Ratekau: Hotels and Accommodations

Ratekau is considered a green inland destination with hiking trails, Lake Hemmelsdorf, the Sielbektal Nature Reserve, and rural nature and cultural attractions.

Nature and Landscape

In the municipality of Ratekau, the Schwartau Valley, including Riesebusch and Stückerbusch, is described as an appealing landscape interspersed with beech forests. The Schwartau Valley provides a habitat for the rare red-breasted flycatcher.

The 209-hectare Sielbektal, Kreuzkamp Lake District and Surrounding Forests Nature Reserve was designated in 2015. Lake Ruppersdorf is also a nature reserve and serves approximately 60 bird species as a resting, breeding, feeding and moulting habitat.

The remains of a medieval castle dating from the 12th or 13th century lie on an island on the eastern edge of Lake Ruppersdorf.

Culture and History

The Vicelin Church, also known as the Ratekau Fieldstone Church, has shaped the region for more than 850 years. The fieldstone church hosts concerts, readings and guided tours.

The Ratekau Village Museum displays agricultural machinery, tools, a shoemaker's workshop and finds from a local megalithic Stone Age tomb.

By the Water

Hemmelsdorf Lake Offendorf Natural Swimming Pool has areas for swimmers and non-swimmers, a three-metre diving tower, a one-metre diving platform and a beach volleyball court. The site also includes a playground with accessible play equipment.

Accessible toilets, shower facilities and changing rooms are available. There is also a designated disabled parking space and an accessible entrance; E-bike charging stations are available as well.

A hiking trail circles Lake Hemmelsdorf.

Places in the Municipality

The municipality of Ratekau also includes Luschendorf, Kreuzkamp, Pansdorf and Warnsdorf.

To the main travel overview: Ostholstein.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Timmendorfer Strand, Wangels, Stockelsdorf, Süsel.