Best lakes around Gartower Lake center around the Gartower See, a 67-hectare lake located north of Gartow in Lower Saxony. This artificial lake, created between 1975 and 1982, has developed into a natural area within the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve. It offers various recreational opportunities, including water sports, hiking, and cycling. The lake is easily accessible and features amenities for visitors.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
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A beautiful walking path through a natural landscape.
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Beautiful view over almost the entire lake
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Also recommended at dusk. A flock of countless starlings landed in the reeds right in front of us. A great experience!
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It is a great place to take a short break at Lake Gartower.
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Interesting information on the display board
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Bathing lake in Gartow. Circumnavigation is mandatory.
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Lake Gartower is the largest lake in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district. A beautifully situated lake with many recreational opportunities (hiking, cycling, photography, sailing, canoeing, swimming, etc.). There are hiking and cycling trails around the lake. Lake Gartower also offers great motifs for nature and landscape photographers, including many species of birds.
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Nice place to relax even if you don't go swimming. For me, as a hobby photographer, there are many beautiful photo motifs at Gartower See.
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Gartower See offers a wide range of activities. You can enjoy various water sports like swimming, sailing, surfing, rowing, paddling, and fishing. For land-based activities, there's a scenic 5-kilometer hiking and cycling trail encircling the lake, and the Elbe Cycle Path also runs nearby, offering beautiful views.
Yes, a scenic 5-kilometer hiking and cycling trail directly encircles Gartower See, providing pleasant strolls and opportunities for nature observation. Additionally, the Elbe Cycle Path runs in a semicircle around the lake. For more extensive routes, you can explore cycling routes, running trails, and MTB trails in the wider Gartower Lake area.
Absolutely. Gartower See is very family-friendly, featuring a water playground ('Wassererlebnispark'), a minigolf course, and an Adventure Playground by the Lake. The nearby Wendland-Therme Gartow (thermal bath) also provides additional family entertainment.
Yes, Gartower See is pet-friendly. There are dedicated bathing areas for dogs on the south side of the lake, and a specific Dog Off-Leash Area by the Lake where dogs can run freely and enter the water.
Despite its artificial origin, Gartower See has developed into a natural paradise. It lies within the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve. You can observe diverse flora and fauna, especially in designated nature conservation areas like the northwest part and the 'Kleiner Gartower See'.
Yes, there are options for refreshments. An imbiss (snack bar) is located directly at the lake, and lakeside restaurants offer opportunities to enjoy meals with a view, especially during sunset. The Snack Bar by the Lake is a popular spot for food and drinks after activities.
Gartower See is worth a visit at any time of year, offering different experiences. The warmer months are ideal for swimming and water sports, while the scenic trails are enjoyable year-round for hiking and cycling. The lake is perfect for relaxing and photography in any season.
Gartower See is easily accessible as it borders directly on the community of Gartow. The B 493 road crosses the southeastern part of the lake, making it convenient to reach by car. Parking is also generally easy to find near the lake.
Visitors frequently praise Gartower See for its relaxing atmosphere and beautiful scenery. Many appreciate it as a great place for swimming, running, hiking, and simply unwinding. The lake also offers many beautiful photo motifs for hobby photographers.
Yes, there are several spots offering great views of the lake. The View of Lake Gartow is considered the heart of Gartow and provides excellent vistas. The circular hiking and cycling trail also offers numerous benches and vantage points for nature observation.
Yes, boat rentals are available on the northern shore of Gartower See. You can rent canoes, pedal boats, and even electric boats (some equipped with slides) to explore the water. A canoe station is also present for paddlers.


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