Discover Lehmkuhlen: Nature, the Schusteracht and estate history

Lehmkuhlen is shaped by nature and agriculture. The Schusteracht offers a different perspective on the landscape: its route passes through forests and nature reserves, by lakes and along the Schwentine. Historic estates, manor houses and cultural monuments also line the way and invite you to visit. Nature and cultural landscape thus offer two distinct themes to consider when planning your trip. Think about whether you would like to spend more time on a circular route or on a visit with a historical connection; these priorities may also influence your choice of accommodation.

The Schusteracht: Routes and landscapes

The Schusteracht is about 64 kilometres long, well signposted and has few major climbs. Two loops offer a useful comparison: the north-western loop is around 30 kilometres long, and the south-eastern loop around 33 kilometres. The south-eastern loop is therefore approximately three kilometres longer. All distances are approximate and may be adjusted slightly in later route descriptions. For planning a tour together, distance and climbs are useful reference points; check the current route and signposting before setting off.

One route runs from Preetz via Bredeneek Castle/Lehmkuhlen to Rastorf Estate and back to Preetz. Another goes from Preetz via Rethwisch Estate and Lehmkuhlen towards Trenthorst, Sophienhof, Wahlstorf Estate and other stops before returning to Preetz. These routes provide further points of reference if you would like to include places and estates along the way on a cycling tour.

Cultural landscape and Bredeneek Castle

The chestnut avenue at Lehmkuhlen Estate is protected as a historic landscape monument. This gives your trip planning a concrete connection to the historic cultural landscape, in addition to the cycle routes.

Bredeneek Castle has its own historical story: in 1830, Hamburg merchant Conrad Donner laid its foundation stone. Since 2004, the castle has been restored as faithfully to the original as possible. Visits and guided tours are available by arrangement with the owner. Bredeneek Castle can also be booked for family celebrations, company events and other business functions. Please contact the venue directly to confirm availability and terms.

In the wider destination of Plön

If you also consider the wider district of Plön when planning your trip, you will find a broader landscape setting. The district lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland region and has about 50 kilometres of Baltic coastline. It includes around 80 lakes, among them Lake Großer Plöner See, covering 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, covering 22 km². The district’s Baltic coast offers opportunities for swimming; sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore sailing trips, cutter trips and surf fishing are also possible there. Large parts of the district belong to the 75,000-hectare Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, which offers space to enjoy nature and spot rare animals. The district also has an 850-kilometre signposted cycling network and developed Nordic walking routes for cycling and walking tours. This allows you to broaden your local trip plans with a wider perspective on the lakes, coast and activities in the district of Plön.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Warnau, Bothkamp, Schellhorn.

Back to the wider travel overview: Preetz-Land.