Löcknitz – by the lake and on historic trails

Lake, swimming facilities and trails

A hiking trail runs around Löcknitz Lake, which covers approximately 56.5 hectares. On the north shore, a path leads to the natural monument known as the “1,000-year-old Oak” on Rötberg. Its name points to a special natural attraction: an oak designated as a natural monument. If you’re interested in historical traces in the landscape, there is a rampart south of the hiking trail. The path leads there; the rampart was built by the Slavs between the 5th and 12th centuries.

At the lakeside bathing area, you can rent boats and pedal boats. There are also jetties and a diving tower. From May to September, a lifeguard is on duty at the bathing area during the season. This means you can choose between activities on the water and swimming. The outdoor swimming pool at Löcknitz Lake also has a multi-generational playground, offering another attraction for visitors with different interests.

Löcknitz Castle and local history

The history of the old Löcknitz Castle dates back to the 12th century. The reconstructed and renovated castle tower is open to visitors again and is built of brick. A staircase set into the metre-thick walls leads up inside the tower. From the viewing platform, you can see across Löcknitz and the Randow Valley. Below the castle keep are six cellar rooms—another part of the complex that brings the castle’s architectural history to life.

Events and new projects are regularly held in the castle courtyard and within the castle walls. These include markets, an open-air concert and the medieval castle festival. In addition to its historical significance, the castle also serves as a venue for community activities; be sure to check specific dates separately when planning your trip.

Another historical site is the Gorkow smithy in Gorkow, a district of Löcknitz. It was built in 1865 and extensively renovated in 1999. The Löcknitz–Dorothenwalde–Rothenklempenow cycle path passes right by the smithy. Barbecues around an open fire can be held there. This lets you combine the history of craftsmanship with a cycling route without requiring a particular round trip.

Getting here and further information

Löcknitz is connected by the Hamburg–Rostock–Szczecin railway line. Road connections include the A 11 between Berlin and Szczecin, the A 20 between Lübeck and Szczecin, and the B 104. The B 104 is one of the main roads to and from Poland. These connections can help you decide whether to plan your trip by train or via the road network; specific routes and journey times depend on your trip.

A local legend is also part of the area’s folklore: the outflow from Leichensee to the Randow is known locally as “Totengraben” (“Grave of the Dead”). The accompanying legend was already known in 1887 and is still told in the area today. Together with the lake, castle and smithy, it offers another way to discover Löcknitz—not only through nature, but also through the town’s stories and historical traces.

More local pages: Ramin, Boock, Bergholz, Rothenklempenow, Grambow, Krackow, Penkun and Plöwen.

For the broader travel overview: Amt Löcknitz-Penkun.