Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Places to see
Germany
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
Landkreis Rostock

Inselsee

Attractions and Places To See around Inselsee - Top 6

Best attractions and places to see around Inselsee include natural features and cultural sites in the Rostock district of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Germany. The lake, covering 4.58 square kilometers, is a central point for recreation. The area features the Schöninsel, a 60-hectare island, and the Heidberge hills, offering diverse landscapes. Güstrow, bordering the lake, provides historical landmarks and museums.

Best attractions and places to see around Inselsee

  • The most popular attractions is Inselsee Swimming Beach and Pier, a beach that offers a large area for rest and swimming. This location provides shade from trees on a spacious lawn and is suitable for cooling off in the lake.
  • Another must-see spot is Bauhofer Bay, a beach known for its remote yet accessible bathing spots. This area features small bays and is connected by a trail between the Schöninsel bridge and a pile path.
  • Visitors also love Ernst Barlach Studio House, Güstrow, a man-made monument that was the studio of sculptor Ernst Barlach. Today, it functions as a museum showcasing his works and includes an exhibition forum.
  • Inselsee is known for its beaches, historical sites, and opportunities for water sports. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from natural landscapes to cultural institutions.
  • The attractions around Inselsee are appreciated by the komoot community, with 496 upvotes and 41 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: June 23, 2026

Inselsee Swimming Beach and Pier

Highlight • Beach

A large beach on the Inselsee awaits you here, which is ideal for a rest. Lots of trees grow on the spacious lawn on the bank, providing pleasant shade in summer. A great place to take a cool dip in the lake water on hot days and relax in the shade of the trees.

Incidentally, the Inselsee was formed over 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age. It got its name from the Schöninsel, which is located in the lake. If you want to visit the island, you can reach it via the bridge that connects it to the surrounding area.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

See rides here

Send to Phone

Save

See guestrow-tourismus.de attraction/ernst-barlach-museen/
Studio house with exhibition forum and graphics cabinet [Seat of the Ernst Barlach Foundation]
In the spacious studio that Barlach moved into in 1931, sculptural works and a biographical exhibition on the artist's life and work can be seen.
Special exhibitions on Barlach and classical modernism are shown in the exhibition forum graphics cabinet.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up now to discover places like this

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Island Lake (Güstrow)

Highlight • Lake

The lake in the south of Güstrow is around 480 hectares in size and between 6 and 15 meters deep. Güstrower Südstadt borders the lake to the north and Heidberg to the east. The lake got its name from the small Schöninsel, which is connected to the surrounding area by a bridge. There are various hiking, cycling and horseback riding trails along the shore, and bathing spots invite you to swim in summer.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Boat rental at Inselsee

Highlight • Rest Area

Here you can rent canoes, kayaks, row boats, water treadles, bicycles and much more.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Bauhofer Bay

Highlight • Beach

great trail between the Schöninsel bridge and the lake-side end of the pile path (here we continue towards the boathouses)

The beaches are very remote, but easy to reach by bike.

Translated by Google •

Tip by

Save

Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Inselsee.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Inselsee

The Best Swimming Lakes In Mecklenburg-Hither Pomerania

Hiking around Inselsee

Cycling around Inselsee

Road Cycling Routes around Inselsee

Running Trails around Inselsee

MTB Trails around Inselsee

Gravel biking around Inselsee

Other adventures around Inselsee

The Best Swimming Lakes In Mecklenburg-Hither Pomerania

Cycling Collection by

Johanna

Tips from the Community

Andreas Nickel
November 2, 2025, Inselsee (Güstrow)

Evening atmosphere at the island lake

Translated by Google

0

0

Schöninsel is no longer accessible because the bridge to the island is dilapidated and closed

Translated by Google

1

0

No special skill required.

Translated by Google

1

1

This is a great place to drive along.

Translated by Google

1

0

Great bathing spot

Translated by Google

0

0

Amazing how many small bays there are

Translated by Google

0

0

There are also two nice hotels for "foreigners".

Translated by Google

1

0

Can be found online at: https://www.museum.de/museen/ernst-barlach-stiftung-güstrow

Translated by Google

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

What natural attractions can I explore around Inselsee?

The Inselsee itself is a beautiful natural feature, covering 4.58 square kilometers and offering opportunities for swimming, boating, and angling. You can also explore the 60-hectare Schöninsel, which divides the lake, and the Heidberge hills, ideal for cycling and hiking. The western part of the lake, including Gutower Moor and Schöninsel, is a designated nature reserve, providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna.

Are there historical or cultural sites near Inselsee?

Yes, the area is rich in history and culture. A prominent site is the Ernst Barlach Studio House, Güstrow, which was the studio of the renowned sculptor Ernst Barlach and now functions as a museum. The nearby city of Güstrow also boasts the impressive Güstrow Castle, known as the largest Renaissance castle in northern Germany, and Güstrow Cathedral, which houses Barlach's famous sculpture, 'The Hovering Angel'.

What water sports and activities are available on Inselsee?

Inselsee is perfect for various water activities. You can enjoy swimming at designated beaches like Inselsee Swimming Beach and Pier or Bauhofer Bay. Paddling, boating, and angling are also popular. For those without their own equipment, Boat rental at Inselsee offers canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and more.

Are there family-friendly activities around Inselsee?

