Bad Schwartau combines nature experiences with local history: in the Schwartau Valley, wet meadows, willow scrub, alder woodland, and flowing and still waters shape the recreational landscape. The town also has a Gothic chapel, a former courthouse, and art in the spa gardens.
Schwartau Valley, Spa Gardens and Nature Watching
The Schwartau lowlands and the adjoining beech forests offer a variety of nature experiences. Most of the Schwartau Valley belongs to the Natura 2000 network. The spa gardens are laid out around the spa gardens lake; the Philosopher’s Path forms the edge of the park towards Mönchkamp Forest. In the adjoining Riesebusch meadows are the old Schwartau River and a mosaic of near-natural landscape types. Paths there invite you to stroll and observe.
Bad Schwartau’s parks, natural meadows and fields, level walking paths, and Pariner Berg are also ideal for walks and exploration. The protected areas around Bad Schwartau are notable for botanical and zoological rarities. Early morning is a good time for birdwatching—a useful point to consider when planning your day around this interest.
Trails, Learning Stations and Outdoor Activities
A 2.5-kilometre nature trail combines information with interactive stations. These include the Green Classroom, a boardwalk, a storybook, and a tree telephone. The Green Classroom is intended as a learning space for all generations, focusing on local animal and plant life. The nature experience area along the Schwartau also features information boards, tree-ring models, a bee wall, nesting boxes, and information about different biotope types.
For cycling trips, you can combine bike rental with cycling routes through forests towards the Baltic coast and Holstein Switzerland. Check current route conditions before setting off. For children, the mini-golf course in the spa gardens offers an outdoor activity; check its availability and seasonal opening times in advance.
Chapel, Architecture and Art
Georg Chapel, also known as St. George’s Leper Chapel, is associated with the leprosarium dating from 1258; the hospital received a chapel in 1289. The High Gothic brick building has three pointed-arch windows on each side and a gabled roof. Today, the chapel is used for services and small concerts. Check its current use before planning a visit.
The former courthouse stands in the market square. This listed building dates from 1909/1910 and is designed in the Neo-Renaissance style. The Pythagoraeder is in the spa gardens: a polished stainless-steel artwork about 3.5 metres high. Check the artwork’s current location before your visit.
Spa Town History and Local Identity
Schwartau received official recognition as a spa town in 1913; since then, the town has been called Bad Schwartau. Local industry is another facet of the town’s history: the story of the Schwartauer Werke began in Bad Schwartau in 1899. The company is also associated with the nickname “jam town.” Together, the town’s name and nickname point to two different aspects of its history—its recognition as a spa town and its business history.
Getting There and Planning
Bad Schwartau is in Lübeck Bay in southern Schleswig-Holstein. Several direct bus routes run from Lübeck’s central bus station to Bad Schwartau. If you are travelling by bus, check current routes and timetables in advance. When planning your stay, you can treat getting there, walks, nature watching, and visits to historic buildings as separate areas of focus.
Discover more destinations: Bosau, Ahrensbök, Weißenhäuser Strand, Göhl, Wangels, Grömitz, Kellenhusen, Altenkrempe
See the full travel guide: Ostholstein.
