Attractions and Places To See around Gartower Lake - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see around Gartower Lake include a variety of natural features, historical landmarks, and recreational opportunities. The lake itself is a central point, offering opportunities for outdoor activities. The surrounding area is part of the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, known for its diverse landscapes including riparian forests and wet meadows. Visitors can explore viewpoints, cycle paths, and cultural sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Gartower Lake
- The most popular attractions is View of Lake Gartow, a viewpoint that offers views of the lake. It is considered the heart of the village Gartow and is suitable for swimming.
- Another must-see spot is Forest Cycle Path Between Gartow and Stresower See, a cycle way that leads through the forest away from motor vehicle roads. This path connects Gartow to the L256 and continues towards Stresower See.
- Visitors also love Snack Bar by the Lake, a cafe located directly on Gartower Lake. It offers food and drinks, and parking is available nearby.
- Gartower Lake is known for its viewpoints, cycle paths, and dining options. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to local facilities.
- The attractions around Gartower Lake are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 700 upvotes and over 120 photos shared.
Last updated: May 26, 2026
View of Lake Gartow
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Gartower Lake
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Gartower Lake
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St. George's Castle Church, Gartow
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The traces of this first building, also called St. George's Church, can be traced back to the early 14th century.
Gartower Kirche has always been a patron church. The patronage of the church was initially in the hands of the von Bülow family. In 1694, however, the family of the Counts von Bernstorff took over the patronage of the church, which they still do today.
The single-nave baroque building of today's church has a small tower at the southern end. However, the interior of the church is particularly remarkable. In contrast to so many other churches of this time, the interior of Gartow's St. George's Church was completely preserved. The ornamented baptismal font, a pulpit altar and grisaille paintings all contribute to the baroque charm of the church, as does the organ from the time it was built.
The magnificent baroque organ comes from the Lüneburg master organ builder Johann Matthias Hagelstein and was probably built around 1740. It is considered to be the master's only completed organ work and is characterized by its individual timbres. These can be heard particularly well in July and August, when, as part of the Gartow Organ Summer, a different artist demonstrates his skills on the instrument every Wednesday evening in the ambience of the baroque church.
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region-wendland.de/sehensworthkeit/kirche-gartow
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Forest Cycle Path Between Gartow and Stresower See
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Tips from the Community
It is a great place to take a short break at Lake Gartower.
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Hall church from 1723-1724 on the site of a burnt down previous building. Brick church with western roof turret with hood and open lantern. Inside, worth seeing organ by Johann Matthias Hagelstein, pulpit altar and baptismal font
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The lake was artificially created in the 1970s and is primarily used for local recreation. At the outflow towards Restorf there is a barrage in the Seege to regulate the lake water level. Although the lake lies about 2 km to the side of the Elbe, extensive flooding occurs in the lake plain during recurring Elbe floods, which can also cover the area of Lake Gartower. A special example was the Elbe flood in 2013, where the top of the dike on the L 256 from Gartow towards Gorleben had to be secured.
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The Gartower See is a still body of water in the municipality of Gartow in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district in Lower Saxony. The lake, which is approximately 2.3 km long and a maximum of 650 m wide, is located north of the core area of Gartow and between the northeastern state road L 258 and the L 256. The B 493 crosses the lake in its southeastern section. The outflow at the northwest end of the lake occurs via the Seege, a left tributary of the Elbe.
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Story A St. George's Church was mentioned in a document in Gartow as early as 1321. The church patronage initially rested with the von Bülow family. In 1694, however, the von Bernstorff family took over the business and still runs it today. This church was destroyed by fire in 1721. In its place, the baroque hall church was built by Johann Caspar Borchmann in 1723–24 at the instigation of Andreas Gottlieb von Bernstorff as the castle church of Gartow Castle. It also serves as a church for the Gartow parish.
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The Evangelical Lutheran listed church of St. Georg is located in Gartow, a town in the Lüchow-Dannenberg district in Lower Saxony. The parish belongs to the East region in the Lüchow-Dannenberg parish in the Lüneburg district of the Evangelical Lutheran Regional Church of Hanover.
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The organ is impressive. Organ concerts are occasionally held.
