Travel Guide to the Duchy of Lauenburg Region: 7 Best Things To Do & See
Everything you need to know about the Duchy of Lauenburg region including what to do, when to visit and where to stayNature all to yourself
If you seek some of the best and most tranquil nature experiences in Northern Germany, visiting the overlooked southeastern corner of Schleswig-Holstein might be just what you’re searching for.
The Duchy of Lauenburg region (Herzogtum Lauenburg) is rich in historical towns (like Lauenburg, Mölln and Ratzeburg) as well as in protected natural areas.
We loved discovering the forests full of both flora and fauna (try to spot a sea eagle!) in between the rolling hills.
In this land of 40 lakes, there’s always a place to find peace in a beautiful setting.
Our purpose with this travel guide is to share the best things to do and see in the Duchy of Lauenburg, where to stay, when to visit, how to get around, our best travel tips and much more.
Table of contents
Map
Tucked in between Hamburg and the River Elbe on one side and Lübeck and the Baltic Sea on the other, the Duchy of Lauenburg region comprises the southeasternmost part of the state of Schleswig-Holstein.
7 best things to do and see in the Duchy of Lauenburg
What to do in the Duchy of Lauenburg?
There are naturally lots of great things to do in the region whether you’re into history, culture or outdoor experiences and this list isn’t fully comprehensive by any means.
But based on our experience and knowledge, these are the best things to do and see!
- Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park
- Walk in Seedorfer Werder
- Try forest bathing
- The town of Mölln
- Hiking in the Hellbach Valley
- The floating town of Ratzeburg
- Bicycle touring
1. Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park
As Schleswig-Holstein’s oldest nature park, Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park has conserved and enriched biodiversity since 1960, spanning 474 km² around Ratzeburger See and Schaalsee.
Through sustainable management, the park fosters landscape preservation and enhances awareness of natural processes.
The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park features numerous small and large lakes (apart from the expansive lakes of Ratzeburger See and Schaalsee) just waiting to be explored along with beautiful forest areas.
2. Walk in the Seedorfer Werder forest
There are several nature reserves located around the huge Lake Schaalsee and we went on a lovely hike through the Seedorfer Werder forest, which is a part of the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park mentioned above.
The established hiking trail of approximately 5 kilometres takes about an hour to complete, and along the way, you can admire the wilderness and feel like you unwind completely.
3. Try forest bathing
Forest bathing is not about bathing in a forest, but rather about being bathed by the forest – through mindfulness and contemplation in the company of nature.
We engaged in forest bathing under the expert guidance of Kathrin Sohst in the nature reserve Groß Zecher and spent about two hours truly sensing the forest (and ourselves).
This form of nature therapy originates from Japan and is particularly known for alleviating stress. Afterwards, we were undoubtedly wonderfully relaxed.
4. The town of Mölln
Mölln is one of the most significant towns of the Duchy of Lauenburg, and it’s both a great base for exploring the region as well as a destination for day trips.
Check out the medieval centre with the historic town hall, the market square and St. Nicolai’s Church, the Kurpark as well as the many lakeside views.
Search for the best accommodation in Mölln here (adlink).
5. Hiking in the Hellbach Valley
Hiking in the serene Hellbach Valley just south of Mölln is not to be missed when visiting the Duchy of Lauenburg region.
We started at the top of the lake Schmalsee Hellbach (not to be confused with the huge Schaalsee to the east) at our hotel and walked in a counter-clockwise direction.
If it’s warm, you can jump in the water at the small bathing area near the Hellbachtal Bridge.
Continue south for more lakes – or go east to discover the steep and mystical forested ridge.
6. The floating town of Ratzeburg
Ratzeburg is the capital of the Duchy of Lauenburg and is completely surrounded by lakes.
Founded in the 11th century, the town has a long history – including a period with Henry the Lion as its ruler, giving it an air of historical significance and cultural richness.
The 800-year-old Ratzeburg Cathedral is a natural highlight, but so is simply walking around the cobbled streets taking in the atmosphere and all of the magnificent lake views.
Search for the best accommodation in Ratzeburg here (adlink).
