15 kilometers south of the Hanseatic city of Lübeck lies Lake Ratzeburg in the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park on the border of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. The lake is known for its very good water quality and the numerous free bathing areas. Together with the Kleiner and Großer Küchensee and the Domsee, it surrounds the island town of Ratzeburg. All lakes are only separated from each other by dams.
Several towns are located around Lake Ratzeburg and there are small bathing areas with free access almost everywhere, including Buchholz, Kalkhütte, Römnitz and Bäk. In almost all of them, the banks slope gently, so they are also suitable for children. There is also usually a playground and a shady lawn.
Better facilities with showers, changing rooms and lifeguards are available at the bathing area on the Schlosswiese in Ratzeburg, which is also free. There you also have a great view of the island town's cathedral while bathing. Close to the Schloss