Top 6 Castles around Groß Sarau
Best castles around Groß Sarau are found in a region characterized by its location on the western shore of the Ratzeburger See. This area is historically significant, featuring sites like the Burcht Farchau (Marienhöhe), an early medieval Slavic castle site. While grand, intact castles are not prevalent, the region offers insights into historical fortifications and settlements. The landscape includes lakes such as the Küchensee, providing a natural backdrop to these historical locations.
Best castles around Groß Sarau
- The most popular castles is Half-round defensive tower, Lübeck, a historical site that was part of one of Northern Germany's most extensive urban fortifications. This historic defense tower was built in the 13th century in connection with the city wall.
- Another must-see spot is Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe), a castle site and historical location. This site was originally an early Slavic hilltop castle built around 800, later fortified around 1160 as a court for Ratzeburg bishops.
- Visitors also love District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg, a historical site housed in a manor house from 1766. This museum offers exhibits on regional history, including the Dukes of Lauenburg and the German-German border.
- Groß Sarau is known for historical sites, castle ruins, and defensive structures. The region offers a variety of historical locations to explore, from ancient Slavic hillforts to medieval city fortifications.
- The castles around Groß Sarau are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 180 upvotes and 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: August 7, 2026
Castle Monastery, Lübeck
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg
Highlight • Rest Area
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Rantzau Palace, Lübeck
Highlight • Historical Site
The origins of the canon curia go back to the 13th century, when houses for the members of the cathedral chapter were built in the immunity area of the Lübeck cathedral. Only here were free-standing buildings allowed to be built in the Middle Ages, in contrast to the otherwise applicable city law, which prescribed block development. After the property was first mentioned in 1290, canon Mohr built it for the first time.
The core of the building from the 13th century probably had the shape of a residential tower. The brick-faced rear facade and the Gothic vault in the cellar have been preserved from the 15th century. In the bay room there are remains of wood paneling with coats of arms and the year 1586. Painted ceiling beams and baroque door frames on the ground floor date from the early 17th century. In 1760, the three-storey building, which was long rectangular up to then, was expanded to form an almost square floor plan with two side extensions and was roughly the same size as it is today.
Source and further detailed information:
wikipedia.org/wiki/Schloss_Rantzau_(L%C3%BCbeck)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe)
Highlight • Castle
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
Translated by Google •
Tip by
District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg
Highlight • Historical Site
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Groß Sarau.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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/
2
0
A tour of the lake is also worthwhile
0
0
Ratzeburg is definitely worth a bike ride or a walk!
0
0
Unfortunately covered but open
0
0
The boats do not operate in winter, so please note the season.
0
0
The castle monastery stands on the site of the former castle of Lübeck. A feud subsequently led to a ban on building a castle in Lübeck again. So the castle was torn down and the monastery was consecrated by the Dominicans in 1229. During the Reformation, the monastery was abandoned in 1531. The monastery church no longer exists today because it was demolished due to structural problems. The cloister and some of the original rooms can still be visited. This can be done either in combination with the Hanseatic Museum (then free) or for a separate entrance fee without the Hanseatic Museum. Access is via a check card, which you can get from the Hanseatic Museum. This can also be used to activate the information terminals that are distributed throughout the monastery. Don't miss the 10 listening stations, which you can read on your smartphone (so be sure to bring headphones or plugs with you). The upper floor with the old courtroom is also well worth seeing.
0
0
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.
0
0
The manor house, built between 1660 and 1662 by Duke Christian Louis of Mecklenburg as a magnificent pleasure palace with gilded towers, is picturesquely located next to the Romanesque cathedral on the Palmberg above Lake Ratzeburg.
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of historical sites and 'castles' can I expect to find around Groß Sarau?
The Groß Sarau region is characterized by historical fortifications and early medieval settlements rather than grand, intact castles. You'll find sites like the Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe), which was an early Slavic hilltop castle, now primarily visible as ramparts. Nearby Lübeck and Ratzeburg offer more substantial historical structures such as the Half-round defensive tower, Lübeck, part of extensive urban fortifications, and Rantzau Palace, Lübeck, a neo-Gothic city palace with a medieval core.
