experience tame wilderness

A gentle glisten lies on the lake as the sun rises above the treetops. Veils of mist dance across the water, a white-tailed eagle circles calmly overhead. Here in the Duchy of Lauenburg, the day begins in peaceful silence. Only the soft lapping of the waves and the first chirping of birds in spring can be heard.
In the south-east of Schleswig-Holstein, a little paradise awaits all those who want to combine exercise with relaxation. Between the crystal-clear lakes, the quiet forests and the rolling hills, you can get really close to nature.

Cycling tours with a view
The 40-kilometre lake cycle tour starts and ends in Ratzeburg. Along the route, you will discover up to 10 lakes in the region. If you prefer a more leisurely pace, you can cycle around Lake Ratzeburg, a 27-kilometre route that is perfect for a summer's day with a picnic on the shore. On both tours, you can enjoy views across the lake to Ratzeburg Cathedral and the island town of Ratzeburg.
Hiking with pleasure
A hike on the Zecher Werder takes you to the deepest lake in northern Germany: Lake Schaalsee. The hiking trail starts and ends at the Groß Zecher estate, directly behind the café and restaurant ‘Zur Kutscherscheune’. After a five-kilometre hike across the Werder, a peninsula on Lake Schaal, you can reward yourself with freshly baked cake and steaming coffee or hearty regional specialities.