Lebrade combines a village church with a long history of documented references and a pond landscape that is now important as a wetland for rare ducks. Together, they give the village two distinct points of interest: one focuses on architectural history, the other on the transformation of a former carp-pond landscape. Those interested in culture and nature will find two clearly distinct themes to consider when planning a trip.
Village Church and Historic Village Setting
The church was first mentioned in 1240. It is a Baroque brick building with a 45-metre-high tower and forms the centrepiece of a preserved traditional village setting. The date and architectural style tell of different periods: the early reference does not date the Baroque building that shapes the church’s appearance today.
For a cultural focus in Lebrade, the church is a natural starting point. Its brick building, tower and role at the heart of the village combine to create an impression that goes beyond a single date: the church is both a historic landmark and part of the village’s historic fabric.
Lebrader Teiche: From Carp Ponds to Wetland
The Lebrader Teiche bird sanctuary covers 146 hectares. Its history as a carp-pond landscape dates back to the late 17th century; today, the area serves as an important moulting and resting wetland for rare ducks. Its historic use and present-day significance exist side by side, but the former pond-farming activity should not be confused with its current function.
The ponds offer a different focus from the village church: the emphasis is on a landscape with a long history of use, rather than a building. The number of birds and seasonal conditions can vary. Visitors interested in nature and cultural landscapes can take this into account when choosing a travel theme.
A Distinctive Architectural Feature: Gut Rixdorf
Gut Rixdorf is associated with a 99-metre gatehouse and listed thatched buildings. The buildings have largely retained their historic form. This adds another architectural dimension alongside the church and pond landscape: here, the gatehouse and traditional roof styles take centre stage, while the church is defined by its Baroque brick architecture.
The Wider Destination of Plön
The wider destination of Plön opens up the landscapes of Plön District. It lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. The district also contains around 80 lakes. Lake Großer Plöner See covers 29 square kilometres, while Lake Selenter See covers 22 square kilometres. At the broader regional level, lakes and coastline offer distinct landscape themes.
Along the Baltic Sea coast of Plön District, visitors can swim, sail, surf, dive, take boat trips, go on offshore sailing trips, take cutter boat trips and fish in the surf. The district’s waterways offer further options: the Schwentine Water Trail can be explored by canoe, and the lakes can also be navigated by sailboat or excursion boat. These coastal and water-based activities are part of the wider destination of Plön.
The gently rolling landscape of Plön District offers suitable conditions for cycling and hiking. The signposted cycling network covers 850 kilometres, and there are also developed Nordic walking trails. Large parts of the district lie within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. Covering 75,000 hectares, the nature park offers space for nature experiences and rare wildlife. These details give an overview of the wider destination’s range of activities, while Lebrade’s own highlights are its church, village setting and bird sanctuary.
Discover more destinations: Rantzau, Dörnick, Ascheberg, Wittmoldt, Dersau, Rathjensdorf, Bosau, Bösdorf
Back to the wider travel guide: Lake Großer Plöner See.
