Top 10 Castles around Selmsdorf
Best castles around Selmsdorf offer a glimpse into the region's rich history and diverse architectural styles. Located in the scenic Klützer Winkel, the area around Selmsdorf is characterized by its proximity to the Baltic Sea coast and historical towns like Lübeck and Wismar. This landscape provides a backdrop for exploring various historical sites, including manor houses and ancient castle ruins. The region features a mix of preserved estates and archaeological remnants, reflecting centuries of development.
Best castles around Selmsdorf
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Last updated: September 30, 2026
Johannstorf Castle
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Räuberkuhle Motte (motte-and-bailey castle)
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de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Gosevelde
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Entrance gate to Pötenitz Castle
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Rantzau Palace, Lübeck
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Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch
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Apart from the raised embankment, unfortunately not much else can be seen. A shelter offers protection and a place to rest.
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The Palais Rantzau in Lübeck is an impressive neo-Gothic city palace located on Kapitelstraße on the corner of Parade. It is not far from Lübeck Cathedral and was originally a medieval canon's residence from the 13th century. The builder, Kuno Rantzau-Breitenburg, had the building extensively rebuilt in 1858 and gave it its current neo-Gothic appearance. The palace is a unique example of neo-Gothic architecture in Lübeck and can be visited.
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The beautiful entrance gate is practically directly in front of Pötenitz Castle. Pötenitz Castle is being completely renovated and converted into a castle hotel with a surrounding holiday complex. The innovative planning concept focuses on the renovation of the listed castle on the one hand and the construction of new, modern holiday properties on the other. This creates a combination of the preservation and at the same time the new beginning of a history.
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The castle complex is located on the Langen Hörn. The hill is surrounded on three sides by the Schwartau, so the castle never had any great fortifications. Not much is known, but it was probably owned by the bishop, who administered the diocese from Old Lübeck. The castle complex is several hundred meters long and can be walked along its entire length. The ramparts that separated the castle sections from each other are still clearly visible.
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Sightseeing for archaeology fans! Anything but the classic medieval castle ruins, but thanks to the information sign it becomes a bit more interesting. The route to the castle is also interesting, it is almost 1.5km along forest paths and trails with tall grass and you may also have to cross the odd wooden bridge, pure adventure!
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Manor house (manor house, castle) Johannstorf In 1743, the two-storey brick building was built on the site of a former moated castle according to plans by master builder Rudolph Matthias Dallin. The client for the construction was the von Buchwald(t) family, whose ancestral seat had been Johannstorf since 1412. The eye-catcher is the central projection on the southwest side of the manor house with colossal pilasters, the portal crowning and the triangular gable decorated with a coat of arms. Inside, the spacious hall impresses with a double staircase that leads to the upper floor. In the garden room, wooden wall panels that reach up to the ceiling have been preserved; stucco ceilings, fireplaces and stoves, mirrors and textile wall coverings are also still there. In 1782, the Eckermann family acquired the estate and remained the owners until it was expropriated in 1945. After 1945, the manor house was mainly inhabited. The listed building has been privately owned since 1993, and the urgently needed renovation was a long time coming. Through a legal settlement between the town of Dassow and the owner, the town of Dassow has managed to at least partially start the renovation of the manor house. The outbuildings are continuing to deteriorate, as is the manor house. The moat has also unfortunately deteriorated. https://gutshaeuser.de/de/guts_herrenhaeuser/gutshaeuser_j/gutshaus_herrenhaus_schloss_johannstorf
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In any case, you cannot get to Pötenitz Castle through this gate or by car or bicycle.
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Saved us from a shower.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular castles and historical sites to visit around Selmsdorf?
Among the most appreciated sites by the komoot community are Johannstorf Castle, known for its 18th-century mansion, and the Entrance gate to Pötenitz Castle, which leads to the remnants of a former castle. Another significant historical site is the Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch, where you can still see moats and ramparts.
Are there any prominent Baroque castles near Selmsdorf?
Yes, one of the most prominent and beautiful castles in the vicinity is Schloss Bothmer, located near the town of Klütz. It is recognized as the largest preserved Baroque castle complex in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, featuring impressive red brick facades and a symmetrical design. You can learn more about its history and architecture on Wikipedia.
What kind of historical significance do the castles around Selmsdorf hold?
The castles and historical sites in the Selmsdorf area offer a glimpse into centuries of regional history. For instance, Johannstorf Castle was built in 1743, succeeding a medieval moated castle, and remained in the same family for generations. The Räuberkuhle Motte, also known as Burg Gosevelde, is a lost medieval tower hill castle first documented in 1255, showcasing early defensive structures.
Are there family-friendly castles or historical sites to visit near Selmsdorf?
Yes, the Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch is categorized as family-friendly, offering an engaging outdoor experience where children can explore the visible moats and ramparts of a high medieval castle. The Entrance gate to Pötenitz Castle is also listed as family-friendly, providing a glimpse into a lost historical site.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Selmsdorf offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous MTB trails, such as the "Trail through the forest – Johannstorf Castle loop from Dassow" or the "Hafenspeicher Dassow – Hohe Meile forest area loop from Selmsdorf." For running, explore routes like the "Heidenholz loop from Selmsdorf." Gravel biking options include the "Johannstorf Castle – Baltic Sea Coastal Path loop from Dassow." For more details on these routes, visit the MTB Trails around Selmsdorf, Running Trails around Selmsdorf, and Gravel biking around Selmsdorf guides.
Are there hiking trails that incorporate castles or historical sites?
Yes, for those interested in hiking, the Räuberkuhle Motte is located in the middle of a forest and can be reached via a forest path from the village of Häven, offering a trail experience to a historical site. Many of the nearby MTB and running routes also pass through scenic areas that may be suitable for walking.
What natural features or viewpoints can be found near the castles?
The castles are situated in the scenic Klützer Winkel region, characterized by its proximity to the Baltic Sea coast. Schloss Bothmer, for example, boasts expansive, beautifully kept grounds spanning five hectares with old avenues, rare trees, and a system of ponds. The Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch is nestled within a forest, offering a natural setting for exploration.
How long does it typically take to visit castles near Selmsdorf?
The duration of a visit can vary. For a site like the Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch, which preserves remnants, a shorter visit might suffice. Larger complexes like Schloss Bothmer, with its museum and extensive park, could easily take several hours to explore thoroughly.
Is there parking available at or near the castles?
While specific parking details for every site are not always available, larger attractions like Schloss Bothmer typically offer visitor parking. For other sites, especially those in more natural or rural settings like the Räuberkuhle Motte, parking might be available in nearby villages or designated trailheads.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Selmsdorf?
The region is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the extensive parks and outdoor historical sites. Autumn brings colorful foliage, while winter can provide a unique, serene atmosphere, especially for sites like Schloss Bothmer, which may have specific winter opening hours for its museum.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the castles for refreshments?
The town of Klütz, near Schloss Bothmer, is a recognized tourist resort and likely offers cafes and restaurants. For other castles, especially those in more rural locations, it's advisable to check for options in nearby towns or villages like Selmsdorf itself, which has local amenities.
What is the Rantzau Palace in Lübeck and its connection to the region?
The Rantzau Palace in Lübeck is a neo-Gothic city palace with a core dating back to a 13th-century medieval canon curia. While not directly in Selmsdorf, Lübeck is one of the historical towns near the region, making this palace a significant historical site within a reasonable distance for a day trip, showcasing a blend of medieval and 19th-century architecture.
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