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Groß Sarau

Top 20 Natural Monuments around Groß Sarau

Natural monuments around Groß Sarau are primarily shaped by the Ratzeburg Lake and its integration into the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. Groß Sarau is situated on the western shore of the Ratzeburg Lake, a large body of water covering 12.57 square kilometers, offering direct access to its waters. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, established in 1961, spans over 470 square kilometers and features more than 40 lakes, forests, and diverse wildlife habitats. This region provides a setting for exploring 20…

Last updated: July 8, 2026

View of Kleiner See

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From this small and narrow Wakenitz Bridge for pedestrians and cyclists, located next to the railway line, you can enjoy truly exceptional views of the surrounding nature. Next door, on …

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Wakenitz Arch Bridge

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With Rothenhusen jetty.
Timetables are available here: schiffahrt-ratzeburg.de/index.php/fahrplan.html

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Downstream, it then continues as a channel traverse. You can follow the course via the towpath bridge. From the bridge, the elevated position offers beautiful views over the canal and the river. The bridge was renewed in 2013/14.

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Palinger Heath

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The Palinger Heide extends in the west to the border with Schleswig-Holstein (see eg palingen.de/index.php/palinger-heide or unv.luebeck.de/files/karte_lsg_lauerholz.pdf), here marked by the land ditch. While the formerly extended heathland has been …

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The Wakenitz is the natural outflow of Lake Ratzeburg. It leaves the lake at the northernmost point near Rothenhusen and runs in a north-northwesterly direction to the city of Lübeck. …

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Bea
January 28, 2025, Zusammenfluss von Trave und Elbe-Lübeck-Kanal

Great place, very nice for a walk.

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Here the Wagenitz flows into Lake Ratzeburg. From here you can also take a boat across Lake Ratzeburg, Henry the Strong or rent a small boat or canoe.

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The Wakenitz is the natural outflow of Lake Ratzeburg. It leaves the lake at the northernmost point near Rothenhusen and runs in a north-northwesterly direction to the city of Lübeck. The Wakenitz, a right tributary of the Trave, is about 14.9 km long. Until the construction of the Elbe-Lübeck Canal (1896–1900), the Wakenitz flowed around the city hill of Lübeck and flowed into the Trave south of the city. After the canal was built, the Wakenitz was blocked off by a dam (Falkendamm) and drained via the culvert into the Krähenteich/Mühlenteich, among other places. The Wakenitz forms the border between the federal states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania over long stretches. Due to its wildness, which was also caused and supported by its remote location on the former inner-German border until 1989, the river is also called the "Amazon of the North". Source: Wikipedia

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You can take a nice break at the boat rental.

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Fantastic heathland, partly very sandy ground, which makes cycling extremely difficult

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Here you become a cross-border commuter from Schleswig-Holstein to Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Or vice versa.

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Idyllic view of the lake invites you to linger or enjoy

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You can change from the Ratzeburg ships to the Wakenitz shipping and gondola to Lübeck.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I expect to see around Groß Sarau?

The natural monuments around Groß Sarau are primarily characterized by the expansive Ratzeburg Lake and its integration into the larger Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. You'll find a landscape shaped by the last ice age, featuring over 40 lakes, extensive forests, meadows, and heathlands like Palinger Heath. The area also includes significant rivers and canals, such as the confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal.

Are there any notable viewpoints in the natural monuments around Groß Sarau?

Yes, the region offers several excellent viewpoints. You can enjoy exceptional views of the Wakenitz from the View of Kleiner See, which also has a rest area. Another great spot is the Observation Tower at Mechower Lake, providing a panoramic view of the lake and its diverse birdlife. The Confluence of the Trave and Elbe-Lübeck Canal also offers elevated views from its towpath bridge.

What outdoor activities can I do near the natural monuments around Groß Sarau?

The area around Groß Sarau is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports like canoeing on the Ratzeburg Lake. The hiking trails around Groß Sarau offer routes for all levels, while gravel biking routes provide scenic rides. For runners, there are also dedicated running trails.

Are there family-friendly natural monuments around Groß Sarau?

Many natural monuments in the region are suitable for families. The View of Kleiner See and the Observation Tower at Mechower Lake are easily accessible and offer interesting sights for all ages. The Wakenitz Arch Bridge is also a pleasant spot for a family outing. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park itself features educational trails and picnic facilities, making it a great destination for families.

Can I go cycling around the natural monuments in Groß Sarau?

Absolutely. The Ratzeburg Lake, a central natural monument, is encircled by paths perfect for cycling. The western side, where Groß Sarau is located, is generally flatter and offers frequent lake views. You can find various gravel biking routes around Groß Sarau, including loops around the Ratzeburg Lake and along the Wakenitz.