7. Bicycle touring
The Duchy of Lauenburg is a cyclist’s haven with more than 1,000 kilometres of marked cycling routes, including several long-distance paths and themed circular tours for all levels.
Be prepared for scenic lake and river views, riding through idyllic countryside landscapes, occasional uphill sections and lots of lovely cruising.
Here’s some route inspiration for your bicycle trip.
Bonus: Other places to visit in Schleswig-Holstein
Having been fortunate enough to visit Schleswig-Holstein on several occasions, we have experienced many of the best attractions the state has to offer.
From the historic towns to the cultural sites; from the coast along the rivers to the shimmering lakes. Nature is never far away in Schleswig-Holstein, and we think there’s something to do here for everybody.
Whether you’re going on a road trip through Northern Germany or simply want to discover more hidden gems, we hope this list can inspire your travels.
Read more about Schleswig-Holstein:
- Schleswig-Holstein – An overview of the best places to visit and things to do in the state.
- Schleswig – A historic Viking city with an impressive cathedral and a Baroque castle.
- Plön – If you like lakes and lake views, Plön is the place.
- Eutin – The cultural heart of Holstein with a beautiful castle and access to lovely lakes.
- Lübeck – Probably Schleswig-Holstein’s best medieval old town centre. Known for its 7 towers and the Holstentor gate.
- Bad Segeberg – Home to a mystical mountain filled with bats and a popular Wild West-themed festival.
- Büsum – The gateway to the Wadden Sea and a popular summer spot.
- The island of Sylt – Germany’s most famous island is more or less one long beach.
Where to stay in the Duchy of Lauenburg
Gut Groß Zecher
The first place we stayed in the Duchy of Lauenburg was at Gut Groß Zecher which can best be described as a manor converted into a special hotel and a restaurant with a focus on local produce.
It’s located right next to Schaalsee.
We got a fantastic room where we could catch the stunning views over the lake from our own observation tower.
It was absolutely magical at sunset.
Check prices and availability at their own website here (adlink).
Hotel Waldhalle
After staying at Gut Groß Zecher, we stayed at Hotel Waldhalle, nestled among the trees near the town of Mölln.
From our room, we enjoyed a beautiful view of the Schmalsee Hellbach lake and we can easily recommend taking a hike around the area.
Check prices and availability at Hotel Waldhalle (adlink).
Other places to stay in the Duchy of Lauenburg
The most important choice you have to make when deciding where to stay in the Duchy of Lauenburg is whether you want to stay in a town or in the countryside.
Staying in a town means you’ll have more options for attractions and places to dine that you can walk to – while being further away from “civilization” will most likely help you connect better with nature.
The best towns to stay in are Lauenburg, Mölln and Ratzeburg (adlinks).
How to get around
By car
Driving around the Duchy of Lauenburg is very convenient. The roads are well-maintained and there is very little traffic.
Parking is generally free and easy to find. However, in the case of paid parking in towns, remember to always bring euro coins for the machines as credit cards aren’t accepted everywhere.
By public transport
We didn’t use public transportation in the Duchy of Lauenburg ourselves but it should certainly be possible to get almost anywhere with a combination of local trains and buses.
By foot
Once you’re in a town (like Lauenburg, Mölln or Ratzeburg), the best way to get around is to walk.
It’s easy and safe.
Put on some good shoes and get around for free by simply walking from one place to the next – and you’ll be sure to see some interesting things along the way, too.
How to get to the Duchy of Lauenburg
By car
It’s generally easy to reach Germany by car from other countries in Europe as there are lots of motorways connected to neighbouring countries.
As soon as you are in Germany, you can get to the Schleswig-Holstein region via Germany’s famous autobahn (motorway).
Be aware that cars on the autobahn generally drive fast – and by fast, we mean up to 200 km/h!
There are several sections with no speed limit at all so it’s important to look thoroughly in the rearview mirror and side mirror before changing lanes and overtaking.
By train
The train network in Germany is large, relatively cheap and very reliable.
There are many connections between most major cities and to get to Schleswig-Holstein, you can, for example, take the train to Hamburg Central Station (Hamburg Hauptbahnhof) or Lübeck Central Station (Lübeck Hauptbahnhof).
