Excursions around Stormarn

The Duchy of Lauenburg: the land of the 40 lakes In the rolling hills rich with forest between the river Elbe and the Baltic Sea, and Hamburg and Lübeck there are more than 40 lakes dotted in the landscape. Historic towns, old trade routes and a rich flora and fauna invite you to spend some holidays relaxing in the Southeast of Schleswig-Holstein. Where the sea eagle is king At the heart of the region lies the nature park Lauenburgische Seen. Ratzeburger See and Schaalsee are just two of the more than 40 lakes in our region. Surrounded by forest, the lakes provide a perfect habitat for the sea eagle. The nature park “Hohes Elbufer” between Lauenburg and Geesthacht is part of the cross-border Elbe riverscape biosphere reserve “Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe”. A royal outing Sleepy villages, shady alleys und stately mansions dominate the landscape of the region. Farmyard coffeehouses and shops offer their visitors real treats of local produce. The Duchy of Lauenburg is the oldest and largest asparagus growing region in Schleswig-Holstein. A salty paradise for cyclists Once upon a time, the medieval salt route “Alte Salzstraße” ran from the Saline, the saltworks in Lüneburg, to the harbour in Lübeck. Today, cyclists can follow the long distance route of the same name all the way to Travemünde. But the Elberadweg cycling route and the many day trip themed loops have also plenty to offer for cyclists of all abilities. About lions, jesters and navigators The towns and villages in the region have lively stories to tell. In Ratzeburg, for example, you can follow the trail of Henry the Lion who ordered the building of the Ratzeburg Dome. In Mölln you can expect to have an encounter with Till Eulenspiegel who allegedly died here. A rebus of his name “owl and mirror” can be seen on his alleged gravestone. In the colourful town of Lauenburg with its many timber-framed houses, navigation on the river Elbe is a century-old tradition. By contrast, Geesthacht stands for research and development. Alfred Nobel is said to have invented dynamite in this town.

Herzogtum Lauenburg Marketing & Service GmbH

Hauptstraße 150

23879 Mölln
(GPS position: 53.63063,10.69303)

There are many reasons to visit Lübeck: winding alleyways and passages, old merchants’ houses and the seven towers of the historic town, built on an island and declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 1987. The former hanseatic queen “Königin der Hanse” is an attractive destination for city tourists and promises lovers of culture, history and maritime life style true moments of happiness. Magnificent brick gothic churches, the unique museum landscape and the marzipan museum “Niederegger-Marzipansalon” are only a few of the many attractions that are well worth a visit. The newest cultural highlight is the European Hanseactic Museum, that takes you on an exciting timetravel through 600 years of hanseatic history. You will learn all about the old international economic trade association - about the valor of the merchants, the life abroad, about wealth, showing-off, pirates, illness and death. Secure inside the historic buildings, true museum gems can be found in this historic town. In addition to the museum St. Annen which gives you an insight of what life was like in the old Lübeck in their exhibition „Innere des Lübecker Weltkulturerbes“, the museum Behnhaus/Drägerhaus, the Heiligen-Geist-Hospital, where the Christmas craftfair takes place every year, as well as the theatre figures museum “TheaterFigurenMuseum am Kolk” are well worth a visit. Lübeck is particularly proud of its three Nobel Prize Laureates Thomas Mann, Willy Brandt and Günter Grass. The film festival “Nordische Filmtage Lübeck” is one of the most traditional film festivals worldwide. And every year, when the famous Christmas market takes place, the Hanseatic City is transformed into the “Christmas City of the North”. For those who would like to spend a day by the sea, the famous seaside town Travemünde is not far. With its giant ships, its fine Baltic Sea beaches, its Ferry Port, the biggest in Europe, and what is probably the most beautiful place for sailing worldwide, Travemünde is a popular day trip destination for visitors from near and far.

Tourist-Information

Lübeck und Travemünde Marketing GmbH

Holstentorplatz 1

23552 Lübeck
(GPS position: 53.86586,10.67783)

The Baltic Sea does not move with the tide. But our tourist offers do move with the time: New promenades harmonically blended into the landscape linking relaxing beach life with a wide range of shopping facilities or just having a coffee watching the world pass by. Furthermore, the coastline offers new and attractive accommodation. The Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea is moving with the time, presenting its variety more than ever before.
Inland, there is also a lot to explore: many lakes, forests and undulating pasture landscapes. The so-called “Holstein Switzerland” region invites you to immerse yourself in the country side. Villages with farm yards restored with love and care, thatched-roof cottages with gardens in full blossom, picture-perfect country houses and old churches enchant visitors with the charm of the typical Schleswig-Holstein country life. Enjoy homemade cakes and gateaux in the Inns and farmyard coffee shops. They are at least as tasty as the ones your Granny used to make.
There is no better way to get to know the region than on two wheels. Cycle alongside beaches, past lakes, through fields, forests and picturesque villages on 452 kilometers of the well sign-posted Baltic Sea cycling route from the Danish border all the way to Lübeck.
Among sailors the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea Coast is known as one of the most beautiful costal districts in Europe. Between Lübeck and Flensburg, skippers can choose from 110 harbours with more than 20,000 berths featuring modern infrastructure and catering facilities. Taster courses and other offers by sailing schools open up many possibilities for you to get to know this special sport.

Ostsee-Holstein-Tourismus e.V.

Am Bürgerhaus 2

23683 Scharbeutz
(GPS position: 54.02012,10.74743)

Water is the defining element in the cityscape. It spawns many places visitors can dive into to enjoy this special feeling of life. The Elbstrand beach for example. With your feet in the sand and a glass of wine in your hand, the horizon opens itself up for you, and you can let your eyes drift across the huge harbour area all the way to the Northsea coastline watching giant cruise ships float by. Taking the “Hamburger Wassertaxi” line no. 62 of the Hamburg transport HADAG ferry service, you cruise past the old fishing harbour with its remarkable dockland buildings and Hamburg’s famous fish market with the south side of the harbour being your destination. The breathtaking view of the stunning architecture of the philharmonic hall “Elbphilharmonie” is unique and while admiring the exciting contrasts between modern “Hafencity” and the old warehouse district “Speicherstadt”, a UNESCO world heritage, the ferry moves on. With Hafencity, Hamburg has once again focused on water, has opened itself up and has literally given space to new perspectives. Meanwhile, there are more than 50 restaurants and bars filling the no longer quite so new district with life. Hardly any other city offers as many changes of perspective while staying true to itself. The city’s maritime identity, its glamorous district Blankenese, the fashionable Hafencity, all this is Hamburg. And the rough and tough side of Hamburg is definitely an intrinsic part of the city, too. There is St. Pauli and the Reeperbahn, the offbeat district Karolinenviertel, and the lively Schanze district.ServicesHamburg CARD - The Hamburg ticket for explorers The Hamburg CARD allows you to use the public transport and you also get an entrance discount at over 150 attractions. Book your Hamburg CARD now - online. Digital serviceInspiring tips for your stay in Hamburg available in 13 languages under www.hamburg-travel.com.The Hamburg app, your digital travel guide providing you with the right information at the right time. www.hh-app.de

Tourist Information in the main station

Kirchenallee

20095 Hamburg
(GPS position: 53.55272,10.00669)