Covering more than 400 hectares, Schönberg Forest shapes the landscape around Schönberg. The town also developed as an important postal town on the historic Hamburg–Lübeck route. When planning a stay in Schönberg, you can therefore consider two distinct themes: the forest as a defining landscape feature and the history of postal services.

Forest and Postal History

The former Neoclassical post house, dating from a later period in this history, still stands today. Schönberg’s postal history thus brings together its former role as an important postal town on the Hamburg–Lübeck route and a building that still exists today. Schönberg Forest adds its own distinctive touch to the landscape. Nature and local history therefore shape the way Schönberg is seen in different ways.

Culture at the Kornboden

Since 1989, the Kornboden has been Schönberg’s local cultural centre. Events include theatre performances, film nights, children’s festivals, the Christmas market and other community programmes. The programme ranges from stage and film events to festivals. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the dates in advance: individual event programmes may change.

The wider travel destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg

Beyond Schönberg, the Duchy of Lauenburg is characterised by forests and water. Forests cover 26 per cent of the district, which also includes 48 lakes. The district is also home to Sachsenwald, the largest contiguous forest area in Schleswig-Holstein. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy and adds to this regional landscape.

The nature park has hiking trails, observation towers, educational trails and places to rest; it has been designated a protected area for visitors to explore since 1960. Visitors can hike, cycle, canoe and swim in the refreshing forest lakes. Four signposted cycle routes offer a choice of rides. The European long-distance hiking trails E1, E6 and E9 also run from north to south through the Duchy of Lauenburg, via Ratzeburg, Mölln and Lauenburg.

The region’s waterways include the Elbe, the Elbe–Lübeck Canal, which is more than 100 years old, and over 40 lakes. They invite visitors to enjoy sports and recreation in, on and by the water in the Duchy of Lauenburg. From the observation tower at Lake Mechow, you can watch waterbirds; with a little luck, you may also spot a white-tailed eagle.

The Duchy of Lauenburg also offers further cultural attractions: the Elbschifffahrtsmuseum in Lauenburg/Elbe features the interactive, three-storey “Mensch-Modell-Maschine” exhibition on shipping. Visitors can get hands-on with models and experimental stations. The District Museum of the Duchy of Lauenburg in Ratzeburg displays exhibits on the history of the Dukes of Lauenburg and the inner-German border. Farm and country cafés in the duchy are known for homemade cakes made with regional products.

Discover more destinations: Mustin, Fredeburg, Wentorf Bei Hamburg, Geesthacht, Römnitz, Besenthal, Brunstorf, Krummesse

View the wider travel guide: Duchy of Lauenburg.