Ratekau is considered a green inland destination, with hiking trails, Lake Hemmelsdorf, and nature and cultural attractions in its villages. Highlights range from the beech forest landscape of the Schwartau Valley to St. Vicelin’s Church and the Ratekau Village Museum; a natural swimming area adds designated areas for swimmers and non-swimmers. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether nature, culture or time by the water should be your main focus.
Forest Landscape and Nature
In the municipality of Ratekau, the Schwartau Valley, with Riesebusch and StĂĽckerbusch, is considered an appealing landscape crisscrossed by beech forests. The Schwartau Valley recreation area provides a habitat for the rare red-breasted flycatcher. This offers two distinct nature-related themes: the forest landscape and the habitat of a rare bird species.
The 209-hectare “Sielbek Valley, Kreuzkamp Lakes and Surrounding Forests” nature reserve was designated in 2015. Its full name refers to the valley, the lake landscape and the surrounding forests, giving an indication of the protected area’s scope.
As another regional option, a hiking trail circles Lake Hemmelsdorf. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Church and Village Museum
St. Vicelin’s Church, also known as the Ratekau Fieldstone Church, has shaped the region for more than 850 years. Concerts, readings and guided church tours are held in the fieldstone church. As the events programme may change, check the dates in advance if you are planning your visit around one of them.
The Ratekau Village Museum displays agricultural machinery, craft tools, a shoemaker’s workshop and finds from a local Stone Age megalithic tomb. The exhibits highlight different aspects: the machinery and tools point to agriculture and crafts, while the shoemaker’s workshop adds a specific workspace to this theme. The tomb finds, meanwhile, offer an archaeological connection to the Stone Age.
The church and museum represent different cultural themes. The fieldstone church is a landmark that has shaped the area for centuries and is also a venue for events; the village museum brings tools and crafts together with archaeological finds. This allows you to explore Ratekau’s culture from more than one perspective.
Natural Swimming Area and Facilities
The Hemmelsdorfer See Offendorf natural swimming area has designated areas for swimmers and non-swimmers. For jumping, there is a three-metre diving tower and a one-metre platform; the two different heights offer a choice between the available diving facilities. Other listed amenities include a beach volleyball court, a playground with accessible play equipment and e-bike charging stations.
Facilities also include accessible toilets, showers and changing rooms, as well as a designated accessible parking space and step-free access. You can take the details of each facility into account when planning your visit. If accessible facilities are essential for your visit, check the conditions in advance.
The natural swimming area offers a different focus from the forest and cultural attractions: here, the emphasis is on specific waterside amenities and additional play and sports opportunities. When choosing what to do, you can consider whether you are mainly looking for landscapes, history or facilities for a day by the water.
Discover more destinations: Kreuzkamp, Pansdorf, Warnsdorf, Luschendorf, Sierksdorf, Oldenburg in Holstein, Fehmarn, GroĂźenbrode
View the higher-level travel overview: Ostholstein.
