Bothkamp: Lake, nature trails and manor history

Bothkamp brings together a lake, learning trails and traces of history. Bothkamp Lake is located in Bothkamp and covers 1.376 km²; the Dröge Eider flows through it. Those interested in the landscape will find a concrete starting point here for exploring the wider Eider moraine region: it is characterised by gently rolling terrain, lakes, streams, wetlands, small deciduous forests and farmland.

Lake, landscape and trails

The landscape takes many forms. Bodies of water and streams sit alongside patches of woodland, wetlands and farmland. The regional hiking trail “In the Realm of the White-Tailed Eagle” offers views of Bothkamp Lake and Bothkamp Manor House. The route also follows a section of a regional hiking trail for about 1.5 kilometres along a former railway line that is now used as a hiking trail.

Discover the soil with all your senses

The Bothkamp Soil Experience Trail is located in a former gravel pit and features seven learning stations. These include a barefoot path, a soil window for observing soil-dwelling animals, and a finger test that lets visitors examine the soil’s grain sizes. Together, the stations offer different ways to explore: walking barefoot, observing soil organisms and examining the soil’s texture. For families who enjoy exploring nature through their own observations and hands-on activities, the stations offer practical ways to get involved. Parking is available at the Soil Experience Trail.

The Bothkamp Learning Trail

The Bothkamp Learning Trail is an approximately three-kilometre circular route through fields, woodland and open countryside. More than 50 information boards cover topics ranging from nature and agriculture to forestry, fishing, hunting, beekeeping and food production. At Hof Siek, the trail introduces cultivated plants and their importance to modern agriculture. Its range of topics therefore extends from the landscape and its habitats to food production.

The trail is located in the Bothkamp estate district. From the L49, follow the turn-off near Leckerhölken Hus and continue for about one kilometre to Hof Siek 7, where parking is available. Check road conditions before setting out. This information provides practical guidance for reaching the trail, while the approximately three kilometres refers to the circular route itself.

Traces of history in Bothkamp

Bothkamp is recorded as an estate as early as 1243. Another historical landmark is Bothkamp Observatory: it was built in 1869 by Friedrich Gustav von Bülow, and its foundations have been preserved. The two dates point to different aspects of local history, rather than telling the same kind of story: one marks the early mention of Bothkamp as an estate, the other the construction of the observatory.

The wider Plön destination

The wider Plön destination offers further landscapes and activities. Plön District lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland region and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic coastline. It is home to around 80 lakes, including Lake Großer Plöner See, at 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, at 22 km². Activities along the district’s Baltic coast include swimming, sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore sailing trips, cutter trips and surf fishing.

The Holstein Switzerland Nature Park is also part of the region: large parts of Plön District lie within the nature park, which covers 75,000 hectares and offers opportunities to experience nature and see rare animals.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Warnau, Lehmkuhlen, Schellhorn.

Back to the regional travel overview: Preetz-Land.