route through the chain of lakes from Salem to Seedorf. It runs mainly along paved minor roads and well-developed farm and walking paths. There are also sandy stretches through woodland and some gentle climbs. The variety of surfaces gives the route its distinctive character; when planning, it is worth considering both the distance and the described route.

Another option is the 48.5-kilometre circular route known as the Church Tour, which passes through Neu-Sterley. The two cycle routes differ considerably in length: the shorter route runs from Salem to Seedorf, while the longer Church Tour is designated as a circular route. If cycling is the main focus of your stay, you can use these details to choose a route length that suits your plans.

For a quieter perspective on the landscape, Lake Pipersee lies close to Sterley. Canoeists and rowers can enjoy peaceful waters along wooded shores. Cycling and paddling offer different experiences: one follows a set route through the chain of lakes, while the other takes you onto the water and along wooded shores. The area around Sterley is also characterised by extensive natural spaces and traditionally managed farmland.

The Duchy of Lauenburg: Nature and Cycling in a Wider Context

Those looking beyond Sterley to the wider Duchy of Lauenburg will find a broader landscape to explore. The Duchy of Lauenburg district is 26 per cent forest and contains 48 lakes. The district is also home to the Sachsenwald, Schleswig-Holstein’s largest contiguous forest.

The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park is Schleswig-Holstein’s oldest nature park and covers 474 square kilometres around Lake Ratzeburg and Lake Schaalsee. Around 40 lakes, deep deciduous forests and rare animal species characterise the nature park. There are also options for longer cycling trips: ADFC-certified long-distance cycle routes include the Old Salt Route and the Via Scandinavica, which is also part of the Way of St. James. These regional examples complement Sterley’s specific attractions with a broader landscape and cultural context.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Stay

If you would like to focus on the history of the church and the area around Sterley, choose Sterley as the destination for your search. For a trip centred mainly on a cycling route, factor in the places it passes through and its route when deciding where to stay. This helps you balance the local cultural focus with the different options for cycling and waterside experiences.

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Back to the regional travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.