Are there family-friendly historical sites or 'castles' to visit near Groß Sarau?
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Half-round defensive tower, Lübeck, and the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg are both categorized as family-friendly. The museum, housed in a manor house, offers engaging exhibits on regional history, including antique toys and a 1950s lifestyle exhibition. The Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg, while not a castle, is also family-friendly and offers boat tours on Lake Ratzeburg.
What outdoor activities can I do near these historical sites and 'castles'?
The area around Groß Sarau is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including routes like the 'View of the Cathedral – View of Lake Ratzeburg loop'. For cyclists, there are many cycling routes, such as the 'Forest trail at Lake Ratzeburg' or the 'Wakenitz Riverside Path'. If you enjoy running, explore running trails like the 'Small Harbor Groß Sarau – Small bathing bay loop'.
Are there any accessible historical sites or 'castles' for wheelchairs near Groß Sarau?
While most historical ruins may have limited accessibility, the Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg is noted as wheelchair accessible. This location provides beautiful views of Lake Ratzeburg and is a starting point for boat tours.
What is the best time of year to visit the historical sites and 'castles' around Groß Sarau?
The region is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor sites and enjoying lake activities. Autumn brings scenic foliage, and even in winter, the landscape around the historical sites and lakes can be quite picturesque for walks, especially if you're interested in the quiet beauty of the natural surroundings.
Can I bring my dog to the historical sites near Groß Sarau?
Specific dog policies vary by site. Outdoor areas like the ramparts of Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) and walking trails are generally dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept on a leash. For indoor attractions like the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg or Rantzau Palace, it's best to check their specific visitor guidelines beforehand.
Where can I find parking when visiting these historical sites?
Parking availability varies by location. For sites within towns like Lübeck or Ratzeburg, public parking lots or street parking may be available nearby. For more rural sites like Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe), you might find smaller designated parking areas or roadside parking close to trailheads. It's advisable to check local signage upon arrival.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the historical sites?
Yes, especially in the larger towns like Lübeck and Ratzeburg, which are home to several of the mentioned historical sites. You'll find a variety of cafes and restaurants offering local cuisine and refreshments. Even near the more rural sites, there might be smaller eateries or guesthouses in nearby villages.
What natural features can I see around the historical sites near Groß Sarau?
The region is rich in natural beauty, particularly due to its location on the western shore of the Ratzeburger See and near the Küchensee. You can enjoy lake views, forests, and natural hills. The Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) site itself is situated on a natural hill overlooking the Küchensee, offering a blend of history and nature.
How long should I plan for a visit to these historical sites?
The time needed depends on the site. Exploring the ramparts of Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) might take an hour or two, especially if combined with a walk in the surrounding nature. Larger sites like the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg or Rantzau Palace could easily fill 2-3 hours, depending on your interest in the exhibits and architecture. Consider a full day if you plan to visit multiple locations and include outdoor activities.
What do visitors enjoy most about the historical sites around Groß Sarau?
Visitors appreciate the blend of history and natural beauty. The historical significance of sites like the early Slavic Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe), even in its ruined state, offers a glimpse into the region's past. The well-preserved parts of the Lübeck city fortifications, such as the Half-round defensive tower, are popular for their historical context and photo opportunities. The scenic lake views and opportunities for outdoor activities also contribute to a highly enjoyable experience.
Are there any 'hidden gem' historical sites in the Groß Sarau region?
While not a grand castle, the site of Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) can be considered a hidden gem for those interested in early medieval history and the evolution of fortifications. It's a place where you can appreciate the historical context of a Slavic hillfort, even if only its ramparts remain, set in a peaceful natural environment near the Küchensee.
Most popular routes around Groß Sarau
Most popular attractions around Groß Sarau
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Groß Sarau:
