Top 13 Castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg
Best castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg offers a glimpse into the district's rich historical past within Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This region features a diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and the Elbe River. The area is characterized by its historical sites and natural beauty, making it suitable for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore various historical structures that reflect centuries of regional history and architectural development.
Best castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg
- The most popular castles is Wotersen Castle, a castle that is a classical manor house nestled within a gentle landscape. It became famous not only for its long history but also as a filming location for German television series.
- Another must-see spot is Seedorf Castle, a castle. It is privately owned, and therefore neither tours nor entry to the entire complex are permitted, but it offers a great photo opportunity.
- Visitors also love Burg Linau Ruins, a medieval motte-and-bailey castle. Archaeological excavations and restoration efforts have made visible parts of the thick walls of the keep.
- Herzogtum Lauenburg is known for classical castles, medieval ruins, and historical sites. Visitors can explore well-preserved manors, ancient fortifications, and sites with archaeological significance.
- The castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg are appreciated by the komoot community. More than 600 upvotes and over 600 photos have been shared by visitors exploring these historical locations.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Wotersen Castle
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Seedorf Castle
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Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg
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Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe)
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The Komoot map also shows the Farchauer Schloss and the Farchauer Schlossberg in the vicinity, elsewhere. Unfortunately there is nothing left of that.
Around the year 800 the Slavs built a classic early Slavic hilltop castle on the southern tip of the Küchensee. It was on a natural hill, which is now also known as "Marienhöhe". Around 1160 the old hill fort was fortified again as a castle. It now served the Ratzeburg bishops as a court seat. It is not yet known whether the castle was continuously inhabited by the Slavs until the 12th century. The remains of the ramparts today enclose an area of around 60 mx 40 m. Due to the reconstruction of the castle in the 12th / 13th centuries In the 19th century, the extent of the former Slavic castle is difficult to understand. The Slavs mostly only had high-altitude castles in the early Slavic period. Probably the later Inselburg in Ratzeburg was the successor castle of Farchau.
slawenburgen.hpage.com/schleswig-holstein.html
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District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg
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Franzosenschanze War Memorial
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Linau Castle Ruins
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The access was unfortunately closed for a long time due to extensive restoration work
and thus also the path to the Billequelle.
Now (2023) the path has been open again for some time.
In the past, nothing of a castle could be seen except the hill and a few large stones - now attempts have been made to partially reconstruct the castle's round tower with large field stones. But it hasn't really worked out (yet) because it now looks far too bright and too new for an old castle. Hopefully it will "age" a bit over time.
The only public path leads from the castle to the Billequelle.
The path there has now also been well developed.
The paved path that leads past the spring ends in a dead end and it leads back over private property, where a farm dog keeps a close eye on things and barks at "intruders". So you have to go back the same way past the old castle. It's a nice little walk. I can definitely recommend it.
You can find more information about the castle ruins here:
denkmalschutz.de/denkmal/burg-linau.html
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Ratzeburg Castle site
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The underground foundations of a rondel built in 1524 to protect access from the west bank have been shown above ground on the large, open castle lawn.
Ratzeburg Castle must have been quite impressive.
After the castle was destroyed, a manor house was built near the cathedral in the 18th century, which today houses the district museum. For a while it was still the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who occasionally stayed in Ratzeburg.
lupesi.de/stadtbesichtungen/deutschland/ratzeburg
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Motte and pleasure palace Juliusburg
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The naming shows that the monument is anchored in local traditions.
The protection of the cultural monument of significant local importance is in the public interest because of its special historical, scientific and cultural landscape-defining value.
schleswig-holstein.de/DE/landesregierung/ministerien-behoerden/ALSH/Service/Denkmallisten/Denkmallisten_node.html?lang=de
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Kehrsen Motte
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Not much can be seen of this old castle, however. If you don't know it, you can drive past it, even though it's right on the street.
But if you stand in front of it, you can still guess the history. It is also well signposted so that you can find it.
In the municipality of Gudow, seven former weir systems can be traced. To the west of the Kehrsen district is the rest of a so-called tower hill castle or moth after the French "château à motte". The castle hill has a diameter of 18 m and a height of 1.5 m above the water line of the moat. The trench is 7 m wide and is interrupted in the east by a modern earth ramp. A connection to the water supply to the Stichels Bach is questionable.
Archaeological excavations in Schleswig-Holstein showed that multi-storey wooden towers stood on castle hills. Basements and towers made of rock or brick are rarely known. A castle includes a wooden bridge over the moat as well as a palisade around the tower or the base of the hill. Surrounding walls are also found in such weir systems. On the basis of finds (e.g. ceramics, metal and wood) and the findings (especially dendrochronological data) moths can be dated to the 13th / 14th century.
The castle was put under protection with the entry in the monument book.
instant-trout-company.de/Bodendenkmale/kehrsen.html
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Tips from the Community
The Herzogtum Lauenburg District Museum features a permanent, free exhibition on the "spirit of life" in the 1950s. For many, this will be a journey into the past. Those who didn't experience this era firsthand will discover the period of the economic miracle and encounter fascinating objects like cigarette burners, petticoats, car vases, and TV guides where a single page contained the entire week's programming. The 1950s are considered the founding years of the Federal Republic of Germany and a time of reconstruction. At the same time, they mark the beginning of today's modern society, as evidenced by the rise of television, the beginnings of the automobile boom, and mass tourism. Highly interesting and absolutely worth seeing. I highly recommend it! https://herzogtum-direkt.de/index.php/2023/01/23/das-wirtschaftswunder-der-1950er-jahre-im-herzogtum-lauenburg/
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A tour of the lake is also worthwhile
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Ratzeburg is definitely worth a bike ride or a walk!
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Unfortunately covered but open
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The boats do not operate in winter, so please note the season.
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The information board and the name of the car park still remind us of the castle. Nevertheless, it is a very nice place with an ice cream parlor and a fish restaurant.
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In 1230, the Slavic settlement was first mentioned in the Ratzeburg tithe register as Linowe or Lynowe. The place name goes back to Old Polabian *Linov and is a combination of *lin "tench" and the possessive suffix -ov and means settlement near the tench. Linau is of Slavic origin and lies on the "Limes Saxoniae", the former border between Saxons and Slavs, which enters the administrative area here. According to historical research, it can be assumed that the then "Lynowe" existed as a settlement much earlier. Linau Castle was destroyed in 1291, and the second castle in 1349. The remains of the castle complex are now more clearly visible again, as the foundation of the complex was restored as authentically as possible in a very complex operation in cooperation with the State Archaeological Office. The complex thus gives visitors an idea of its former importance. It is the only castle ruin of its kind in southern Holstein. Linau is located on the edge of the Hahnheide nature reserve and local recreation area, directly on the district border with Stormarn. The community had 543 inhabitants in 1939. After the unspeakable war, there were 1031. Many of them have accepted the community as their new home. Linau has an intact, diverse club life, including a motivated volunteer fire department. This is not least and especially due to the initiative of the Linauers. https://gemeinde-linau.de/unser-dorf/ https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linau
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg are most popular with visitors?
Visitors frequently enjoy Wotersen Castle, known for its classical manor house and picturesque setting. The Burg Linau Ruins also attract many, offering a glimpse into medieval history. Additionally, the Seedorf Castle is a popular spot for photography, despite being privately owned.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit in Herzogtum Lauenburg?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. Wotersen Castle is family-friendly, offering a beautiful setting for walks. The Burg Linau Ruins provide an engaging historical experience for all ages. The Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg is also family-friendly and offers lake views, while the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg provides educational insights into the region's past.
What kind of historical insights can I gain from visiting castles in the region?
The castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg offer a rich historical journey. For instance, the Lauenburg Castle Tower, dating back to 1477, provides insights into its past as a defensive fort and prison, controlling the Old Salt Route. Burg Linau Ruins showcase a medieval motte-and-bailey castle that endured sieges. The District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg in Ratzeburg further details the history of the Lauenburg dukes and the German-German border.
Can I explore the natural surroundings of the castles?
Absolutely. The Herzogtum Lauenburg region is known for its diverse landscape of forests, lakes, and the Elbe River. Wotersen Castle is nestled within a gentle landscape of ancient trees and meadows, perfect for walks. The Lauenburg Castle Tower offers panoramic views of the Elbe River and its surroundings. The Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) site is located near Lake Küchen, and the Franzosenschanze War Memorial is situated within a forest.
Are there walking or cycling routes near the castles?
Yes, the region offers numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find various cycling routes, such as the 'Elbe high bank Tour' or the 'Beech Forest at Lake Ratzeburg' loop, which might pass near historical sites. For running, trails like the 'Lakeside Forest Trail' near Lake Küchen are available. You can explore more options in the Cycling in Herzogtum Lauenburg and Running Trails in Herzogtum Lauenburg guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg?
The Herzogtum Lauenburg region, with its picturesque landscapes and historical sites, is beautiful throughout the warmer months. Spring and summer offer lush greenery and pleasant weather for exploring castle grounds and nearby nature. Autumn provides a stunning backdrop of colorful foliage, enhancing the charm of sites like Wotersen Castle and the Lauenburg Castle Tower, especially for photography and outdoor activities.
Are there any castles that are particularly good for views?
The Lauenburg Castle Tower is an excellent choice for views. Climbing its narrow stairs rewards visitors with breathtaking panoramic vistas of Lauenburg, the scenic Elbe River, and the surrounding landscape. The Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg also offers great views, particularly of the lake.
Can I visit the interior of all castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg?
Not all castles are fully accessible or open to the public. For example, Seedorf Castle is privately owned, and tours or entry to the entire complex are not permitted, though it's a popular photo spot. The Lauenburg Castle Tower, however, houses a museum inside its walls, showcasing artifacts and furniture. Wotersen Castle is open for concerts during the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival and temporary exhibitions.
What are some lesser-known or 'hidden gem' historical sites related to castles in the area?
While not a grand castle, the Motte and pleasure palace Juliusburg offers a historical site with castle connections. The Kehrsen Motte is another historical site that provides a glimpse into early fortifications. These sites might offer a quieter, more reflective experience compared to the more prominent locations.
What do visitors say about the castles in Herzogtum Lauenburg?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and picturesque settings of the castles. Many enjoy the serene elegance of Wotersen Castle and its surrounding landscape, noting it as a perfect spot for photography. The Burg Linau Ruins are valued for their tangible connection to medieval history, despite some modern restoration efforts. The region's blend of history and nature is consistently highlighted as a major draw.
Are there any castles that are primarily ruins but still worth visiting?
Yes, the Burg Linau Ruins are a prime example. This medieval motte-and-bailey castle, though largely in ruins, has undergone archaeological excavations and restoration efforts, making visible parts of its thick walls. It's freely accessible and offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history, especially for hikers as it's located on the way to the Billequelle.
Are there any historical sites near Ratzeburg with castle connections?
In Ratzeburg, you can visit the Ratzeburg Castle site, which provides historical context for the area. Additionally, the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg, located in a manor house from 1766, offers extensive exhibits on the region's history, including the Dukes of Lauenburg, making it a significant historical stop.
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