From there, there are usually connecting trains to smaller towns like Lauenburg, Mölln or Ratzeburg.
We have previously used the Deutsche Bahn website to order train tickets.
By plane
To get to Schleswig-Holstein in Germany by plane, you can fly to the big international airport Hamburg Airport (Flughafen Hamburg, shortened to HAM) as well as the smaller Lübeck-Blankensee Airport (also sometimes called Hamburg Lübeck, shortened to LBC) that mostly offers domestic flights.
From there, you can take a train or rent a car.
Use our adlink below to find the cheapest tickets:
Search for the cheapest flight tickets on Momondo.
When to visit the Duchy of Lauenburg
There is really no bad time to visit the Duchy of Lauenburg, although there are, of course, noticeable differences between the seasons.
But when is the best time to visit the region?
We were there ourselves in August and enjoyed warm, perfect summer days.
Like almost all tourist destinations in the world, it’s smart to plan your trip around the most common holidays and instead visit in shoulder periods (if that’s a possibility for you).
That way you can avoid the biggest crowds and generally get cheaper accommodation and save on car rentals.
If it’s not possible to travel outside the holidays, fortunately, the Duchy of Lauenburg and the state of Schleswig-Holstein, in general, don’t really get crowded.
Seasons
Spring (March, April and May) is a beautiful time to visit the state of Schleswig-Holstein with sunny days and blooming flowers. It can still be a bit chilly, so check the weather forecast before you pack.
Summer (June, July and August) is of course the hottest season and the temperatures can get quite high in July and August. At the same time, it’s also at its rainiest in the summer so pack a rain jacket or an umbrella, just in case. The sun is usually shining from early morning until very late in the evening. The summer holidays in Germany are spread out between mid-June and mid-September.
Autumn (September, October and November) is a wonderful time to visit Northern Germany. The autumn colours paint the landscapes in shades of yellow, orange and red. The most beautiful autumn colours can typically be seen at the end of September and in October, perhaps also at the beginning of November before the leaves fall off the trees.
Winter (December, January and February) is generally cold but on the other hand, there are usually fewer tourists. If you’re planning to visit during Christmas or New Year, it’s smart to book your accommodation ahead of time.
Our best tips for visiting
- Credit cards can be used in most shops, but as in the rest of Germany, cash is still often used and it’s not unusual for cash to be used in parking and ticket machines, at cafés and the like.
- Get up early and be one of the first at an attraction if you want to avoid crowds in the high season.
- Drink tap water. It’s not only good for the planet, it’s also good for your wallet. The tap water in Germany is absolutely safe to drink – so bring a refillable bottle.
- Travel to the Duchy of Lauenburg outside of the holidays. Accommodation prices are lower, good deals are easier found and there are fewer tourists.
What to bring
- Travel insurance (adlink). Never travel without it!
- A good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use.
- Sunscreen (adlink). Especially if you visit Schleswig-Holstein in the summer. We recommend that you use an organic, vegan sunscreen without oxybenzone and other harmful chemicals.
- Hiking shoes, sneakers or other shoes you can walk in comfortably.
- Swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim in the summer or if you are staying at a hotel with a spa area.
- A refillable water bottle and snacks. You can drink the tap water in Germany.
- Cash for parking and other small purchases, especially 1 and 2-euro coins. Not all places in Germany accept credit cards.
Sustainable travel tips
To travel as sustainably as possible, we recommend the following:
- Bring your own drinking water in a refillable bottle.
- Avoid single-use plastics.
- Dispose of waste properly and do not throw it on the ground.
- Check your sunscreen before going in the water. Many brands contain oxybenzone and other chemicals that can be harmful.
- Take only photos, leave only footprints. Let everything stay in its natural place.
- Respect wildlife.
What do you think of the Duchy of Lauenburg?
Thanks for reading our take on the best things to do in the Duchy of Lauenburg!
We hope this travel guide to the special region in Schleswig-Holstein has been useful.
What do you think?
If you have visited the Duchy of Lauenburg it would be great to hear about your best memories and what you did while there.
And if you haven’t visited yet, don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments. We are happy to help!
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.