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Travel Guide to the Duchy of Lauenburg Region: 7 Best Things To Do & See

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 stay
Alexander & VictoriaHi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here.
Advertisement disclaimer: This travel guide to the Duchy of Lauenburg is made in collaboration with Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein GmbH and Tysk Turist Information (the Danish branch of the German National Tourist Board). As always, we share our honest opinion and everything is written by us.
Nature 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.

One of the most stunning sunsets ever overlooking Schaalsee in the Duchy of Lauenburg
We experienced one of the most stunning sunsets ever overlooking Schaalsee.

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.

Mölln lake
The Duchy of Lauenburg region features historically significant towns thanks to the prominent medieval trade route, the Old Salt Route (Alte Salzstraße), which enabled the transport of salt from the southern Elbe region to Lübeck in the north.

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!

  1. Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park
  2. Walk in Seedorfer Werder
  3. Try forest bathing
  4. The town of Mölln
  5. Hiking in the Hellbach Valley
  6. The floating town of Ratzeburg
  7. Bicycle touring
  8. Bonus: Other places to visit in Schleswig-Holstein

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.

Schaalsee at sunset
Schaalsee was declared a biosphere reserve in the year 2000.
Biodiversity in Schaalsee, the Duchy of Lauenburg
Biodiversity is thriving thanks to a focused effort on creating liveable spaces for different species.
Fallen tree near Schaalsee
Nature isn’t manicured here – though it’s still (mostly) very accessible.
Wildlife in Schaalsee

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.

Lake Schaalsee with Victoria in the foreground
Lake Schaalsee forms part of the border between the German states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Nature in the nature reserve
When Germany was divided into West and East Germany, that border actually ran down the middle of Schaalsee.
The 5-kilometre hiking trail in the Duchy of Lauenburg
The 5-kilometre hiking trail is a wonderful way to get a feel for the area.
Upclose shot on tree
Victoria in the forest
Who doesn’t love a good forest walk?
Seedorfer Werder forest
We were really happy to see nature thriving here.

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.

Forest bathing in Schleswig-Holstein
Although forest bathing originated in Japan, you don’t need to travel to Asia to try it.
The nature reserve Groß Zecher in the Duchy of Lauenburg region
Even if you don’t go forest bathing, we can easily recommend a visit to the nature reserve Groß Zecher.
Berries in the forest
While there, try to pay extra attention to some of the details of the forest.
Biodiversity in the nature reserve Groß Zecher
The plants really seemed to flourish.
Old tree in the nature reserve Groß Zecher Trees forming a heart-shape when looking up towards the sky

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).

Mölln
The Old Town of Mölln. Photo: Sfischer / CC BY
Till Eulenspiegel statue
Till Eulenspiegel is a local German folk hero slash prankster who reputedly died in Mölln in 1350. ©Wälz

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.

Going for a hike around Schmaalsee
Going for a hike around Schmalsee just felt instantly relaxing.
The sky reflecing in the lake
There are so many great views along the banks.
Hellbachtal Bridge
For just a short hike, you can turn around and make a loop at the Hellbachtal Bridge.
Ridge at Hellbachtal
You can also continue up the ridge and go deeper into the forest.

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).

Ratzeburg drone photo
Ratzeburg has to have one of the best locations for a town in Germany! Photo: Dennis Siebert / CC BY

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.
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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).

Gut Groß Zecher
Staying here is a great way to unwind from the stresses of everyday city life.
The food at Gut Groß Zecher
The food at Gut Groß Zecher was particularly impressive.
The view from the restaurant
The view from the restaurant wasn’t bad either.
Sunset from Gut Groß Zecher
This sunset was surely one for the books.
Sunset from our tower at Gut Groß Zecher
Going up into our little observation tower, we could savour the last few rays of light for a little bit longer.
Sunset from our tower at Gut Groß Zecher

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).

Hotel Waldhalle
Hotel Waldhalle (adlink) is a great base for exploring the Duchy of Lauenburg region.
The view from our room at Hotel Waldhalle above the lake
The view from our room at Hotel Waldhalle (adlink) above the lake.
View over Schmalsee

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.

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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.

Visiting in summer is spectacular as crowds are few and far between in the Duchy of Lauenburg. Autumn would also be beautiful!

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 camerahere’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.
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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!

Cloud at sunset
Have the best time!
Travel Guide to the Duchy of Lauenburg Region: 7 Best Things To Do & See
Travel Guide to the Duchy of Lauenburg Region: 7 Best Things To Do & See
Travel Guide to the Duchy of Lauenburg Region: 7 Best Things To Do & See

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