4.6
(9678)
36,288
hikers
803
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Rathjensdorf are set within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, characterized by its rolling hills and numerous lakes, including the Great Plön Lake. The region features a diverse natural backdrop of extensive forests and varied terrain. Paths often lead along the shores of significant lakes such as Trammer See and Großer Plöner See. This landscape provides a range of easy hiking options suitable for different fitness levels.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
4.5
(10)
28
hikers
7.30km
01:55
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(8)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Sign up for free
4.7
(3)
11
hikers
6.89km
01:46
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
20
hikers
5.86km
01:36
90m
90m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Plön Castle, built 1633–1636 as a residence for Duke Joachim Ernst, is the largest castle in Schleswig-Holstein and an important Renaissance building. It served as a ducal seat, Danish summer residence, Prussian cadet institute and boarding school before being extensively renovated. Today, the highly visible, white castle is home to the Fielmann Academy. Here are the most important epochs of the castle's history: Origin: The castle stands on the foundations of an older castle from the 12th century. Construction period (1633–1636): Duke Joachim Ernst of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön had the three-winged brick castle built as his residence during the Thirty Years' War. Duchy and Danish period: Until 1761 it was the seat of the Plön Dukes. After the line died out, it fell to the Danish royal family, served as a widow's residence and later as a summer residence for King Christian VIII. During this time (from around 1840) the building was given its present white appearance. Prussian Era & 20th Century: After 1867, the castle became a Prussian cadet institute. In the 20th century, it housed a National Socialist elite school (Napola) and later a boarding school. Fielmann Academy: In 2002, Prof. Dr. Günther Fielmann acquired the castle and established a non-profit optician academy there.
0
0
Transport: Until the 1970s, milk was not transported in 40-ton tankers, but elaborately in cans. Collection process: The dairy farmers placed the full cans on the side of the road or at the milk collection point. The milk truck, often a smaller truck or even a horse-drawn carriage in earlier times, picked them up. Dairy trips: The cans were taken to the dairy, emptied, cleaned and often returned the next day. The transport was labor-intensive, as each can had to be lifted individually.
0
0
Discover the Holstein Switzerland and enjoy your hike along the circular routes Kellersee, Plöner Seen and Segeberger Flüsse und Seen. Look out for our 20 stamp boxes and take a short break there. In the stamp boxes you will find a stamp with a motif from the Holstein Switzerland and a number as well as a stamp pad. Press the stamp onto the correspondingly numbered field in your hiking pass and continue to the next stamp box.
7
0
The Holstein Switzerland Hiking Passport entices hikers with over 20 stamp boxes along three main hiking trails ("Kellersee," "Plön Lakes," "Segeberg Rivers and Lakes"), allowing them to collect hiking badges. Hikers collect stamps in a free passport, available at the tourist information offices in Plön, Malente, Eutin, and Bad Segeberg. Bad Segeberg Tourist Information Office Bad Segeberg Tourist Information Office
5
0
The Holsteinische Schweiz Hiking Pass tempts with over 20 stamp boxes along three main hiking trails ("Kellersee", "Plöner Seen", "Segeberger Flüsse und Seen") to earn hiking pins. Hikers collect stamps in a free pass, available at the Tourist Information centers in Plön, Malente, Eutin, or Bad Segeberg. Tourist-Info Bad Segeberg Tourist-Info Bad Segeberg
5
0
Should you buy honey directly from a beekeeper or at the supermarket? Regional honey from Germany or a so-called "blend" from EU and non-EU countries? You'll often find honey of varying origins and quality. Prices also differ significantly. In our blog post, you'll learn the difference between beekeeper's honey and supermarket honey, and why you should ideally buy your next batch of honey directly from a beekeeper.
9
0
The path through the pretty entrance gate leads to a white-tailed eagle observation platform...
2
0
Easy hikes around Rathjensdorf primarily feature the picturesque landscapes of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. You'll encounter rolling hills, extensive forests, and numerous lakes such as Trammer See and Großer Plöner See. Many paths lead directly along the lake shores, offering varied and scenic views.
Yes, several easy trails offer views of significant landmarks and natural features. For instance, the Plön Castle loop from Appelwarder takes you near Plön Castle. You can also find excellent viewpoints overlooking the lakes, such as the View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge, which can be incorporated into many routes.
Yes, the easy hiking trails in Rathjensdorf are generally very suitable for families. The terrain is characterized by rolling hills rather than steep ascents, and many paths follow lake shores or through forests, providing pleasant and manageable walks for all ages. Routes like the Trammersee North Shore loop are popular choices.
Most easy hiking trails around Rathjensdorf are dog-friendly, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery with your canine companion. However, it's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature protection areas or when passing through agricultural land, to protect local wildlife and livestock.
Yes, many of the easy hiking routes around Rathjensdorf are designed as circular walks, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the View of Lake Plön loop and the Trammer See loop from Plön.
The terrain on easy hikes in Rathjensdorf is generally gentle and varied. You'll find well-maintained paths, often leading through forests, along lake shores, and across open fields. While there are rolling hills, the elevation changes are usually gradual, making them accessible for most fitness levels.
The Holstein Switzerland Nature Park is a vital habitat for various bird species. On your easy hikes, you might spot great crested grebes, coots, corn crakes, and even white-tailed eagles. The diverse landscape also supports other local wildlife, especially around the numerous lakes and forests.
Rathjensdorf offers enjoyable easy hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring brings blooming nature, summer provides lush greenery and pleasant lake views, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, the trails can be beautiful, especially after a fresh snowfall, though some paths might be muddy or icy.
Yes, there are several short and easy hikes perfect for a quick escape. For example, the Plön Castle loop from Appelwarder is only 2.5 miles (4.0 km) and can be completed in about an hour, offering a pleasant walk around the castle area.
The easy hiking trails around Rathjensdorf are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 8,900 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the beautiful lake views, the peaceful forest paths, and the well-maintained routes that make for a relaxing outdoor experience.
While Rathjensdorf itself is a smaller municipality, many trails are accessible from nearby towns like Plön, which has a train station. From Plön, you can often find local bus connections or start your hike directly from the town center to explore the surrounding lakes and nature.
Many easy trails, especially those closer to Plön or other villages, may have cafes, restaurants, or kiosks nearby where you can stop for refreshments. It's a good idea to check the specific route details or local maps beforehand to plan your breaks.


Browse the best Hikes in other regions.