Silent and serene Dassower See stretches before you. It’s not a lake as its name suggests. It’s actually a bay a wiek of the Trave Fjord. This body of water lies northeast of Lübeck. It’s a saltwater bay almost completely separated from the open sea and the Bay of Lübeck by the Priwall Peninsula.
Dassower See is significant. It’s home to roughly 30 types of ducks. That makes it one of Germany’s largest bird sanctuaries. The bay also serves as a vital resting and wintering spot for Nordic waterfowl. They find shelter on its two islands of grass and reeds. The entire shoreline and the bay itself have been protected by the European Union since 1983.
Until German reunification Dassower See’s shores were off-limits. The GDR built a wall several meters high along the shore. This prevented viewing the lake from East Germany. Access was strictly by special permit. The border followed the flood line. This meant a narrow strip of land along the bank belonged to Schleswig-Holstein. This was part of West Germany. Boats could still navigate the Trave delta unimpeded.
Schloss Lütgenhof stands on Dassower See’s shore. Moritz von Paepcke designed and built this castle in 1839. In 1999 Mast-Jägermeister AG turned it into a hotel and restaurant with 23 rooms. The castle is a fascinating example of architecture. It’s also a reminder of the area’s transformation since reunification.
Dassower See’s story is one of restricted access and vibrant nature. It’s a testament to the power of conservation and the resilience of wildlife. Today you can enjoy its beauty. You can admire its diverse birdlife. You’re free to explore a place once hidden behind a wall. This peaceful bay offers a glimpse into German history and nature’s enduring spirit. The transformation of Schloss Lütgenhof illustrates this change. It highlights how this region has changed from a divided landscape to a place of tourism and preservation. Remember the wall. Remember the birds. Remember the beauty of Dassower See.