Lakes around Stipsdorf are a central feature of this locality, situated within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The area is characterized by its rolling landscapes and numerous lakes, formed by unique geological processes involving salt domes and glacial activity. Stipsdorf is closely associated with the Großer Segeberger See, a prominent lake offering various recreational opportunities. The region provides a mix of larger, more active lakes and smaller, quieter natural bodies of water.
Last updated: June 17, 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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In the season you don't necessarily have to go hiking ;-)...
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Beautiful hiking trail around the lake.
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The lakes in this region, particularly the Großer Segeberger See and Klüthsee, have a fascinating geological origin. They formed from the collapse of cavities created by the dissolution of underlying salt and gypsum, a process linked to a rising salt dome. This unique history contributes to the distinctive landscapes of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park.
Visitors highly recommend the View of Großer Segeberger Lake, which offers a fantastic perspective over the water from a small hill. Another favorite is the West Shore of Great Segeberg Lake, known for its beautiful views and comfortable benches that invite you to linger.
Yes, there are several hiking opportunities. A popular option is the 'Großer Segeberger See Loop,' a 6.0-mile moderate trail that circles the lake, offering views of the water and forest paths. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Stipsdorf guide.
For an accessible experience, the 'Großer Segeberger See Loop' is suitable for all skill levels. Additionally, the Lakeside promenade at the Great Segeberg Lake offers beautiful views and is considered wheelchair accessible. The Klüthsee also has a loop trail, 'View of Großer Segeberger Lake – Klüthsee loop,' which combines views of both lakes.
Absolutely. The area around the Großer Segeberger See is a great starting point for various bike tours that wind through the rural regions. You can explore routes like 'Klein Rönnau Watermill – Market Fountain Bad Segeberg loop' or 'The Trave at Groß Rönnau – Ihlsee Beach loop'. More cycling options are available in the Cycling around Stipsdorf guide.
Many spots are family-friendly. The View of Großer Segeberger Lake and the West Shore of Great Segeberg Lake are noted as family-friendly highlights. The Großer Segeberger See also has designated bathing spots, making it suitable for families looking to enjoy the water.
Yes, while both share a similar geological origin, the Klüthsee, located northeast of the Großer Segeberger See, is generally smaller and quieter. It's ideal for those seeking a more peaceful natural experience, surrounded by forests and meadows, though direct water access points are fewer than at its larger neighbor.
The lakes are part of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, which is rich in natural beauty. The Ihlsee, for example, is a particularly nutrient-poor body of water, supporting rare flora and is part of a nature reserve. While specific wildlife sightings depend on the season and luck, the natural environment provides habitats for various local species.
Yes, the West Shore of Great Segeberg Lake is explicitly listed as dog-friendly, offering a pleasant environment for walks with your canine companion. Always ensure dogs are kept on a leash where required and respect local regulations.
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful views and the opportunity to relax by the water. The comfortable benches at the West Shore of Great Segeberg Lake are a particular highlight, as is the 'wonderful change of lake and forest landscape' found on trails like the Trail along the north shore of Großer Segeberger See.
Yes, if you're looking for tranquility, the Klüthsee is known for being significantly quieter than the Großer Segeberger See. It offers a more serene natural experience, perfect for peaceful walks and enjoying nature away from larger crowds.
The Ihlsee is located in Bad Segeberg and is part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve. It's notable for being one of the few nutrient-poor lakes in Schleswig-Holstein, supporting rare flora. It has no inflow and is fed by groundwater, with a bathing area on its eastern shore known for very good water quality.


Still not found your perfect lake around Stipsdorf? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.