Ratzeburg Cathedral

Ratzeburg Cathedral (Ratzeburger Dom) stands on the cathedral island in the town of Ratzeburg and is one of the best preserved Romanesque brick churches in northern Germany. It is the oldest of the four "Lion Cathedrals" founded by Henry the Lion. The red brick building with its green tower roof sits between Lake Ratzeburg and the cathedral courtyard, with a cloister and historic buildings around it. Admission is free, and it is a lovely stop in the Duchy of Lauenburg region.

Where it is and how to get there

Ratzeburg lies in southern Schleswig-Holstein, south of Lübeck. The cathedral's address is Domhof 18. The tourism website of the district offers route planners for car and public transport; check Deutsche Bahn and the local bus network for connections from Lübeck or Hamburg.

Why it matters

Henry the Lion founded the church as the cathedral of the Diocese of Ratzeburg; the foundation stone was laid on August 11, 1154. The south porch was completed around 1220. The church was plundered in 1552, damaged by Danish bombardment in 1693 and struck by a fire after lightning in 1893. Major restorations followed, including 1953 to 1966. Inside you will find a high altar of 1629, a Renaissance pulpit of 1576 and a large Rieger organ of 1978 with 60 stops.

What to see

• The Romanesque brick church with its green copper roofs
• The cloister, with Ernst Barlach's bronze sculpture "Beggar on Crutches"
• The Lauenburg chapel, with the tomb of Duke John IV
• The relics of St. Ansverus, a martyr killed in 1066

Opening hours and admission (as of October 2026)

From May to September the cathedral is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. From October to April it is open daily except Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours may change because of church services and events. Sunday and holiday services start at 10:15 a.m. Admission is free. The hours come from the district tourism website; the cathedral's own site could not be reached during research. Information on guided tours and tower climbs is not confirmed.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you enjoy medieval architecture and quiet lakeside towns. Allow about an hour for the cathedral and courtyard. Pair it with a walk by the lake.

Practical tips

Concerts and services can limit access. Accessibility and dog information is not confirmed; the parish office can be reached at +49 4541 3406. Currency is the euro.