Gartow – Lake, Nature and History

Gartow brings together the 67-hectare Gartow Lake in the heart of the town, opportunities to observe nature, water sports and a historic castle. When choosing a hotel in Gartow, consider your plans: would you like to spend most of your time by the water, explore wildlife and landscapes, or learn about the town’s history?

Gartow Lake: Swimming, Water Sports and a Circular Trail

Gartow Lake is in the heart of Gartow and was created primarily for local recreation. There are two swimming areas and a sunbathing lawn. Check local bathing conditions before your visit.

Activities on the lake include pedal boating, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and surfing. If you plan to try any of these, check local conditions and availability with the providers in advance.

You can also explore the lake on foot: the 6.5-kilometre circular trail is called “Of Beavers, White-Tailed Eagles and Floods of the Century.” Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Observe Nature and Explore the Outdoors

Gartow lies in the landscape of the Elbtalaue Nature Park. Near Gartow, the observation tower in Nienwalde and the adjacent beaver nature trail offer opportunities to spot white-tailed eagles and beavers and learn more about their protection.

At the Gartow wildlife enclosure, a wolf nature trail and information about forests, wildlife and habitats round out the offering. The information centre in Gartow also focuses on beavers and white-tailed eagles and uses exhibitions to explain how the cultural landscape has developed. Opening hours may change, so check them before your visit.

In the Gartow area, Kanustation Elbetouren offers guided canoe trips on the Elbe year-round, boat rentals and a return shuttle service. Check the tour schedule and current operating conditions in advance.

Gartow Castle and the Town’s Architectural History

Gartow Castle is a listed Baroque building and the historic manor house of the Gartow estate. It stands on the site of a medieval castle complex and was rebuilt between 1710 and 1725 after several major fires. The castle thus brings together Baroque architecture and the site’s earlier history.

Culture in the Wider Lüchow-Dannenberg Destination

Those exploring the wider Lüchow-Dannenberg destination will find more cultural and historical attractions. The Wendland Rundlingsmuseum presents a farmstead as an open-air museum in the circular village of Lübeln. Traditional crafts are brought to life in the pottery, blacksmith’s workshop, bakehouse and wheelwright’s workshop.

The Hitzacker Archaeological Centre is also an open-air museum. It is located on a site that people were already using around 4,000 years ago and includes three reconstructed longhouses as well as numerous interactive stations. Visitors can immerse themselves in the everyday lives of people in the past.

Another regional highlight is the Kulturelle Landpartie: since 1989, artists and craftspeople have opened their farm gates and studios every year between Ascension Day and Pentecost, presenting their work over twelve days. The exact dates vary from year to year.

Practical Information for Gartow

The Gartow Tourist Information Office provides information about activities and museums, maps for cycling and hiking, and fishing permits for Gartow Lake. Check current service information before your trip. This will help you plan around the activities that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Prezelle, Schnackenburg, Zernien, Gorleben, Bredenbock, Küsten, Göhrde, Schnega

View the wider travel overview: Lüchow-Dannenberg.