Discover Stolpe: Lake, Moor and Urzeithof

In Stolpe, the attractions range from the natural history exhibits at Urzeithof to the paths along Lake Stolpe and the habitats of Stolpe Moor. There are also cycling routes that offer different perspectives on the lake, hedgerow landscape and village. When planning, consider whether you would like your stay to focus more on the collection and local history, or on nature and outdoor activities.

Urzeithof and farm café

Since 22 June 2019, the Urzeithof Museum and its farm café have been located in Stolpe. The museum presents natural science topics to a broad audience. Its collection includes fossils, minerals and extant animals—that is, animals living today. Exhibits may change. The farm café serves homemade cakes and tarts; regional products feature in the seasonal selection. Check current access arrangements before your visit. Opening hours and the café selection may also change.

Lake Stolpe and circular route

Lake Stolpe has a bathing area. The circular route around the lake is approximately 8 kilometres long and takes about two and a half hours. It starts at the school in Stolpe and, via Gärtnersteg, reaches a path above the lake, from where there are views across the water. The route also reaches the old cobbled road to Gut Perdoel, crosses the Alte Schwentine and continues to where it flows into Lake Stolpe. The route description dates from 2014. Check the path conditions, signage and access locally.

Stolpe Moor and lakeside vegetation

Stolpe Moor is a fen along the Schierenseer Au, which flows into Lake Stolpe to the south. The municipality has acquired areas of the moor for compensation and nature conservation purposes. Galloway cattle graze the wet meadows to preserve their wet grassland character. By the lake, alder carr gives way to a broad reed belt. The landscape is therefore defined by more than open water: wet meadows and changes in lakeside vegetation also shape its natural character. Management practices may change over time.

Cycling routes and local history

In Stolpe, the Vicelinweg follows Gärtnersteg parallel to Lake Stolpe and passes through a hedgerow landscape. The Vicelinweg circular route also passes through Stolpe. The red main route of the Limes Saxoniae also runs through the village; a detour leads to the bathing area at Lake Stolpe. The routes therefore have different focuses: the Vicelinweg takes in the lake and hedgerows, while the Limes Saxoniae passes through Stolpe and offers a detour to the water. Check the route, signage and path conditions before cycling. Stolpe is believed to have been founded by Slavs around 800 AD on the Limes Saxoniae.

Getting here and finding accommodation

Stolpe can be reached from Kiel and Bad Segeberg by VKP bus 410. By car, travel from Hamburg or Kiel via the A 21. Check the current timetable and road and traffic conditions before setting off. When looking for accommodation, it helps to decide what you would like to focus on: should your stay include primarily Urzeithof, the lake and the moor, or would you also like to consider other options in Plön district?

In the wider destination of Plön

Plön offers a broader perspective beyond Stolpe, taking in lakes and the Baltic Sea coast. Plön district lies between the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. The district is home to around 80 lakes, including Lake Großer Plöner See, which covers 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, which covers 22 km². These regional landscape features describe the wider setting of the Plön destination.

Along the district’s Baltic Sea coast, there are bathing opportunities from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand. Sailing, surfing, diving, boat excursions, offshore sailing trips, cutter trips and surf fishing are also possible there. Specific providers and departure times may change.

Discover more destinations

Belau, Großharrie, Wankendorf, Schillsdorf

To the overview of the wider travel region: Bokhorst-Wankendorf.