Attractions and Places To See around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor - Top 20

The region is renowned for its natural beauty. You can explore the expansive Curauer Moor, a vital Natura 2000 site known for its fens and wet grasslands. The Schwartautal (Schwartau Valley) features meandering river sections and diverse underwater vegetation. Don't miss the unique Kalktuffquellen (Calcareous Spring Mires), which form a 400-meter-long spring ridge. Another popular spot is the Schwartau Valley and Curau Moor Natural Forest, characterized by old trees and a swampy valley.

Yes, the region is excellent for hiking. A main trail leads from Curau and Böbs through the Curauer Moor, showcasing diverse deciduous forests and grasslands. Other popular routes include the "Wilhelmsquelle – Wilhelm-Jensen-Weg loop from Bad Schwartau" and various loops around Curau offering views of the moor and the local church. For more options, check out the Hiking around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor guide, which includes routes like the "Wilhelmsquelle – Wilhelm-Jensen Trail loop from Bad Schwartau".

While primarily natural, the area has some interesting historical points. You can find the remnants of the Langen Hörn Castle Complex, with its visible ramparts, located on a hill by the Schwartau River. The Georgskapelle Bad Schwartau is the second oldest building in Bad Schwartau, with a history dating back to the 13th century. Also, the Wilhelmsquelle, a small seepage spring, is notable for its mention in Thomas Mann's novel "Buddenbrooks".

Absolutely! The Schwartauer Lake in the spa park Bad Schwartau is a great option, offering walking paths, mini-golf, and seating areas in a beautifully landscaped park. The Gert-Kayser-Weg Boardwalk is an interesting, albeit narrow, boardwalk through a small moor, which can be an exciting short adventure for families. Many of the easy walking trails through the natural areas are also suitable for families.

The region offers various cycling opportunities. For mountain biking, the Riesebusch Forest Trail provides a challenging experience with slopes, roots, and obstacles. For more general cycling, you can explore routes like the "Lübeck Salt Warehouses – View of Lübeck's Old Town loop from Bad Schwartau" or the "Scharbeutz Beach – Scharbeutz Beach Section loop from Pansdorf". Find more options in the Cycling around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor guide and the Gravel biking around Schwartautal und Curauer Moor guide.

Schwartautal und Curauer Moor is a biodiversity hotspot. You might spot various rare and protected bird species such as cranes, lapwings, snipes, and skylarks. The area is also home to amphibians like the European tree frog and great crested newt, as well as the spined loach and European otter. In some parts of the Schwartautal, you can even observe herds of water buffalo grazing, which helps maintain the open landscape.

Beyond the moor and river valley, the region features the remarkable Kalktuffquellen (Calcareous Spring Mires), which have formed a 400-meter-long spring ridge. To the north, Barkauer See marks the northern extent of the Schwartau valley within the protected area. East of Groß Parin, the hilly foothills of the Pariner Endmoränen offer nutrient-poor sites that transition into the flood plain system of the Schwartau.

Visitors particularly appreciate the well-preserved natural landscapes and rich biodiversity. Many enjoy the challenging Riesebusch Forest Trail for mountain biking, noting its roots and obstacles. The Schwartauer Lake in the spa park Bad Schwartau is loved for its relaxing atmosphere and recreational options. The untouched growth and diverse bird species in the Schwartau Valley and Curau Moor Natural Forest also receive high praise.

The Gert-Kayser-Weg Boardwalk is an interesting and very narrow path through a small moor. While it offers a unique experience, visitors should be aware that it can be slippery, especially after rain. It's a short but beautiful way to experience nature, suitable for those who are comfortable with potentially uneven or wet surfaces.

The region offers beauty throughout the year, but the best time depends on your interests. Spring and summer are ideal for wildlife observation, especially for birds and amphibians, and for enjoying the lush greenery. Autumn brings beautiful foliage for hikers. The trails are generally well-maintained, making them accessible in most seasons, though some paths might be wet or slippery after rain or during winter.

While not explicitly designated as 'viewpoints' in all cases, many hiking routes around Curau offer scenic views of the Curauer Moor and the local church. The varied terrain, including the hilly foothills of the Pariner terminal moraine, also provides elevated perspectives of the surrounding landscape. The Schwartauer Lake in the spa park Bad Schwartau offers pleasant views across the water within the park setting.