Schwartautal und Curauer Moor
Schwartautal und Curauer Moor
Best natural monuments around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor are situated within a significant natural area, designated as an FFH area and nature reserve. This region encompasses the Schwartau valley and the Curauer Moor, characterized by diverse landscapes including wet grasslands, beech forests, and deeply incised stream gorges. The area is notable for its rich biodiversity, supporting rare species and featuring unique habitats like calcareous springs and terminal moraines. Visitors can experience untouched nature, observe wildlife, and explore numerous trails suitable for hiking.
Last updated: May 14, 2026
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Popular around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor
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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A beautiful path through untouched forest... for most of the way the trail runs above the pretty Schwartau river...
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The old trees that flanked the root sections fell victim to the saw this year – before the ravages of time could take them down. It looks a bit bleak, but it's still fun, of course. (The fat stumps could maybe be used as a drop sometime 🤔😇)
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You can also go up (at least if you avoid the biggest root steps - it's not that steep), but going down is of course much more fun!
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The Wilhelmsquelle is actually rather insignificant, but it is mentioned as a location in Thomas Mann's novel Buddenbrooks. This gives it a certain fame. According to the information board, the water should not be drunk, as it is only a seepage spring.
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Several springs rise from the Riesebusch ridge - including the "Wilhelmsquelle" (named after Wilhelm Jensen - a friend of Emanuel Geibel), which Thomas Mann mentions in the novel Buddenbrooks. The Riesebusch and the Wilhelmsquelle were immortalized in literature by Thomas Mann in the novel Buddenbrooks (6th section) or in Ludwig Ewers' Die Väterstadt. On the excursion described there, they hike through the Riesebusch to the Wilhelmsquelle. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riesebusch
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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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It is a wonderful MTB area with difficulty levels from easy to challenging. It is not overcrowded and you can look down on the Schwartau from above (approx. 70m). I found that particularly attractive. In the places where the river meanders (makes bends) wonderful meadows have emerged. It looks very lovely. And from the bridges you can watch how the river is being renaturalized with stones, dead wood and the connection of old side channels. For me it is a wonderful mixture of action and relaxation! You definitely have to try it out!
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The region is characterized by diverse landscapes, including extensive wet grasslands along the Schwartau river, ancient beech forest complexes on steep slopes, and deeply incised stream gorges. You can also find unique habitats like calcareous springs and the transitional Curauer Moor Nature Reserve, which is part of the European protected area network "Natura 2000".
Yes, the region offers a blend of natural beauty and historical interest. For example, the Wilhelmsquelle is a natural spring mentioned in Thomas Mann's novel "The Buddenbrooks." Additionally, you can explore the Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch, where remnants of a high medieval castle's outer bailey, including a moat and rampart, are still visible.
Absolutely. The Schwartautal und Curauer Moor is a habitat for various rare and protected species. You might spot the spined loach and otters in the rivers, and the common freshwater mussel. The area also supports species like the great crested newt and the moor frog. Keep an eye out for water buffalo, which graze in the area and help maintain the natural landscape, particularly near Water Buffaloes in Schwartautal and Curauer Moor.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Wilhelmsquelle offers a pleasant spot for a break, and the Medieval Slavic Castle Site in Riesebusch can be an engaging historical discovery for children. Observing the Water Buffaloes in Schwartautal and Curauer Moor is also a popular and impressive sight for all ages. Many trails are easy and accessible, perfect for family walks.
The region offers a variety of hiking trails, from easy paths suitable for all fitness levels to more moderate routes. You can find trails that meander through forests, across wet grasslands, and along the Schwartau river. For specific hiking routes, you can explore options like the "Wilhelmsquelle – Wilhelm-Jensen Trail loop from Bad Schwartau" or the "Curauer Stream and Moor – View of Curauer Moor loop from Curau." More details on hiking routes can be found in the Hiking around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor guide.
Yes, the Schwartautal und Curauer Moor area has numerous easy walking trails. For instance, the "View of Curauer Moor – Curau Church loop from Curau" and the "Wilhelmsquelle loop from Bad Schwartau" are both rated as easy. These paths provide a gentle way to experience the natural beauty of the region. You can find more easy routes in the Hiking around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor guide.
The Schwartautal und Curauer Moor is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly recommended. Spring offers vibrant flora and active wildlife, while autumn showcases stunning foliage. During winter, some paths might be muddy, but the landscape retains its charm. For wildlife spotting, spring and early summer are ideal.
No, permits are generally not required for hiking or visiting the designated FFH (Fauna-Flora-Habitat) area and nature reserve. However, visitors are expected to respect the natural environment, stay on marked paths, and follow general nature conservation rules to protect the sensitive ecosystems and wildlife.
Beyond hiking, the region is excellent for other outdoor pursuits. You can find various running trails, such as the "Riesebusch Forest loop from Bad Schwartau," which offers a moderate challenge. Cycling is also popular, with routes like the "Lübeck Salt Warehouses – View of Lübeck's Old Town loop from Bad Schwartau." Explore more options in the Running Trails around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor and Cycling around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor guides.
There are several viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the region. The "Blick auf das Curauer Moor" provides a great perspective of the moorland. Additionally, areas within the Curauer Moor Nature Reserve and along the Schwartau river offer elevated spots or clearings for panoramic views of the diverse landscapes, including forests and wet grasslands.
Visitors frequently appreciate the untouched nature and the opportunity to observe diverse wildlife, including water buffalo. The Schwartau Valley and Curau Moor Natural Forest is praised for its original appearance with old trees and abundant birdlife. The historical connection of the Wilhelmsquelle to literature also adds a unique charm, making it a popular spot for a break.
Yes, the Schwartau Valley and Curau Moor Natural Forest is particularly noted for its ancient trees. Many old trees, some of which have fallen or collapsed, contribute to its very original and wild appearance. This natural forest is a haven for birds like nuthatches and woodpeckers, thriving in the undisturbed environment.


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