Hamberge combines discoveries in church history with activities on the Trave. The church brings together several centuries of architectural and furnishing history; on the river, paddling and a canoe rest station take center stage. Pilgrims can also stay in the parish hall. This means you can plan a stay around culture, water or the Way of St. James, depending on your interests.

Hamberge Church: Architectural History and Furnishings

Hamberge Church was probably built in 1327/1328 as a brick building. Its furnishings include a baptismal font made of Gotland limestone and an altar made by Hassenberg in Lübeck in 1722. Remains of a former baptismal and wayside chapel have been preserved at the northeast corner. The chapel area contains a limewashed cross bearing a pilgrim symbol.

The church interior also bears traces of more recent history: six stained-glass windows by Lübeck artist Erich Klahn name Hamberge residents who lost their lives in the First World War. Five brass chandeliers were individually designed by Lübeck artists Asmus and Martha Jessen around 1926. The church’s history also includes the losses caused by the 1957 fire: the old wooden church tower and the old Marcussen organ were destroyed.

Concerts are held in the church; dates may vary. If you would like to include a concert in your stay, check the latest dates before you travel. In addition to its architectural history, the church can therefore offer a cultural reason to plan a visit.

Paddling on the Trave

The Trave offers a different focus. The stretch of river between Bad Oldesloe and Lübeck has a gentle current, no obstacles and is suitable for beginners. Near Hamberge, beginners can also paddle upstream. Water conditions may change with the seasons; check the water level and safety conditions before setting out.

There is a canoe rest and bivouac station on the Trave in Hamberge. The canoe launch is next to the road bridge to Lübeck and provides convenient, easy access to the water. As physical access conditions may change, it is advisable to check them before your trip.

The river’s wider course may also be of interest when planning: The Trave can be paddled year-round for around 85 kilometres from Wardersee to the Baltic Sea; there are a few portage points along the route. Water levels and nature conservation regulations affect navigability. As a waterway, the Trave connects to the Baltic Sea via Travemünde. Other waterways lead via the Wakenitz to the Schaalsee region and via the Elbe-Lübeck Canal to the Elbe and its tributaries.

Pilgrimage, Accommodation and Horse Riding

Hamberge Parish is located on the Way of St. James. The parish offers pilgrims accommodation in the parish hall; confirm availability before you arrive and check the route before setting out. This refers to the parish’s location on the route.

The Travereithof offers another activity, with horse riding, horse boarding and riding lessons. Hamberge brings together a range of interests: the church’s history and furnishings, paddling on the Trave, the pilgrimage route and horse-related activities. When choosing where to stay, you can focus on what matters most for your trip; the advance checks noted above apply to pilgrim accommodation, concert dates and water conditions.

Discover more destinations: Delingsdorf, Hammoor, Witzhave, Bargteheide, Tremsbüttel, Nienwohld, Lütjensee, Köthel.

View the main travel overview: Stormarn.