Top 4 Castles around Lankau
Castles around Lankau are situated in the Duchy of Lauenburg, an area known for its historical significance and natural landscapes. This region, nestled between Lübeck, Hamburg, and Schwerin, features 4 lakes and offers opportunities for exploration. The area provides a blend of cultural heritage and scenic views, making it suitable for those interested in history and outdoor activities.
Best castles around Lankau
- The most popular castles is Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe), a castle that was originally a classic early Slavic hilltop castle. It was later fortified again around 1160, serving the Ratzeburg bishops as a court seat.
- Another must-see spot is District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg, a historical site housed in a manor house from 1766. Visitors can expect to see exhibits on the history of the Lauenburg dukes, a Rococo hall, and various historical workshops.
- Visitors also love Franzosenschanze War Memorial, the remains of a medieval castle. The well-preserved wall structure allows visitors to visualize its historical significance.
- Lankau is known for hilltop castles, medieval fortifications, and historical manor houses. The region offers a variety of castles to see and explore, from ancient Slavic forts to 18th-century estates.
- The castles around Lankau are appreciated by the komoot community, with 186 upvotes and 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg
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Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe)
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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
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District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg
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Franzosenschanze War Memorial
Highlight • Monument
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Ratzeburg Castle site
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The underground foundations of a rondel built in 1524 to protect access from the west bank have been shown above ground on the large, open castle lawn.
Ratzeburg Castle must have been quite impressive.
After the castle was destroyed, a manor house was built near the cathedral in the 18th century, which today houses the district museum. For a while it was still the residence of the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, who occasionally stayed in Ratzeburg.
lupesi.de/stadtbesichtungen/deutschland/ratzeburg
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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/
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A tour of the lake is also worthwhile
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Ratzeburg is definitely worth a bike ride or a walk!
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Unfortunately covered but open
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The boats do not operate in winter, so please note the season.
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The information board and the name of the car park still remind us of the castle. Nevertheless, it is a very nice place with an ice cream parlor and a fish restaurant.
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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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around Lankau?
The Lankau region, situated in the Duchy of Lauenburg, offers a diverse range of historical fortifications. You can find ancient Slavic hilltop castles like Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe), medieval castle remains such as the Franzosenschanze War Memorial, and tower hill castles like Kehrsen Motte. The area also features historical manor houses, including the one housing the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg.
Are there family-friendly castle attractions in the Lankau area?
Yes, the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg is considered family-friendly. Housed in a historic manor house, it offers exhibits on the history of the Lauenburg dukes, historical workshops, and antique toys, providing an engaging experience for all ages.
What historical insights can I gain from visiting castles in the Lankau region?
The castles around Lankau offer a deep dive into regional history. Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) reveals its origins as an early Slavic hilltop castle and its later role for Ratzeburg bishops. The Franzosenschanze War Memorial marks the remains of a medieval castle used by French troops during the 1813 liberation wars. The District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg provides extensive exhibits on the Lauenburg dukes and local history.
Can I combine a castle visit with outdoor activities in Lankau?
Absolutely. The Duchy of Lauenburg, where Lankau is located, is known for its natural landscapes and four beautiful lakes. Many castles, like Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) and Franzosenschanze War Memorial, are situated near forests and offer opportunities for walks. You can find various cycling and running trails nearby, such as the Elbe-Lübeck Canal Path or routes around the lakes. For more details on routes, check out the Cycling around Lankau or Running Trails around Lankau guides.
Are there easy hiking trails near the castles around Lankau?
Yes, there are several easy hiking options. For instance, you can find trails like the Pirschbachtal loop or routes along the Elbe-Lübeck Canal near Kühsen. These paths offer a gentle way to explore the natural surroundings close to historical sites. For more information, refer to the Easy hikes around Lankau guide.
What natural features can I expect to see near the castles?
The region around Lankau is characterized by its natural beauty, including four lakes. Many castle sites, such as Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) and Franzosenschanze War Memorial, are nestled within forests, offering scenic views and a tranquil environment. The Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg is a great spot to enjoy the Ratzeburg Lake and start boat excursions.
What is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/1344730" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kehrsen Motte</a> and what can I see there?
The Kehrsen Motte is the remains of a tower hill castle, or 'motte,' dating back to the 13th/14th century. While not much of the original structure remains visible above ground, you can still discern the castle hill, which has a diameter of 18 meters and a surrounding 7-meter-wide trench. It offers a glimpse into early medieval defensive architecture.
Is the <a href="https://www.komoot.com/highlight/642867" target="_blank" rel="noopener">District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg</a> accessible for wheelchairs?
The information provided does not explicitly state wheelchair accessibility for the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg. However, the Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg, a nearby viewpoint and facility, is listed as wheelchair accessible.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles and historical sites in the Lankau region?
Visitors appreciate the historical significance and the opportunity to visualize past eras, even from ruins like Franzosenschanze War Memorial. The blend of cultural heritage with the scenic natural landscapes, especially the lakes and forests, is also highly valued. The District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg is praised for its comprehensive exhibits and beautiful location.
Are there any viewpoints near the castles around Lankau?
Yes, several castles offer scenic viewpoints. Farchau Castle (Marienhöhe) is noted as a viewpoint. Additionally, the Schlosswiese Pier Ratzeburg provides excellent views of Lake Ratzeburg and is a starting point for boat tours, offering a different perspective of the region's beauty.
What is the best time to visit the castles around Lankau?
While specific seasonal recommendations for each castle are not provided, the Duchy of Lauenburg's natural landscapes, including its lakes and forests, are generally enjoyable during warmer months for outdoor activities. Museums and indoor exhibits like the District Museum Duchy of Lauenburg can be visited year-round, though it's always wise to check their specific opening times.
Are dogs allowed at the castle sites in Lankau?
The provided information does not specify dog-friendly policies for individual castle sites. However, many outdoor areas and hiking trails in the Duchy of Lauenburg are generally dog-friendly. It is advisable to check specific regulations for each site before visiting with your dog.
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