Curious about a land shaped by salt and dukes? Herzogtum Lauenburg awaits. This southernmost region of Schleswig-Holstein sits east of Hamburg. It borders Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Lower Saxony. Herzogtum Lauenburg is a relatively flat land in Northern Germany.
Herzogtum Lauenburg boasts historically important towns and links to the Alte Salzstraße. This Old Salt Route dates back to medieval times. The area is famous for its numerous lakes and waterways.
Imagine medieval traders transporting salt. They traveled from the salt-works south of the Elbe to Lübeck. This trade spurred the construction of the Stecknitz Canal. It was Europe’s oldest artificial waterway built in 1398. In 1900, the Elbe-Lübeck Canal replaced it.
The Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park graces the district’s eastern border. It includes the extensive Ratzeburger See. Mölln and Ratzeburg are picturesque towns surrounded by lakes. Ratzeburg is almost an island town.
Lauenburg an der Elbe, the district’s capital, is nestled at the bottom of 50-foot-high cliffs. Brightly colored old sailors’ houses fill the town. Narrow cobbled streets wind steeply to the “Upper Town”. Stand by the castle tower to admire the extensive views. The castle burnt down. In 1619 the capital was moved to Ratzeburg.
Lauenburg’s history stretches back to 1182. Bernard of Ascania founded the town. He named it after the castle of Lowenborch. Lave, the Polabian name for the Elbe, inspired the castle’s name.
Saxe-Lauenburg was a duchy until 1876. Then, it became part of the Royal Prussian Province of Schleswig-Holstein. Lauenburg served as the ducal capital until 1616.
After the Napoleonic Wars, Prussia ceded Lauenburg to Denmark. Later, it returned to Prussia after the Danish-Prussian War of 1864. William I, King of Prussia, became Duke of Lauenburg.
Lauenburg has many historic buildings dating back to the 17th century and earlier. These include sailors’ homes and the Maria-Magdalenen Church. It was built in the 13th century.
Explore Lauenburg Castle. Once the residence of the Dukes of Lauenburg, it was the political center of their Dukedom. Only the old castle tower remains. Today, the castle houses city and municipal administration.
Discover the Palmschleuse. This historic river lock was originally built in 1398. It was renewed in the 17th century. The Palmschleuse is the oldest of its kind in Europe.
Herzogtum Lauenburg is more than just a place. It is a journey through time. A land of trade routes, ducal legacies and natural beauty awaits you.