A church first mentioned in 1158 and a circular hike that begins at Nusse Cemetery show two different sides of the village. There is also the bathing area at Lake Ritzerau. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, you can plan your stay around local history, hiking and time by the water; hiking and cycling trails also run around Nusse.

Church, Historic Ensemble and Music

Nusse is considered one of the oldest parishes in the state. The church’s lofty interior was built in 1839 in the late Classicist style. Opposite the church stands a historic ensemble comprising the parsonage and parish barn. Inside the church is a museum room with material about the furnishings of the former church—another point of interest for anyone interested in the village’s history.

The church is a venue for the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. A municipal description from 2023 also names the Nusse-Behlendorf Church Music Association as the organizer of regular concerts featuring regional and international musicians under the title “Music under the Church Roof.” Programme dates may change; check the current programme if you are planning to attend a concert.

The surrounding area also offers archaeological points of interest: Stone Age hunter-gatherer sites with charred hazelnut shells were found in Duvensee; the shells are still on display for visitors. A paddle found there is described as the oldest in the world. These finds offer a different historical perspective from the history of Nusse’s church.

Circular Hike, Cycling Trails and Bathing Area

The 17.11-kilometre circular hike starts and ends at Nusse Cemetery. It passes the church ensemble and continues to Hellmoor, the Diekbek lowlands, the Elbe-Lübeck Canal and the historic Donnerschleuse lock. Other stops include a nature reserve, the observation platform at Pantener Moorweiher and the Steinau Valley. At this length, the route is worth making a main focus of your day’s plans rather than treating it as just a short stop along the way.

For other itineraries, there are hiking and cycling trails around Nusse. The Elbe-Lübeck Canal begins in Neu-Lankau, about four kilometres from Nusse, and is suitable for a cycling trip all year round. A nature reserve is part of a larger ecological network connecting the forests near Koberg, Duvensee Moor and the canal. Alongside local history, trails and landscapes are therefore also options to explore during your stay.

Nusse’s bathing area is on Lake Ritzerau and is a local place for swimming. Check the local facilities before travelling. If you are taking the bus, the day of the week matters: the Nusse, Hermannstraße stop is served by routes 8730 and 8760 on weekdays. Check the timetable for your specific travel date.

The Wider Setting: Duchy of Lauenburg

In the wider destination of the Duchy of Lauenburg, 26 percent of the district’s area is forest, and the district also has 48 lakes. The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park lies at the heart of the duchy. It offers hiking trails, observation towers, educational trails and places to rest. Activities in the nature park include hiking, cycling, canoeing and swimming in forest lakes; four cycling routes are signposted.

Guided excursions with experts in the nature park focus on the district’s wildlife, plant life and cultural history. Check the current programme for specific dates. The duchy’s country and farm cafés are also part of this wider setting: they are known for homemade cakes made with regional products. These regional options complement a visit to Nusse, but are part of the wider destination.

Plan a Stay That Suits You

When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on first: local history, the circular hike, the bathing area or a combination of these with other things to explore in the Duchy of Lauenburg? The options mentioned range from the museum room and concert programmes to local trails and excursions further afield. When planning, also bear in mind that the bus routes run on weekdays and event programmes may change.

Discover more destinations: Roseburg, Geesthacht, Groß Disnack, Lehmrade, Klempau, Alt Mölln, Mustin, Lankau.

Go to the wider travel overview: Duchy of Lauenburg.