Top 20 Lakes around Barmstedt
Best lakes around Barmstedt are centered around the artificial Rantzauer See, located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This 7.5-hectare lake, with a maximum depth of 3 meters, was created by damming the Krückau river. The area combines historical significance with recreational opportunities, featuring both natural and man-made water bodies. It provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities and exploration.
Best lakes around Barmstedt
- The most popular lakes is Barmstedt Castle Island, a castle that looks back on 900 years of history. This island features a manor house, a museum, a café, and exhibitions in the castle prison, with a watermill nearby.
- Another must-see spot is Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, an other natural area. It offers places for picnics, opportunities to learn about peat, and features two circular hiking trails.
- Visitors also love View of Lake Rantzau, a viewpoint. This location offers views of the artificially created reservoir and its idyllic castle island, providing a destination for bike or hiking tours.
- Barmstedt is known for artificial lakes, forest lakes, and former gravel pit lakes. The region offers a variety of water bodies for different recreational interests, from historical sites to fishing spots.
- The lakes around Barmstedt are appreciated by the komoot community. The area has received more than 740 upvotes and features over 300 photos from visitors.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
Barmstedt Castle Island
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View of Lake Rantzau
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Waldsee Spring and Picnic Area
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Bokeler See
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In addition to the direct view of the water, these rooms inspire with noble materials such as oak floorboards, craquelé tiles and printed linen fabrics. The open room layout gives a clear view of the historic ceiling beams and the brickwork. All rooms have rain showers, vanities and separate toilets. Our suites and junior suites also have free-standing bathtubs.
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Westerhorn Moor Railway and Peat Ponds
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Tips from the Community
Somewhat dated, but still in operation: Peat farming
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Renaturation in full swing!
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A beautiful place for a little break. A narrow path about 2 km long runs directly along the lake and there are a few benches with a view of the lake.
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Here is a nice rest area including a barbecue area.
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Unfortunately, the castle prison is closed this year due to a change of tenants and renovations, but there is a great special exhibition about Dutch tiles in the museum (Sat/Sun 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.)!
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Individual rooms and suites directly on Lake Bokel give you the agony of choice: our standard rooms with a classic room layout and a closed bathroom or our loft rooms and suites with a view of the lake. These are located in the former mill. In addition to the direct view of the water, these rooms inspire with noble materials such as oak floorboards, craquelé tiles and printed linen fabrics. The open room layout gives a clear view of the historic ceiling beams and the brickwork. All rooms have rain showers, vanities and separate toilets. Our suites and junior suites also have free-standing bathtubs.
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Work is currently taking place on the old moor railway. It looks as if the tracks will be removed from the bog and the area will be completely restored.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore around the lakes in Barmstedt?
The most prominent historical site is the Rantzau Castle Island (Schlossinsel) on Rantzauer See. This island has a rich history spanning 900 years, featuring a classical manor house, a museum for the County of Rantzau, a court writer's house with changing exhibitions, and a former prison now housing a café and exhibitions. An old watermill from the 19th century also borders the island.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Barmstedt?
Yes, the Rantzauer See offers several family-friendly activities. There's a free public swimming area with a sandy beach, sunbathing lawn, volleyball court, and table tennis. You can also rent pedal boats and rowing boats, or enjoy a round of mini-golf. The View of Lake Rantzau highlight mentions these facilities.
What kind of nature and wildlife can I observe around Barmstedt's lakes?
The Rantzauer See is a good spot for birdwatching, with common waterfowl like greylag geese, Canada geese, and great crested grebes. The Moor Nature Trail Water Birds specifically highlights opportunities to observe various bird species such as mallards, coots, and moorhens in their natural habitat.
Where can I go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around a lake in the region?
The Pinnsee, a forest lake in the Herzogtum Lauenburg district, is ideal for walks and bike rides, with a full circuit taking less than half an hour. The Rantzauer See also has surrounding paths, and the adjacent Rantzauer Forst provides further opportunities for hiking and cycling. For specific cycling routes, you can explore the Cycling around Barmstedt guide.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Barmstedt?
Yes, the Rantzauer See features a free public swimming area with a sandy beach, typically open from May to September. The Pinnsee also has a small bathing beach on its eastern shore, known for its clear water.
What are the best times to visit the lakes around Barmstedt?
The Rantzauer See is particularly vibrant from May to September when its public swimming area is open and boat rentals are available. During this period, the rhododendron park is also in bloom. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter can also be appealing for quiet walks, though some facilities may be closed.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond swimming and boating on Rantzauer See, the area offers extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various routes in the Cycling around Barmstedt, Road Cycling Routes around Barmstedt, and MTB Trails around Barmstedt guides. The Rantzauer Forst, adjacent to Rantzauer See, is also popular for walks.
Are there any lakes primarily for fishing in the Barmstedt region?
Yes, the Teichanlage Bokholdt-Hahnredder, a former gravel pit lake near Barmstedt, is privately owned by the Sportanglerverein Elmshorn-Barmstedt. It is known for its very clean water and a variety of fish species, making it a valuable spot for anglers.
What unique natural features can be found near Barmstedt's lakes?
Besides the lakes themselves, you can visit the Waldsee Spring and Picnic Area, which features a natural water source and an educational forest trail. The Rantzauer See also has a beautiful rhododendron park nearby.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Rantzauer See area?
Visitors frequently praise the idyllic setting of the View of Lake Rantzau, noting it as a great destination for bike or hiking tours. The historic Rantzau Castle Island with its museum, café, and exhibitions is also a major draw, offering a blend of history and relaxation.
How was the Rantzauer See formed?
The Rantzauer See is an artificial lake, created between 1934 and 1938 by damming the Krückau river. It covers an area of 7.5 hectares and has a maximum depth of three meters.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around the Rantzauer See. The Rantzau Castle Island hosts a café in the former castle prison. There are also various cafés surrounding the lake, some offering lake views, as mentioned in tips for the View of Lake Rantzau.
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