1.14 Lübeck (Klein Grönau) - Ratzeburg

The Johanniskirche was built from 1230 on the high bank of the Stecknitz river, which was then expanded in the Middle Ages, first to the Stecknitz Canal and at the end of the 19th century to the Elbe-Lübeck Canal. The oldest part of the church is its square choir. This construction method, typical for rural church building in Saxony-Lauenburg, is one of the main differences to the somewhat older Vicelin-churches in the Holstein area north of Lübeck. A special feature for comparable churches in Schleswig-Holstein is the two nave nave with three bays on two central pillars. The tower was added around 1400, so that the original exterior portal has been the interior door ever since. The round arches of the tower windows are untypical of the late Gothic period.

The Elbe-Lübeck Canal connects the Elbe with the Trave. It was built between 1895 and 1900 and has a length of about 62 kilometres. The E1 runs between Krummesse and Berkenthin on its western bank. It is crossed again at Güster (stage 1.16).

Source: Wikipedia

The Church of Mary Magdalene in Berkenthin was built around 1230, although a tax list from 1194 already mentions a church in Berkenthin. The Church of Mary Magdalene has medieval and medieval mural paintings from the 19th century, a late baroque altar, a figure of Mary Magdalene from the 15th century, a tree trunk cross from the 14th century and a baptismal angel from 1734. 

Source: Wikipedia (german)

In the north of the old town island of Ratzeburg is the Ratzeburger Dom (Ratzeburg Cathedral). This important testimony of Romanesque brick architecture was completed in 1220 after 60 years of construction. In front of the cathedral, donated by Henry the Lion, stands a replica of the Braunschweig Lion. Ratzeburg Cathedral does not stand directly on the path of the E1, a detour through Ratzeburg's old town with a few more sights is very worthwhile.