Baumhotel
© HLMS

Relax at a lofty height
 

The Baumhotel (tree hotel) at Hollenbeker Bahnhof, near Ratzeburg, is certainly amongst the most bizarre places to sleep. Here you relax at a lofty height of six metres above the forest floor in one of three replica train wagons. You sleep in a sleeping bag which you bring with you and roll out directly inside the wagon. Breakfast is the first highlight of the day: it is served whilst you enjoy a view of the fresh green countryside, still six metres above the ground.

Guests of the Baumhotel should possess a certain amount of mobility, as the train wagons are suspended between high, criss-crossed branches, to get from one door to the next, you climb over bridges and steps. However, even if you get the impression that everything is going wonky, it's just an optical illusion. If you take out your spirit level, you’ll be surprised at just how perfectly it has been designed. You won’t even need to forgo any comforts, as every wagon in the hotel is equipped with a small but attractive bathroom.

Experience dragon boats
 

During the daytime you can practise archery or take a ride on the big dandy-horse. If you like, you can book the Baumhotel at Hollenbeker Bahnhof together with the ‘Lauenburg Pentathlon’, which comprises of riding the dandy-horse, a dragon boat, a canoe, a conference bike and a chopper bike. All the information on these fun activities is available from the Erlebnisbahn Ratzeburg on +49 (0)4541 898 074.

A bed in a cornfield and a ‘heavenly’ feast
 

If the tree hotel is a little too lofty for you, you can also roll out your sleeping bag at ground level on fragrant hay in one of Lauenburg's three hay hostels. Haases Heu-Hof in Kasseburg, on the edge of the Sachsenwald forest, attracts visitors not only with its rustic hayloft, but also with its petting animals and large playing and climbing area. (Phone: +49 (0)4154 824 86).

You will be a guest at a parsonage at the hay hostel in Ziethen, near Ratzeburg. What's more, you'll be able to get a ‘heavenly’ feast at the hostel's cafe (Phone: +49 (0)4541 826 08). The Schaalseehof in Dargow also offers accommodation in the hay. It’s cafe boasts prize-winning gateaux (phone: +49 (0)4545 791 100).

For those exploring by canoe, the Schaalseecamp by the Pipersee lake offers the perfect overnight stop. Just like in a Western, you can get a great night's rest after sitting round a camp fire in the great outdoors. Choose between a rustic covered wagon or a giant tipi. Phone +49 (0)4501 412 for all information.

Event tips in Ratzeburg:
 

• Ratzeburg evening cultural events, with cathedral visits and tours through the old stately home and the A. Paul Weber Museum
• Summer music in Ratzeburg Cathedral
• The medieval spectacle ‘Racesburg Wylag’
• International rowing regatta on Lake Ratzeburg