Gartow Lake lies in the heart of Gartow, covers 67 hectares and was created primarily for local recreation. Gartow thus combines water-based activities with wildlife watching and architectural history; the town is also located in the Elbtalaue Nature Park landscape. When planning your stay, you can first decide whether to focus on the lake, the wildlife or the history of the castle.
At Gartow Lake: Swimming Areas, Water Sports and Circular Trail
There are two swimming areas and a sunbathing lawn for swimmers by the lake. Check local swimming conditions before your trip. Activities on Gartow Lake include pedal boating, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and surfing. Also check local conditions and availability with providers in advance. The swimming areas and sunbathing lawn offer a different focus from the water sports listed above.
Another option is the 6.5-kilometre circular trail around Gartow Lake. It is titled “Of Beavers, White-Tailed Eagles and Centuries of Flooding.” The distance gives you a concrete guide for planning your day; conditions on the route may change. This means that water activities and a circular route with a specified distance are available as different ways to enjoy the same body of water.
Wildlife Watching and Information about Animals
Beavers and white-tailed eagles are the focus of the information centre in Gartow, which also has exhibitions on the development of the cultural landscape. Near Gartow, the observation tower in Nienwalde and the adjoining beaver trail offer opportunities to watch white-tailed eagles and beavers and learn more about their protection. Together, information and wildlife watching offer different ways to learn about these animals.
Gartow Wildlife Enclosure is complemented by a wolf educational trail. There is also information about forests, wildlife and habitats. Gartow Tourist Information provides information about activities and museums, cycling and hiking maps, and fishing permits for Gartow Lake. Check service details directly with the Tourist Information office before your trip.
Gartow Castle and Its Architectural History
Gartow Castle is a listed Baroque building and the historic manor house of the Gartow estate. It stands on the site of a medieval castle complex. After several major fires between 1710 and 1725, the castle was rebuilt. The history of the castle complex, its function as a manor house and its Baroque architectural history thus come together in one place. For a visit focused on culture, the castle offers a different perspective from the lake and wildlife watching.
Canoe Tours on the Elbe
In the Gartow area, the Elbetouren canoe station offers guided canoe tours on the Elbe year-round, boat rentals and a pick-up service. This adds another option for time on the water, with guided tours on the Elbe complementing the activities at Gartow Lake. If you would like to include these offerings in your plans, check current tour times and operating conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Lübbow, Damnatz, Neu Darchau, Göhrde, Prezelle, Luckau, Kassau, Bergen (Dumme)
For the main travel overview: LĂĽchow-Dannenberg.
