Ratekau: Nature and Culture in the Green Inland

Ratekau is considered a green inland destination, with hiking trails, Lake Hemmelsdorf, the Sielbektal Nature Reserve and village-based nature and cultural activities.

Nature Between Forest and Lake

In the municipality of Ratekau, the Schwartau Valley, with Riesebusch and Stückerbusch, is considered a scenic landscape, crisscrossed by beech forests. The rare red-breasted flycatcher also finds a habitat in the Schwartau Valley recreation area. The 209-hectare “Sielbektal, Kreuzkamper Seenlandschaft and Surrounding Forests” nature reserve was designated in 2015.

Lake Ruppersdorf is a nature reserve. Around 60 bird species use the area for resting, breeding, feeding and moulting. These nature highlights offer different experiences: the Schwartau Valley is known for its forest landscape and habitat for the red-breasted flycatcher, while Lake Ruppersdorf is a protected area that serves several functions for birdlife.

Church, Castle Ruins and Village Museum

Remains of a medieval castle dating from the 12th or 13th century lie on an island at the eastern edge of Lake Ruppersdorf. The Vicelin Church, also known as the Ratekau Fieldstone Church, has been a landmark of the region for more than 850 years. The fieldstone church hosts concerts, readings and guided tours. The programme may change; check current dates before your visit.

The Ratekau Village Museum displays agricultural machinery, tools used in various trades, a cobbler’s workshop and finds from a local prehistoric megalithic tomb dating from the Stone Age. The collection combines insights into agriculture and crafts with archaeological finds. This gives the museum a different focus from the fieldstone church: the museum centres on exhibits and artefacts, while the church centres on history and events.

Natural Swimming Area and Facilities

The Hemmelsdorfer See Offendorf natural swimming area has designated sections for swimmers and non-swimmers. Facilities include a three-metre diving tower, a one-metre diving platform and a beach volleyball court. A playground with accessible play equipment adds to the amenities. Accessible toilets, showers and changing rooms are also available. There is also a designated parking space for people with disabilities, step-free access and e-bike charging stations.

The designated areas and facilities can help you decide what you want from a day at the water: swimming, diving facilities, sports and play are all different aspects of the natural swimming area. This can help you decide how to fit it into your plans alongside the landscape and culture.

Walking Around Lake Hemmelsdorf

A hiking route goes around Lake Hemmelsdorf. Check current trail conditions before setting out. You can weigh up different interests for a day: a walk by the lake, a day of swimming and a cultural event at the fieldstone church. Choose your focus based on what you would like to do during your stay. The circular trail offers a chance to get active around the lake, while the natural swimming area, with its designated sections for swimmers and non-swimmers and its diving facilities, is ideal for a day at the water.

Discover more destinations: Kreuzkamp, Pansdorf, Warnsdorf, Luschendorf, Ahrensbök, Sierksdorf, Stockelsdorf, Heiligenhafen.

Go to the regional travel overview: Ostholstein.