Ratzeburg

Ratzeburg lies among four lakes, its approaches confined to narrow strips of land. Founded in the eleventh century, it takes its name from the Slavic stronghold of Racisburg. Henry the Lion established a bishopric here in 1154 and began the great brick cathedral. The town itself belonged to the duchy of Saxe-Lauenburg, while the cathedral precinct formed a separate territory of the prince-bishopric.

The bishopric became Lutheran in 1554. In 1619 the dukes of Saxe-Lauenburg moved their residence here after the castle at Lauenburg had burned. Danish King Christian V bombarded Ratzeburg in 1693 during a dispute over the duchy's succession, reducing much of the town to ruins. It was rebuilt in Baroque style, but its castle was not restored. After the Napoleonic Wars, the duchy passed into personal union with the Danish crown.