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In wet weather, the north bank is very muddy in two places. I prefer to take the road and drive back down past the restaurant.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Gartower Lake?
The region around Gartower Lake is rich in natural beauty. The lake itself is a central feature, offering opportunities for swimming and relaxation. You can also explore the broader Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, known for its diverse landscapes including riparian forests, wet meadows, and sandbanks. For panoramic views of this area, visit the Schwedenschanze viewing tower on the Höhbeck.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit near Gartower Lake?
Yes, the area offers several historical and cultural sites. Schloss Gartow is a notable historic building in the village. Further afield, you can visit the Lenzen Border Tower (DDR Wachturm), a former watchtower on the inner-German border, which now serves as a tourist information point and offers insights into the region's history. The Grenzlandmuseum in Schnackenburg also provides historical context.
What outdoor activities are available for cyclists around Gartower Lake?
Cyclists will find plenty to enjoy. The Forest Cycle Path Between Gartow and Stresower See offers a pleasant ride through the forest, away from motor vehicle roads. The well-developed Elbe Cycle Route is also highly recommended for its beautiful scenery and opportunities to observe wildlife. For more routes, check out the Gravel biking around Gartower Lake guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities around Gartower Lake?
Absolutely. View of Lake Gartow is considered the heart of Gartow and is suitable for swimming, making it a great spot for families. The lake itself is perfect for relaxing and swimming. The Forest Cycle Path Between Gartow and Stresower See is also family-friendly, offering a safe cycling environment. Additionally, the Wildgatter im Gartower Forst provides an opportunity to see local fauna.
Where can I find places to eat or drink near Gartower Lake?
For refreshments, the Snack Bar by the Lake is conveniently located directly on Gartower Lake, offering food and drinks with easy parking nearby. The village of Gartow also has various options for dining.
What hiking opportunities are there around Gartower Lake?
Gartower Lake and its surroundings offer several hiking opportunities. The lake itself is popular for walks, and you can find various trails in the area. For detailed routes and difficulty levels, explore the Hiking around Gartower Lake guide, which includes routes like the easy "View of Lake Gartow – Seege Bridge loop".
Can I bring my dog to the attractions around Gartower Lake?
Yes, there are dog-friendly options. The Dog Off-Leash Area by the Lake is a dedicated space where dogs can run freely and even access the water. Many trails and natural areas around the lake are also suitable for walks with dogs, though leash rules may apply in certain protected zones.
What do visitors enjoy most about Gartower Lake?
Visitors frequently praise the serene atmosphere of Gartower Lake, highlighting its suitability for swimming, relaxing, and photography. The clean facilities, including restrooms and water refill stations near the tourist information office, are also appreciated. The diverse natural landscapes and well-maintained paths for cycling and walking are also popular.
Are there any viewpoints offering scenic vistas of the area?
Yes, the area boasts several excellent viewpoints. The View of Lake Gartow provides beautiful perspectives of the lake itself. For a broader panorama, the Aussichtsturm Höhbeck (Schwedenschanze viewing tower) offers fantastic all-round views of the Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, including the Elbe River and its unique ecosystems.
What is the best time of year to visit Gartower Lake?
Gartower Lake is enjoyable throughout the year, with each season offering a different experience. Summer is ideal for swimming and water activities. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for cycling and hiking, with beautiful natural colors. Even in winter, the lake offers a tranquil setting for walks, making it a versatile destination.
Are there running trails available near Gartower Lake?
Yes, the area is well-suited for runners. You can find several running trails around Gartower Lake, ranging in distance and difficulty. For specific routes, consult the Running Trails around Gartower Lake guide, which includes options like the "Gartower Lake – West Shore of Gartow Lake loop".
Where can I observe wildlife around Gartower Lake?
The Lower Saxony Elbe Valley Biosphere Reserve, which encompasses the area around Gartower Lake, is a prime spot for wildlife observation. From the Schwedenschanze viewing tower, you can spot numerous bird species, insects, and the Elbe beaver. The Elbe Cycle Route also offers opportunities to see storks, herons, and geese. Additionally, the Wildgatter im Gartower Forst provides a chance to see local fauna in a dedicated enclosure.
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