Discover Schwarzenbek-Land

The Schwarzenbek-Land district is characterised by meadows, fields, forests and bodies of water. The wider surrounding region adds nature experiences, architectural history and regional cuisine to this rural landscape. For families looking for variety, a trip can take in different highlights: protected habitats, historic architectural styles and regional traditions each offer their own perspectives. You can therefore link your choice of holiday apartment to the question of which of these aspects you would like to focus on during your outings.

Landscapes through the seasons

The Lanken nature reserve protects an open and semi-open landscape with small bodies of water, wet grassland, and wet and damp forests; parts of the Steinau lowlands are also included. The seasonal change is especially striking in autumn and winter: open areas are temporarily flooded and serve as feeding, resting and roosting sites for migrating waterbirds. Great egrets are often seen in the area, but do not breed there. If you plan your trip during these months, the temporary flooding gives the natural landscape a different character from a setting of meadows and forests alone.

The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park also offers a range of opportunities to experience nature in the wider surrounding region. These include hiking trails, observation towers, nature trails and places to rest, as well as opportunities for hiking, cycling and canoeing. This brings together a variety of interests: exercise on walks or bike rides, views from towers, insights along nature trails and places to take a break. This mix offers a different focus from Lanken’s wetland habitats and helps you choose outings based on the activities you prefer.

For an overview of the wider area: the A 24 between Hamburg and Berlin, as well as the B 207, B 209 and B 404 federal highways, run through the district. This provides a regional framework for planning your journey.

Estates, architectural history and regional cuisine

In the wider surrounding region, the approximately 800-year-old Basthorst Estate is a defining feature of the municipality of Basthorst. The cuisine at its restaurant also features regional and seasonal produce: offerings include game from its own hunting grounds, fish fillets from local waters and asparagus from the region. Potatoes from Basthorst fields and Basthorst Estate’s own estate-brewed beer are also available. These examples link the culinary focus to specific local origins.

Fuhlenhagen offers a different architectural feature: the 13th-century half-timbered St. George’s Chapel. In half-timbered construction, a timber frame forms the structural framework of the wall—a clear description of a building style that gives the chapel its distinctive character. Gut Lanken in Elmenhorst also reflects architectural history.

A children’s festival adds another distinctive touch. The traditional children’s festival of the municipality of Elmenhorst was scheduled for June 13, 2026. The planned programme included games for children aged 3 to 15, as well as a children’s parade. Alongside architectural history and landscapes, community traditions can therefore also be part of your trip planning.

Choosing the right holiday apartment

The regional highlights make it easy to distinguish between potential bases for your stay: the Lanken nature reserve in the municipality of the same name is known for its seasonally shaped wetland habitats and waterbirds; the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, in the wider surrounding region, offers trails, observation towers, nature trails and activities such as cycling and canoeing. Basthorst Estate, the chapel in Fuhlenhagen and the buildings of Gut Lanken add cultural highlights.

Discover more places: Basthorst and Gülzow.

Discover more destinations: Hollenbek, Krukow, Lankau, Linau, Groß Grönau, Lauenburg/Elbe.

For the overview of the wider region: Duchy of Lauenburg.