Ziethen is set in the countryside, close to many lakes and the Baltic Sea. The village’s character as an old green village is shaped by St. Lawrence Church, the churchyard wall dating from around 1600, the lower village pond and the surrounding farmsteads. This gives visitors two distinct focal points for planning a trip: the historic village setting and hikes through moorland, woodland and lakeside landscapes.
Village Setting and History
The three present-day settlements are the main village around the church built in 1595, Wietingsbek and Sande. The name Ziethen was first recorded in 1158. A chapel dedicated to Saint Lawrence once stood on the site of the present-day church; in 1599, Ziethen became an independent parish. These milestones give the church village a historical context that can be seen in the village setting alongside the pond and farmsteads.
The municipal coat of arms also refers to a former landscape: it commemorates Lake Ziethen, which was drained at the end of the 19th century. The village’s history therefore encompasses not only its church and settlement pattern, but also the transformation of a body of water that is now remembered as a former lake.
Hiking Between Moor, Woodland and Lakes
The circular hike “From the Garrenseerinne to Salem Moor” is 12.3 kilometres long and rated moderate. It starts and ends at a car park between Ziethen and Mustin. The route passes through moorland, mixed forests and several lakes shaped by the last Ice Age. Along the eastern shore of Lake Garren, the route also passes Lake Plötscher, Schwarze Kuhle and Salem Moor.
Another hike starts at a meeting point near Ziethen. It leads through woodland and open countryside, with views of Lake Lankow, crosses the state border into Mecklenburg–Western Pomerania and follows the former patrol road along the northern shore. The two hikes therefore have different focal points: one is a moderate circular route of a specified distance through moorland and lakeside landscapes, while the other combines lake views with a trail along the former border.
Bus Services and Practical Information
Bus 131 runs infrequently to Ziethen and Sande; bus 8790 operates on weekdays to Salem and Seekamp. Check the current timetable before travelling. For the hike to Salem Moor, it is also advisable to check the car park and trail conditions before setting out, as both can change.
In the Wider Destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg
In the Duchy of Lauenburg, 26 percent of the district’s area is forest; the district also has 48 lakes. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy. It has signposted hiking and cycling trails through forests, meadows and moors, as well as along waterways, the Elbe–Lübeck Canal and lakes. The nature park offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, canoeing and swimming in forest lakes; four signposted cycle routes add to the selection.
Regional cuisine offers another distinctive feature: game, fine fish, asparagus and fruit are considered specialities in the Lauenburg region. Availability varies by season. These nature and culinary experiences are part of the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg and complement the picture of Ziethen’s village history and specific hiking trails without conflating the different places and offerings.
Discover more destinations: Wentorf bei Hamburg, Kuddewörde, Mustin, Elmenhorst, Siebenbäumen, Mölln, Breitenfelde, Besenthal.
Go to the overview of the wider destination: Duchy of Lauenburg.
