The cathedral defines Ratzeburg’s island panorama; from the water, you can also enjoy views of the old town. Between Romanesque brick architecture, museums and water activities, there’s a range of things to do, from cultural discoveries to a bike ride through Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park.

Experience the Island Town and Its Waters

You can reach Ratzeburg Island from the west via Lüneburg Causeway and from the east via Königsdamm. The cathedral dominates the panorama; the town’s close connection to the water is also reflected in the activities on offer: sailing, rowing, canoeing, pedal boating and water cycling, swimming at beaches, and passenger boat trips. You can also circle the island on the water and take in views of the cathedral and old town. This lets you experience the island both from the shore and from the water.

The Cathedral and the Town’s History

Ratzeburg Cathedral is a significant example of Romanesque brick architecture in northern Germany. Construction began around 1165, and it was completed in 1220. The cathedral and adjoining cathedral monastery house medieval and later art treasures, including choir stalls, a Gothic triumphal cross, a Passion relief and a Renaissance pulpit. The cathedral music program offers performances throughout the year. As individual dates may change, it’s worth checking the program before your visit.

Ratzeburg’s town plan also tells the story of its past. After the catastrophe of 1693, the town was rebuilt in the Baroque style. Today, its layout is regular and grid-like, with the market square at its center. This clear structure offers a different focus from the cathedral’s art treasures and religious architectural history.

Museums and Art on the Island

The Duchy of Lauenburg District Museum is located on Palmberg between the cathedral and the A. Paul Weber Museum. It presents 1,000 years of art and cultural history. Key themes in its collections include Christmas traditions, the 1950s and works by artists from the region.

The A. Paul Weber Museum is located on the island in Lake Ratzeburg. More than 200 works, including lithographs, are on display in 20 rooms; there is also a working lithography workshop. Special exhibitions feature Weber’s prints as well as works by other satirical and critical printmakers. Exhibitions and access arrangements may change; check the latest information before your visit.

At the Ernst Barlach Museum Ratzeburg, an interactive presentation explores around 150 years of modernization, with Barlach marking the starting point of the period covered. It features room installations, film projections and a large touchscreen. Exhibition technology and the program may change.

A multi-stage art walk leads across the island to public artworks by established artists. Its stages and individual works may be added to or changed. The town’s history extends beyond its buildings, too: Ratzeburg beer, known as Rommeldeus, was historically shipped across the Baltic Sea to Danzig.

Cycle Through the Lake Landscape

For a longer ride, an approximately 40-kilometer cycling loop through Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park starts in Ratzeburg. Along the way, there are views of the lakes; a birdwatching tower stands by Lake Mechow. The approximate distance is a guide, not an estimate of how long the ride will take. Route conditions, wildlife sightings and facilities may change. Check the latest route information and details about the tower before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Rondeshagen, Kuddewörde, Breitenfelde, Krukow, Müssen, Behlendorf, Sterley, Mechow

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