Best lakes around Bad Segeberg are found in Schleswig-Holstein, a region characterized by its picturesque landscape and diverse natural features. The town is a climatic health resort surrounded by various lakes, including the Großer Segeberger See and the Ihlsee. These bodies of water are integral to the local environment, offering varied ecosystems and recreational opportunities. The region's unique geology, influenced by the Kalkberg, contributes to the distinct characteristics of its surrounding lakes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
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The further you get from Bad Segeberg, the quieter and more secluded the path becomes – at least in winter. After rain or during thaws, it can sometimes be very muddy.
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On hot days, the shady paths are a welcome change 😉...
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The Ihlsee is located in the northwestern part of the district town of Bad Segeberg on the northern edge of the Kleinniendorf district and is part of the designated Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve. The origin of the lake has not been fully investigated. Either the depression was formed after the Ice Age due to dead ice or it was created as a sinkhole by the collapse of a cave in the Segeberg salt dome. Today the lake has an area of around 29 hectares and stretches 450 m from north to south and around 850 m from west to east; the shore is 2.25 km long. Along with the Bültsee and the Garrensee, the lake is one of the few nutrient-poor lakes in Schleswig-Holstein. The lake is located in a depression and has no inflow. It is fed only by groundwater and inflowing surface water (precipitation). To the north of the bathing area is the outflow that connects the lake to the Great Segeberg Lake. The lake can be walked around, but there is no path along the lake. There is a bathing area on the eastern shore that has existed for decades. The bathing water quality is regularly monitored and in recent years has been rated as very good to good. There is a residential area on the northern shore. On the western and southern sides, the Ihlwald, a swamp forest, dominates the shoreline. From 1911 to 1961, there was a Kiel-Segeberg narrow-gauge railway station at Ihlsee, the tracks of which were removed in 1962. The Ihlsee was declared a nature reserve in 1950 because of its special features. The lake is a particularly nutrient-poor body of water, which gives rise to rare flora. Today, the lake is part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve and has been part of the Natura 2000 protected area network since 2006. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihlsee
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On the eastern shore of the Ihlsee, the lido invites you to swim in wonderfully clear water. For small bathers, the spacious, shallow non-swimmer area is ideal for playing and splashing around. In addition, wide lawns and the diving tower with water slide offer plenty of fun for the whole family or especially for a refreshment and cooling down during your tour. Free parking is also available. http://ihlsee-strandbad.de/
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good starting point for tours with free parking, you can also swim in the Waldseebad
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Day ticket €2, annual ticket not available. Dogs forbidden. (2023)
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Beautiful hiking trail around the lake.
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The Großer Segeberger See is ideal for active recreation. You can go swimming at various free bathing spots, including a swimming jetty, or visit the lido and outdoor pool. Water sports enthusiasts can rent pedal and rowboats, try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), or join local rowing and sailing clubs. There's also a popular 7.5-kilometer circular trail for walking or cycling, and the lake hosts the annual 'Segeberger Lake Festival'.
The Ihlsee is recognized as one of Schleswig-Holstein's most significant nutrient-poor lakes, making it a unique ecosystem. It's part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve, supporting rare and endangered plant species. The surrounding Ihlwald (Ihl forest) is a wetland and fen forest, home to diverse wildlife, including many woodpecker species and endangered animals like the pond bat and moor frog. A family-friendly 5.1-kilometer circular path allows you to explore this tranquil reserve.
Yes, there are several easy walking trails. The Großer Segeberger See features a popular 7.5-kilometer circular trail that takes about 90 minutes to complete. For a more tranquil experience, the Kleiner Segeberger See offers a short circular path perfect for a peaceful stroll. The Ihlsee also has a family-friendly 5.1-kilometer circular path within its nature reserve. You can find more easy hikes, such as the 'Great Segeberg Lake – Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg loop', in the Easy hikes around Bad Segeberg guide.
Yes, swimming is possible in both the Großer Segeberger See and the Ihlsee. The Großer Segeberger See offers unmonitored, free bathing spots, a swimming jetty, a lido, and an outdoor pool, with consistently excellent water quality. The Ihlsee has an established bathing area on its eastern shore, which regularly receives 'very good' to 'good' water quality ratings.
The Lakeside promenade at the Great Segeberg Lake offers a wide view over the Großer Segeberger See. It's a pleasant area with facilities like a sundeck with recliners, a Kneipp basin, an open-air forest grandstand, and a play area. It's a great spot for sitting, relaxing, and observing the lake's changing appearance, as noted by visitors who appreciate the beautiful views.
Yes, the lakes offer several family-friendly options. The Großer Segeberger See has a play area on its south shore and is suitable for swimming and boat rentals. The Ihlsee features a family-friendly 5.1-kilometer circular path within its nature reserve, perfect for exploring. The West Shore of Great Segeberg Lake is also noted as family-friendly with comfortable benches for lingering.
For panoramic views, the View of Großer Segeberger Lake from a small hill on the north side offers a fantastic perspective over the water. The Lakeside promenade at the Great Segeberger Lake also provides wide views. Additionally, the Trail along the north shore of Großer Segeberger See offers beautiful lake views under shady trees.
You can find various cycling routes around the Bad Segeberg lakes. For touring bicycles, options include routes like the 'View of the Großer Segeberger See – Goldmarie by the Lake Café loop from Bad Segeberg'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails such as the 'View of Großer Segeberger Lake – Klüthsee Swimming Area loop'. More details are available in the Cycling around Bad Segeberg and MTB Trails around Bad Segeberg guides.
The Kleiner Segeberger See, located at the foot of the Kalkberg, is known as a 'small oasis of calm' within the city. It offers a serene escape with a short circular path, perfect for a peaceful stroll, observing ducks, and relaxing on benches. It provides a direct connection to nature within an urban environment.
Yes, the Ihlsee is part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve, established in 1950. This protected area is significant for its nutrient-poor lake ecosystem and the surrounding wetland and fen forest, which host rare plant species and diverse wildlife. The Ihlsee has been part of the Natura 2000 protected area network since 2006.
Visitors particularly enjoy the pleasant environment and comfortable amenities at the West Shore of Great Segeberg Lake. Many appreciate the beautiful views and the comfortable benches, some of which can rotate with the sun, inviting visitors to linger and relax by the water.


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