What is the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, and how does it relate to Groß Sarau?

The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, established in 1961, is a vast protected area covering over 470 square kilometers. Groß Sarau is situated within this park, which is characterized by its hilly, ice-age-formed landscape, numerous lakes, forests, and diverse wildlife. The park provides a framework for many of the natural monuments in the region, offering extensive opportunities for recreation and nature observation.

What makes the Ratzeburg Lake a significant natural monument in Groß Sarau?

The Ratzeburg Lake is a prominent natural monument, covering 12.57 square kilometers and reaching depths of 24.4 meters. Groß Sarau is located directly on its western shore, providing easy access. The lake is known for its scenic beauty, recreational opportunities like swimming and water sports, and its role as a habitat for species such as the Great Maräne. It's an integral part of the larger Ratzeburg Lakes system.

Are there dog-friendly trails near the natural monuments in Groß Sarau?

Yes, many trails and natural areas around Groß Sarau are suitable for walks with dogs. For instance, Palinger Heath is noted as a beautiful landscape ideal for walking the dog, especially when the heather is in bloom. The general paths within the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park and around the Ratzeburg Lake are also popular for dog walks.

Where can I access the Ratzeburg Lake for water activities from Groß Sarau?

Groß Sarau offers convenient entry points for water sports enthusiasts. There are specific access points for canoes and other small watercraft, complete with a large parking area and public restrooms. You can find more detailed information about access points, such as the one in Groß Sarau, on local tourism sites like ratzeburg-tourismus.de.

What kind of wildlife can be observed in the natural monuments around Groß Sarau?

The diverse landscape of the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, which encompasses the natural monuments around Groß Sarau, is a vital habitat for a variety of wildlife. You might spot kingfishers, eagles, and cranes. The Salem Moor is home to moor frogs, and orchids grow in the Hellbach Valley. The Observation Tower at Mechower Lake is particularly good for birdwatching, offering views of a Verlandungszone used by many waterfowl.

What do visitors enjoy most about the natural monuments around Groß Sarau?

Visitors frequently praise the serene beauty and diverse landscapes of the region. The opportunity to enjoy exceptional views, such as those from the View of Kleiner See, is highly valued. The blooming heather at Palinger Heath is a particular highlight. The peaceful escape offered by the numerous lakes nestled among forests, combined with well-maintained trails for hiking and cycling, makes the area a favorite for nature lovers.

Are there facilities available at the natural monuments, such as parking or restrooms?

Yes, some natural monuments and access points offer facilities. For example, Groß Sarau provides a large parking area and public restrooms near the Ratzeburg Lake access points. The View of Kleiner See also features a lovely rest area with benches. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park generally aims to provide visitor amenities like information points and picnic facilities.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Groß Sarau:

HollenbekKlein ZecherSachsenwaldWentorf bei HamburgLankauGudowMöllnSterleyFredeburgSchmilauKittlitzBrunsmarkBälauBreitenfeldeNiendorf/StecknitzWohltorfBörnsenBrunstorfLehmradeAlt MöllnTalkauAumühleRatzeburgPantenHohenhornEscheburgWorthGrambekBesenthalHornbekGeesthachtKröppelshagen-FahrendorfKuddewördeGöttinSiebeneichenGüsterKankelauPoggenseeFitzenKulpinRömnitzDassendorfBäkMechowHamwardeRoseburgEinhausLangenlehstenAlbsfeldePogeezMöhnsenBasthorstKollowWiershopBehlendorfKasseburgKlempauGiesensdorfBröthenHavekostWitzeezeDahmkerSchretstakenKrukowSchnakenbekDalldorfSchiphorstBuchhorstLanzeSchwarzenbekKrüzenWangelauNusseSchulendorfLauenburg/ElbeJuliusburgLütauSchürensöhlenGroß DisnackDuvenseeBorstorfRitzerauWalksfeldeFuhlenhagenBüchenWentorfSandesnebenGroß SchenkenbergLinauStubbenGroveMühlenradeBerkenthinKühsenSirksfeldeKobergLabenzSiebenbäumenBliestorfKlein PampauNiendorf bei BerkenthinRondeshagenGroß BodenGöldenitzHohes Elbufer zwischen Tesperhude und LauenburgMüssenKlinkradeKastorfSierksradeSahmsGrinauSchaalseeDüchelsdorfGroß PampauSchaalseeBilletalNatural Park Hohes Elbufer zwischen Tesperhude und LauenburgSachsenwaldNatural Park Salemer Moor mit angrenzenden Wäldern und LakenDalbek-SchluchtSeedorfer Küchensee

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