A large erratic boulder beside Krukow’s village pond marks the settlement’s first recorded mention in 1230. This first mention is recorded in the Ratzeburg tithe register. Krukow has a rural character and is bordered by woodland on three sides. This brings together a historic point of reference and a distinctly wooded setting.
History by the Village Pond
Krukow’s history also includes the settlements of Crukows and Thoemene (German: Thömen). In 1780, the Bohnenbusch sheep farm was added to the area. The local history thus encompasses both earlier settlement names and a later addition to the area; the erratic boulder by the village pond provides a visible point of reference.
Rest Stop and Trails
The village pond serves as a rest stop for hikers, day-trippers and cyclists; there is a bench and a pavilion. Marked hiking and cycling trails lead towards neighbouring woodlands and communities. Two different aspects can therefore guide your plans: the rest stop in the village and trails leading beyond Krukow.
The Wider Destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg
The wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg opens up a view of the district as a whole. Forests cover 26 percent of the Duchy of Lauenburg district, which also encompasses 48 lakes. The district is also home to the Sachsenwald, the largest contiguous forest area in Schleswig-Holstein. For travellers who would like to explore not only a small village but also the landscape of the wider region, this offers a different perspective.
The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy. It has hiking trails, observation towers, nature trails and rest areas, and has been designated a protected area for experiencing nature since 1960. The area, which measures about 35 by 17 kilometres, provides a habitat for, among other species, kingfishers, white-tailed eagles and cranes. The observation tower by Lake Mechow invites visitors to watch waterbirds; with a little luck, you may also spot a white-tailed eagle there.
In the nature park, visitors can hike, cycle, canoe and swim in forest lakes. One possible canoe route runs from Lake Schaalsee via the Lauenburg lakes and the River Wakenitz to LĂĽbeck; local navigation rules may vary. These activities offer a regional selection for different interests in water and nature.
The nature park has four signposted cycling routes. In addition, themed cycling tours in the Duchy of Lauenburg combine nature and culture; the Elbe-Lübeck Canal Cycle Path leads through villages and cultural landscapes. Guided excursions with experts focus on the district’s wildlife, plant life and cultural history. Check route details before setting off; excursion dates should be checked separately.
Cultural attractions are also part of the wider destination: the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum in Lauenburg/Elbe features the interactive, three-storey “Mensch-Modell-Maschine” exhibition about shipping. Visitors can take an active part with the models and experiment stations. The Duchy of Lauenburg District Museum in Ratzeburg explores the history of the Dukes of Lauenburg and the inner German border. Every summer, the four-week Kultursommer am Kanal cultural festival takes place. Check the programme for the relevant year.
Accommodation and Trip Planning
When looking for holiday apartments in Krukow, a simple way to prioritise is to ask yourself: should your stay focus mainly on local history and marked trails, or would you also like to plan activities in the wider Duchy of Lauenburg? This helps you decide how to balance a local focus with a regional one before choosing accommodation.
Discover more destinations: GroĂź Sarau, Brunstorf, Lehmrade, Hohenhorn, Lankau, Gudow, Krummesse, Geesthacht
View the wider travel guide: Duchy of Lauenburg.
