4.7
(52)
182
riders
17
rides
Gravel biking around Schmalensee offers a network of routes through the lake district of Schleswig-Holstein. The region is characterized by numerous lakes, rolling hills, and expansive agricultural fields. Gravel bike trails often follow lakeside paths and wind through forests and open countryside. This landscape provides varied terrain suitable for gravel cycling.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.9
(27)
74
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
10
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(3)
14
riders
47.8km
02:41
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
19
riders
41.0km
02:22
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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From 1840, Plön Castle was the official summer residence of the Danish King Christian VIII. For this purpose, the castle was renovated and the furnishings were partly renewed in the style of classicism. At this time, it also received the white plaster that is reminiscent of Danish castles such as Gravenstein and Fredensborg.[9]
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Most recently owned by the state of Schleswig-Holstein, Plön Castle was sold due to necessary renovations that the state could not finance. Since January 2002, it has belonged to the "Fielmann Akademie Schloss Plön" and, after extensive renovations, serves the optometry and audiology industry as a training and qualification center. After the castle had not been open to the public for many years due to its use as a boarding school, the new owner opened it to visitors to a limited extent.
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Plön Castle is one of the largest castles in Schleswig-Holstein and the only one preserved there at an elevated location. It is located in the town of Plön in the district of the same name. The former residence of the Dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön was built in the 17th century during the Thirty Years' War. It has experienced a varied history, in which the castle also served as a cadet school and boarding school.
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Beautiful path through predominantly beech forest.
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A winding path through beautiful countryside. Unfortunately, they didn't skimp on the coarse gravel. Not recommended for tires with high rims.
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The lake was first mentioned in a document in 1075 in a description of the Limes Saxoniae by Adam of Bremen. The village was first mentioned in 1347, when the knight Nikolaus Splyth pledged his estate, including the village of Stocksee, to Reinfeld Monastery. From 1640 to 1649, Stocksee was owned by the noble Brockdorff family. In 1649, Duke Joachim Ernst (Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön), the first Duke of the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön, acquired Stocksee.[6]
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On October 1, 1937, the municipality of Stocksee was merged with the neighboring village of Damsdorf under the name Stocksee. In 1948, the municipal council decided to separate the municipalities again, and this decision was implemented on March 31, 1951.[8][9] In the 1980s, divers found a roughly 700-year-old dugout canoe in the lake, indicating a longer settlement history in the village.
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There are over 20 gravel bike trails around Schmalensee, offering a variety of options for different skill levels. The komoot community has rated these routes highly, with an average score of 4.7 stars.
The region around Schmalensee is characterized by a mix of lakeside paths, rolling hills, and expansive agricultural fields. You'll find unpaved roads, secluded forest paths, and scenic trails that provide varied terrain suitable for gravel cycling.
The trails around Schmalensee cater to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate routes, with a few more challenging options available for experienced riders. There are 9 easy routes, 10 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route.
Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for beginners. One popular easy option is the Pier on Großer Plöner See – View Over the Fields loop from Mittlerer Stocksee und Umgebung, which is about 18.2 km long with moderate elevation gain.
For those seeking a longer ride, the Lakeside Path on Lake Plön – View of Großer Plöner See loop from Stolpe is a moderate 47.8 km path that offers extensive lakeside riding and scenic views. Another option is the Pier on Großer Plöner See – View Over the Fields loop from Rendswühren, which is 42.2 km long.
Many routes offer picturesque views of the numerous lakes, including Großer Plöner See. You might also encounter unique natural features and agricultural landscapes. Specific highlights include Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) and various viewpoints like the View of the Großer Plöner See from the southern shore.
Yes, the region boasts several historical sites. You can find Ascheberg Castle and Belau Castle nearby. The Seedorf Gatehouse (Torhaus Seedorf) is another notable historical site worth exploring.
Yes, parking is generally available at various starting points for the gravel bike trails around Schmalensee and the surrounding lake district. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route pages on komoot.
Public transport options to the Schmalensee region are available, often involving train services to nearby towns like Bornhöved or Ascheberg. It's advisable to check local train schedules and bicycle transport regulations with the regional public transport providers, as policies for carrying bikes can vary.
Many of the easy and moderate routes, especially those along lakeside paths and through less challenging terrain, are suitable for families. The Pier on Großer Plöner See – View Over the Fields loop from Mittlerer Stocksee und Umgebung is a good example of a shorter, easier route that families might enjoy.
Generally, dogs are welcome on many of the gravel bike trails around Schmalensee, especially on public paths and forest roads. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, particularly in nature reserves, agricultural areas, or near livestock, and to check for any specific local regulations or signage on individual routes.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months (April to October) generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking around Schmalensee, with milder weather and lush landscapes. During these seasons, the lakeside paths and open countryside are particularly inviting.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Schmalensee are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the View of Großer Plöner See – Lakeside Path on Lake Plön loop from Ascheberg (Holstein) and the View of Plön – View of Lake Behler loop from Ascheberg (Holstein).


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