Absolutely! The beaches around Inselsee, such as Inselsee Swimming Beach and Pier and Inselsee Swimming Area, are ideal for families to relax and swim. Renting a boat from Boat rental at Inselsee is another fun option. The Heidberge hills offer gentle paths suitable for family walks and cycling.

Can I go hiking or cycling near Inselsee?

Yes, the area around Inselsee and the Heidberge hills is excellent for both hiking and cycling. There are numerous trails to explore the natural beauty of the region. For specific routes, you can find various options, including easy hikes like the 'Barlach Studio House, Güstrow – Inselsee Swimming Area loop' (3.5 km) or 'Spa House at Inselsee – Inselsee Swimming Area loop' (5.3 km) on the Easy hikes around Inselsee guide. For cycling, there are road cycling and mountain biking routes available, such as the 'Island Lake (Güstrow) – Inselsee Swimming Area loop' (28 km) for MTB, detailed in the MTB Trails around Inselsee guide and Road Cycling Routes around Inselsee guide.

What are the best places for swimming around Inselsee?

Several spots around Inselsee are popular for swimming. The Inselsee Swimming Beach and Pier offers a large area with shade from trees. Bauhofer Bay is known for its remote yet accessible small bays. Another great option is the Inselsee Swimming Area, which is clean and has a restaurant nearby.

Is Inselsee suitable for nature observation or birdwatching?

Yes, particularly the Gutower Moor und Schöninsel Nature Reserve, located in the western part of Inselsee, is an important area for nature observation. It serves as a habitat for numerous animal and plant species and is a significant resting place for geese and ducks, making it ideal for birdwatching.

Where can I find dining options or cafes near the attractions?

Along the shores of Inselsee, you'll find numerous popular excursion restaurants and cozy guesthouses that offer regional delicacies. Many of the swimming areas, like the Inselsee Swimming Area, also have restaurants or snack bars nearby. For example, the Inselsee Swimming Beach and Pier has a snack bar right on the lake and good food next door at the 'Kuhrhaus'.

What is the best time of year to visit Inselsee?

Inselsee is a popular destination year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. For swimming and water sports, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn (May to September) are ideal. The area is also beautiful in spring and autumn for hiking and cycling, with pleasant temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Winter offers a different charm for quiet walks, though water activities are limited.

How can I reach the attractions around Inselsee by public transport or car?

Inselsee is located just south of Güstrow, making it easily accessible. Güstrow has train connections, and local buses likely serve the area around the lake. For those traveling by car, there are parking options near popular attractions like the swimming beaches and the Ernst Barlach Studio House. Specific parking details might vary by location.

What kind of art and sculpture can I see in the area?

The region has a strong connection to the renowned German sculptor Ernst Barlach. You can visit his former studio, the Ernst Barlach Studio House, Güstrow, which now functions as a museum showcasing his extensive works. Additionally, Güstrow Cathedral houses his famous sculpture, 'The Hovering Angel,' and other sites like the Gertrudenkapelle also exhibit his art.

Are there easy walking paths around Inselsee?

Yes, there are many easy walking paths suitable for a leisurely stroll. The Heidberge hills offer gentle routes, and trails connect various points around the lake. For example, the trail between the Schöninsel bridge and a pile path near Bauhofer Bay provides easy access to remote bathing spots. Komoot also lists several easy hikes, such as the 'Barlach Studio House, Güstrow – Inselsee Swimming Area loop' (3.5 km) and the 'Spa House at Inselsee – Inselsee Swimming Area loop' (5.3 km), which are perfect for relaxed walks.

Most popular routes around Inselsee

Family-friendly hikes around Inselsee

Most popular attractions around Inselsee

Lakes

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:

LambrechtshagenWarnemündeElmenhorst/LichtenhagenAdmannshagen-BargeshagenMühl RosinBad DoberanSteffenshagenWittenbeckBörgerende-RethwischKrakow am SeeHoppenradeMönchhagenAm SalzhaffReddelichKröpelinKühlungsbornRövershagenKritzmowBartenshagen-ParkentinGraal-MüritzLalendorfBiendorfBastorfGelbensandeBentwischTarnowAlt BukowZehnaRetschowRostock HeathNeubukowKlein KussewitzDobbin-LinstowZepelinGroß SchwiesowKassowGülzow-PrüzenMistorfKuchelmißSatowKüstenwald StolteraGüstrowGutowBlankenhagenDahmenPlaazKuhsSarmstorfAltkalenPoppendorfReimershagenStäbelowBernittKrakower LakeHohen DemzinHohen SprenzRühnTeterowBaumgartenSchorssowBroderstorfBützowZiesendorfDummerstorfLaagePölchowVorbeckThulendorfRoggentinGlasewitzLelkendorfAlt SührkowSchwaanBehren-LübchinKlein BelitzRukietenKlein UpahlGroß WokernGroß RogeGnoienJürgenshagenFinkenthalCarinerlandBröbberowBenitzJördenstorfSchwinzer HeidePenzinSukow-LevitzowDolgen am SeeGroß WüstenfeldeWiendorfDalkendorfWarnkenhagenThürkowNebelSanitzKirch MulsowStubbendorfThelkowCamminGnewitzWardowGrammowDiekhofSelpinZarnewanzPrebberedeLühburgKrakower OberseeNustrowWalkendorfSchwasdorfDie Die KühlungBoddinUnteres WarnowlandBarnstorfer WaldHütter WohldTeterower LakeBillenhäger ForstMalchiner LakeLangsee

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do in Gotower Moor Und Schöninsel

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy