Schleswig-Holstein's biggest interconnected wooded area.

image author: Rüdiger Poweleit

The, today around 6.000 hectare big Saxon-forest, forms the remnants of a primeval forest, which reached in aeon from the Baltic Sea to Hamburg and Lauenburg.

Prehistoric monuments from the bronze as well as iron time are a-plenty. The 'Hamburger reindeer hunter' left traces that stem from the time around 12 000 BC.

The Germans live,
where they like the water and forest
Tacitus (Roman history writer)

The Limes Saxoniae formed in the Middle Ages a natural border and divided the Slaves from the Germans.

Today the landscape conservation area Saxon-forest-Bille-valley (the green lung) is a popular local recreation area. Numerous paths for hiking or cycling are available. Bridleways are signposted.

The Saxon-forest is tightly connected with the name Bismarck.
After founding the 2nd German Reich, the Saxon-forest was transferred to the Reich's chancellor Otto von Bismarck by William I, Germy Emperor.
A museum and the mausoleum are situated in Friedrichsruh.