Sterley combines a cultural and historical focus with cycling and water activities: St. John’s Church preserves art from several centuries, while a range of cycling options and Pipersee offer additional ideas for planning your visit.
Church and history
The Sterley parish was first documented in 1194 and is considered one of the oldest parishes in what later became the Duchy of Lauenburg. St. John’s Church was built from fieldstones in the early 13th century. Its interior retains wall and ceiling paintings from several periods; a depiction of Mary is dated to the late 13th century. The altar also features a Gothic figure of the crucified Christ from the 14th century. The church’s construction and artworks from the late 13th and 14th centuries therefore offer several historical points of interest. The church is open to visitors who would like to pause and reflect in peace. Before you travel, check whether visits are still possible.
Cycling routes of varying lengths
Sterley is connected to an 18-kilometre cycling route through the chain of lakes from Salem to Seedorf. It runs mostly along paved minor roads and developed farm and walking trails. There are also a few sandy stretches through woodland and some gentle climbs, so the surface varies along the way. For planning purposes, this mix is more useful than a general assessment of difficulty: if you prefer mostly paved routes, you can take the sandy sections and climbs into account. Another option is the 48.5-kilometre circular route known as the Church Tour, which passes through Neu-Sterley. The route lengths provide a clear comparison between the shorter route and the considerably longer loop.
Pipersee and the surrounding landscape
At Pipersee, near Sterley, the focus is on a peaceful experience on the water: canoeists and rowers travel along wooded shores. This offers a different focus from the cycling routes, where route length and surface conditions shape the choice. The landscape around Sterley is also characterised by extensive natural areas and traditionally managed farmland. In this way, specific activity options complement an overview of the surrounding area.
Regional setting: Duchy of Lauenburg
In the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg, Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy. It is Schleswig-Holstein’s oldest nature park and covers 474 square kilometres around Lake Ratzeburg and Lake Schaalsee. The park is home to around 40 lakes, deep deciduous forests and rare animal species. The Schaalsee Canal connects Ratzeburg with Lake Salem and Lake Schaalsee. This broader perspective offers a wider view of the landscapes and waters of the Duchy of Lauenburg. The duchy’s Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park also includes the ADFC-certified long-distance cycling routes Alte Salzstraße and Via Scandinavica; the latter is part of the Way of St. James.
Discover more destinations: Mölln, Lauenburg/Elbe, Kuddewörde, Wentorf Bei Hamburg, Römnitz, Mustin, Groß Grönau, Krüzen
Go to the main travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.
