Country Treasure Garden Café

an oasis in Israelsdorf

Long before Thomas Mann's time, weekends were spent passing through the castle gate and out into the summer resort of Travemünde, heading to the beach, or hiking in the Lauerholz and Schellbruch forests, a green oasis now a nature reserve stretching across Karlshof, Israelsdorf, and Gothmund. The area boasts picturesque brackish lagoons, freshwater ponds, and wetlands, providing a habitat for around 200 bird species. In Israelsdorf, first mentioned in 1163 and purchased by Lübeck in 1513, the right to serve coffee and tea had already been granted in 1781. Consequently, several garden cafés there offered refreshments and buttered bread, cake, and coffee.

Selbiges tut für uns seit bereits mehr als 25 Jahren Familie Benett in ihrem Landschätzchen Gartencafé im Eichenweg 10 , das ich heute für die Lübeck ZWISCHENZEILEN besuche, um mit Christoph Benett zu sprechen, der dieses idyllische Refugium vor den Toren der Altstadt gemeinsam mit seiner Frau Nikola und der ganzen Familie zu einem Wohnfühlort macht.

Happiness awaits outside

This little country gem exudes a wonderful sense of well-being. The expansive garden beckons you as soon as you park your bicycle. Bouquets of flowers on the garden tables and lovingly placed decorative touches greet you. Cushions and blankets are provided for your comfort.

Christoph and Nikola Benett and their entire team are hosts with love and passion. You'll quickly realize that these are people who have an eye for detail. They put themselves in the guest's shoes and consider how to transform an afternoon at their charming country retreat into a mini-vacation.

Did I hear cake?

Only you know what will bring you your own personal enjoyment in the countryside. It could be one of their ice cream specialties. Or a slice of cherry chocolate cake. Perhaps an Israelsdorf cream puff – certainly no less delicious than in Thomas Mann's time – filled with rhubarb or wild berries? Everything is always freshly made in the Landschätzchen bakery. The Benett couple places the utmost importance on seasonality and regionality.

Christoph Benett grew up on the family farm in Israelsdorf, which has been in the family for over 100 years and is now run by Christoph's brother Harald. Living in harmony with nature continues to guide his work. In keeping with the seasons, you'll find exactly what's currently available in our region on the menu. So, strawberry cake is served during strawberry season, not in September.

You place your order at a small, white-painted hut near the garden entrance. Your favorite treats are also handed out there. You're usually not alone. I really appreciate that the Landschätzchen team always remains calm and never loses track of things. This helps even those waiting who are initially in a hurry to relax.

Dining at the Landschätzchen garden café

Herzhafte Speisen vom Grill komplettieren übrigens das Angebot. Nicht, dass du denkst, es gäbe nur Süßes! Mein Tipp ist die Wildgrillwurst, die aus dem Landfeinkosthandel stammt, den die Benetts parallel betreiben. Nein, nicht nebenbei! Ob Wildschweingulasch, Hirschsalami oder Wildmettwurst: diese und weitere nachhaltige Wildfleischprodukte stammen aus eigener Herstellung. Christoph Benett ist passionierter Jäger, der es als seine wichtigste Aufgabe ansieht, die Wildbestände zu hegen und das Ökosystem zu schützen.

Übrigens kocht er auch sehr gern und gibt sein Wissen in Kochkursen weiter. Die sind – man muss es leider feststellen – jedoch immer sehr rasch ausgebucht. Ob’s daran liegt, dass Christoph bereits einmal am TV-Format „Das perfekte Dinner“ teilgenommen hat? Ein paar Rezepte findest du auf der Landschätzchen-Website.

Everyone, young and old, is welcome

What truly makes the Benetts' garden café special are the many activities available for toddlers and young children. A veritable fleet of vehicles awaits young drivers. Whether it's a Bobby Car or a tractor – here they can test their driving skills. New friendships are formed while digging in the sandbox, much to the delight of the adults, who know the little ones are happily occupied.

The best part for me are the small animal enclosures where geese, goats, chickens, rabbits, and ponies live. There aren't many places left where children can interact with animals. Chicken droppings? The smell of the barn? A pitchfork? Many kids only know geese from books. Here, you can hear their excited honking. The rooster struts around his hens with his chest puffed out proudly. Soon the swallows will be back, too. Their nest from last year is already waiting for them under the barn ceiling.

What the Bennetts are doing within their limited spatial constraints is truly remarkable. It's a clear sign of the family's deep connection to nature, and they are deeply committed to helping us all learn to live more in harmony with it.

You can also reach the garden café by public transport. Line 12 will take you from Lübeck's central bus station to Israelsdorf. This little gem of a café offers its treasures on Saturdays and Sundays from 1:30 pm to 6:00 pm. It's also open on public holidays. It's worth checking the website for current opening hours. The Benetts also open their garden during Advent, complete with a bonfire, punch, and campfire bread. Until then, we're looking forward to a very long, wonderful summer. With lots and lots of ice cream!

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