A tombstone dating from 1391 now serves as the altar slab in St. Jürgen Chapel. This detail offers a vivid starting point for exploring the building’s history: the older piece dates from a different era than the chapel as it stands today. A stay in Sankt Jürgen therefore offers a cultural highlight alongside gardens, agriculture and nature.

The History of St. Jürgen Chapel

The present-day St. Jürgen Chapel was built at its current location on Ratzeburger Allee in 1646. The old chapel had previously been demolished in 1629. The 1391 tombstone is now used as the altar slab. This makes it easy to distinguish the age of this furnishing from the construction date of the present-day chapel. The chapel is also the oldest church building in its parish. For culture enthusiasts, it brings together the histories of two chapel buildings and a tangible detail that remains part of the altar to this day.

School Garden: Plant Diversity and a Heritage Garden

The school garden adds a botanical dimension. It contains around 2,000 different plant species and has officially been designated a heritage garden since 2017. Its educational role is also part of its character: school classes can grow their own vegetables there. Garden culture and hands-on learning go hand in hand. The school garden is listed as open seasonally from 1 April to 31 October, daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Before your trip, check whether these hours are still current.

Agriculture and the Environment at Ringstedtenhof

Ringstedtenhof offers a different way to explore nature and food. Farm tours are available for children aged three and older, giving them a direct experience of the plants and animals on a farm. Other activities are aimed at adults, teachers, families and groups. Topics include agriculture, where food comes from, nature and the environment. The farm tours focus on experiencing farm plants and animals firsthand, while the other activities cover a range of topics and audiences.

Green Belt, Wakenitz and Trails

The Lübeck district of St. Jürgen stretches south through a wide green belt of fields and meadows into the Lauenburg countryside. The district is bordered to the east by the Wakenitz, whose floodplains form a rich nature reserve. The Drägerweg is part of the well-developed network of hiking and cycling trails in the Wakenitz and Falkenhusen Landscape Protection Area. Boating and fishing are also possible within the protected area. These offer different ways to experience the landscape: the Drägerweg is part of the land-based trail network, while boating and fishing are water-based activities.

Swimming in Lübeck

As another way to enjoy nature, Falkenwiese natural swimming area offers a natural bathing experience right in the heart of Lübeck. It complements the trails and water activities in the Landscape Protection Area with a dedicated swimming spot.

The highlights can be easily distinguished when choosing the focus of your trip: the chapel represents architectural history, the school garden offers plant diversity and garden heritage, and Ringstedtenhof focuses on agriculture and where food comes from. If outdoor activities are your priority, consider the Drägerweg, the options on the water or the natural swimming area. This lets you tailor your trip to your interests without giving every topic equal weight.

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