The best walks and hikes in Holstein Switzerland
4.6
(17294)
62,717
hikers
1,416
hikes
Hiking in Holstein Switzerland is characterized by its undulating green hills, expansive deciduous forests, and over 200 lakes, including major bodies of water like Großer Plöner See and Kellersee. The landscape, shaped by the last ice age, features rolling terrain rather than mountains, with the Bungsberg hill reaching 168 meters. The region's extensive network of waterways, such as the Schwentine River, connects many of these natural features, offering diverse hiking environments.
Best hiking trails in Holstein Switzerland
- The most popular hiking route is Circular route Großer Segeberger See – Holsteinische Schweiz, a 6.0 miles (9.7 km) moderate trail that takes 2 hours 32 minutes to complete. This route offers views of the Großer Segeberger See.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Around the Kellersee and Ukleisee lakes, a moderate 11.2 miles (18.1 km) path. This trail provides varied scenery around two prominent lakes, passing through forests and open landscapes.
- Local hikers also love the Plön Lakes Circular Trail - Holstein Switzerland, a 9.7 miles (15.7 km) trail leading through a landscape of interconnected lakes and forests, often completed in about 4 hours 9 minutes.
- Hiking in Holstein Switzerland is defined by rolling hills, extensive lake systems, and light beech forests. The region offers a variety of routes suitable for different ability levels, from easy walks to more challenging day hikes.
- The routes in Holstein Switzerland are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 15,000 reviews. More than 63,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Holstein Switzerland's varied terrain.
Last updated: July 7, 2026
4.8
(1164)
3,556
hikers
9.73km
02:32
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(623)
1,870
hikers
18.1km
04:42
110m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(210)
647
hikers
15.7km
04:09
130m
130m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.4
(116)
398
hikers
9.92km
02:39
100m
110m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(811)
2,837
hikers
10.8km
02:47
50m
50m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lakeside hiking and cycling path nestled between the lake, meadows/pastures, and fields. A resting place for many seabirds. On the northeast shore, you'll find a boat landing, a settlement, and the "Old Sheepfold."
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Building from ancient times and beautiful.
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This is a really beautiful, old, very well-maintained train station, from both sides!
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In Bad Malente, the spa town in the heart of Holstein Switzerland, lies the Wonderland of the Forest. This includes the wildlife park, the Holzberg Tower, and the Tree Park. These extremely popular visitor attractions are operated and maintained on a voluntary basis by us, the Malente Village and Nature Association. Please feel free to stop by and experience the flora and fauna from different perspectives. In the neighboring village of Krummsee, we recommend visiting the nature trail around Lake Krummsee.
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Here, you'll find a 700-meter-long, enchanting singletrack trail through the forest. It climbs quite steeply on a hillside, crossing a slope covered in horsetail and giant ancient firs that stand quite unexpectedly by the water.
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Eutin Castle in Eutin, East Holstein, is the cultural center and nucleus of the town. Along with Gottorf Castle and Glücksburg Castle, it is one of the most important secular court buildings in Schleswig-Holstein. The four-winged complex originated from a medieval castle and was expanded into a royal residence over several centuries.
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A historic park in the style of an English landscape garden, bordering Eutin Castle. The garden's earliest origins date back to around 1500. From 1716 onward, a luxurious French Baroque garden was created, in keeping with the spirit of the times. However, just 60 years later, work began on its fundamental redesign and expansion into what was then a fashionable English landscape garden, featuring numerous special trees from all over the world, winding paths, small temples, a waterfall, a Chinese bridge, and romantic views of the lake. It has remained almost unchanged to this day, except that the trees have since grown into magnificent giants. The Ducal Garden has been open to the public for almost 200 years. Also located within the garden is a separate kitchen garden with an orangery, a New Zealand House, a display kitchen, and various beautifully maintained plantings (medicinal herbs, heirloom varieties, vines, kettle trees). The garden is now a listed monument as one of Northern Germany's most important works of garden art. It was extensively renovated in 2015. Learn about the philosophy behind this many-hectare, listed gem, its botanical features, what a kitchen garden is all about, and much more on a guided tour offered by the Eutin Tourist Information Center. Numerous educational programs for children are also held here. On the map Eutin Castle Garden Jungfernstieg 23701 Eutin Germany Tel.: +49 4521 / 70950 Email: info@schloss-eutin.de Website: www.schloss-eutin.de
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of landscape can I expect when hiking in Holstein Switzerland?
Holstein Switzerland is characterized by its gently rolling hills, expansive deciduous forests, and a remarkable network of over 200 lakes, including major ones like Großer Plöner See and Kellersee. The landscape was shaped by the last ice age, resulting in a picturesque environment often compared to a 'Swiss' or 'Canadian' feel, with the Bungsberg hill being the highest point at 168 meters.
Are there hiking trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, Holstein Switzerland offers a variety of trails, with many being suitable for families. Over 870 routes are classified as easy, providing gentle paths through forests and along lake shores. These routes are perfect for shorter outings with children, allowing them to enjoy nature without strenuous climbs.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails in Holstein Switzerland?
Many trails in Holstein Switzerland are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the region's natural beauty with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas or near wildlife, and to respect local regulations.
What types of natural features or landmarks can I see along the trails?
Beyond the numerous lakes and forests, you can discover various natural and cultural landmarks. Hikers often encounter historic manor houses, charming towns, and castles like Eutin Castle. The region's diverse ecosystems also provide opportunities to spot aquatic birds and other wildlife, especially along the Schwentine River.
Are there circular hiking routes available in Holstein Switzerland?
Yes, the region is well-known for its extensive network of circular hiking trails. The Plön Lakes Circular Trail, for example, offers a scenic 15.7 km loop through interconnected lakes and forests. Many other marked circular paths cater to different distances and difficulty levels.
What is the best time of year to go hiking in Holstein Switzerland?
Holstein Switzerland is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly popular. In spring, the forests burst with fresh greenery and wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage colors. Summer is ideal for combining hiking with water activities on the lakes, and even mild winter days can provide peaceful, crisp walks.
How many hiking routes are there in total in Holstein Switzerland?
There are over 1,400 hiking routes recorded in Holstein Switzerland on komoot, offering a wide range of options for every preference. This includes nearly 900 easy routes, over 470 moderate trails, and a selection of more challenging hikes.
What do other hikers say about the trails in Holstein Switzerland?
The hiking routes in Holstein Switzerland are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 15,000 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the diverse scenery, well-maintained paths, and the peaceful atmosphere of the lakes and forests.
Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots I should look out for?
Absolutely. The region offers numerous scenic spots, often overlooking its many lakes. The Promenade on the Great Eutin Lake provides beautiful vistas, and the Bungsberg, as the highest point, offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Many trails also lead to picturesque spots along the lake shores.
Can I reach hiking trailheads using public transport?
While specific public transport options vary by trailhead, Holstein Switzerland has a regional public transport network that can connect you to many towns and starting points for hikes. Planning your route in advance and checking local bus or train schedules is recommended to ensure convenient access.
Are there any historical sites to explore while hiking?
Yes, the region is rich in history. Besides castles like Eutin Castle, you can find historical sites such as the Stairs to the Jagdschlösschen at Lake Uklei. Pilgrimage routes like the Jakobsweg and Mönchsweg also traverse the area, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Most popular routes in Holstein Switzerland
Most popular attractions in Holstein Switzerland
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