Groß Sarau stretches along the western side of Lake Ratzeburg, from Lübeck and Groß Grönau in the north to Pogeez in the south. The municipality lies in the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park. When planning your visit, it helps to distinguish between the different waterside locations: Schanzenberg and the bathing area are on Lake Ratzeburg, while the canoe launch is on the Wakenitz. This lets you focus on sailing, swimming or paddling.
Sailing, canoeing and swimming
There is a sailing center at Schanzenberg on Lake Ratzeburg. It is home to the summer bases of three Lübeck sailing clubs; there is also a boat crane. If sailing is a key part of your stay, Schanzenberg is the specific place to head for.
For paddling, the place to go is the Wakenitz: Groß Sarau has a publicly accessible canoe launch there. The site has parking, sanitary facilities and space for trailers. The canoe launch is about 120 meters on foot from Lake Ratzeburg. The bathing area is on the lakeshore and has a DLRG lifeguard station.
This gives you three distinct waterside options for planning your day: sailing at Schanzenberg, launching a canoe on the Wakenitz and swimming in Lake Ratzeburg. The approximate walking distance between the canoe launch and the lake helps you understand how the two locations are situated in relation to each other.
Paths through Groß Sarau and the region
The Drägerweg lets hikers and cyclists travel from Lübeck to Rothenhusen without using busy stretches of road. Its final section passes through Groß Sarau to the historic Rothenhusen ferry house on Lake Ratzeburg. The route thus provides both a connection to Rothenhusen and a specific section through the municipality to help you find your way.
The Ice Age Tour follows a different sequence of places: after Buchholz and Pogeez, it passes through Groß Sarau. After leaving the Großer Ratzeburger See, it continues via Holstendorf. When choosing a route, you can distinguish between the two by their waypoints: the Drägerweg heads toward Rothenhusen, while Buchholz, Pogeez and Holstendorf mark the route of the Ice Age Tour.
In the wider travel destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg
The Old Salt Road offers a regional cycling option between Lüneburg and Lübeck. It is 113 kilometers long, is rated as an easy route and is suitable for beginners, recreational cyclists and families with children. Road access to the Old Salt Road includes the Groß Sarau exit on the A20 between Lübeck and Rostock, as well as the B207.
The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park in the Duchy of Lauenburg offers hiking trails, observation towers, nature trails and places to rest; it was established as a protected area for visitors to enjoy in 1960. The nature park, which is about 35 by 17 kilometers in size, provides a habitat for kingfishers, white-tailed eagles and cranes, among other species. Guided excursions with experts cover wildlife, plant life and the cultural history of the district. Check the dates before your trip.
A memorial site on the Wakenitz
The sculpture “Overcoming Borders” stands in Groß Sarau beside the Wakenitz footbridge between Schattin and Nädlershorst. It commemorates the division and reunification of Germany. This work of art adds a specific historical memorial site to the area’s waterside attractions and paths.
Discover more destinations: Schulendorf, Breitenfelde, Möhnsen, Behlendorf, Groß Grönau, Mölln, Hollenbek, Güster
Back to the main travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.
