Ratzeburger See

Ratzeburger See is a glacial lake in southeastern Schleswig-Holstein whose waters surround the historic island core of the town of Ratzeburg. The lake is a regional recreational resource used for boating, swimming and lakeside promenading.

The lake’s most prominent feature is the island containing Ratzeburg’s old town and the Ratzeburg Cathedral, a medieval church complex that anchors the island. Visitors commonly combine boat trips on the lake with walks through the island’s narrow streets and waterfront areas.

Historically the town developed on the island for defensive and riverine-trade reasons; the cathedral and other medieval buildings record the town’s ecclesiastical and civic role through the Middle Ages. The lake and its islands remain a focus for local leisure and tourism.

Ratzeburger See lies in southeastern Schleswig-Holstein, in the region around the town of Ratzeburg and within easy reach of the larger cities of northern Germany.

• Island town: The town of Ratzeburg sits on an island within the lake, so many of the main sights and waterfront promenades are reached by bridges and causeways.

What to See #

• Ratzeburg Cathedral (Dom): Ratzeburg Cathedral (Dom) located on the island that forms the historic core of the town, with medieval origins and later restorations.
• Old Town Island: The islanded old town of Ratzeburg that occupies an island within the lake and contains historic streets and waterfront promenades.