Schönhorst: Hills, Forest and Water

Schönhorst combines very hilly terrain with forest, grassland and waterways. Particularly appealing is the contrast between the wooded areas in the north and the agricultural landscape in the south. Small ponds, wetland areas and an open view to the southeast towards Lake Bothkamp add further definition to the landscape. If you are looking for accommodation for a nature-focused stay, you can consider when planning whether to focus on the circular hike described here or on broader destinations within the wider travel region.

Hills, Forest and Water

Extensive woodland lies in the north of Schönhorst. It includes small ponds, wet forests and ecologically valuable areas of natural succession. Intensive grassland farming shapes the landscape in the south, where numerous small bodies of water are scattered across the fields. The comparatively well-developed network of hedgerows is another defining landscape feature.

The Strom flows from north to south through the entire municipality, while the Schönhorster Graben flows into the Strom. Local ditches drain southwards towards Lake Bothkamp and the Eider. To the southeast, the view opens towards Lake Bothkamp. Wet woodland and open, agriculturally shaped areas thus lie side by side, offering different scenes for anyone who enjoys exploring a landscape attentively.

Exploring on Foot

A circular hike leads into Schönhorster Gehege and crosses a stream that flows towards Lake Bothkamp. The route includes views of Lake Bothkamp, the church in Kirchbarkau and Herrenhaus Bothkamp. The estimated duration is about five hours. The combination of woodland, stream and varied viewpoints makes this a concrete option for a longer day of hiking. A historic marker along the way is the reforestation carried out in 1992, when new hiking trails were created.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

State Road 307 runs west to east through Schönhorst, connecting State Road 318 with Federal Road 404. For the circular hike described here, you can drive via the A 21 or B 404 and take the Kirchbarkau exit. By bus, route 410 runs from Kiel Central Station/ZOB to Kirchbarkau, Am Alten Bahnhof. Before setting out, check the timetable as well as local trail conditions and access.

A Look at Schönhorst’s History

The village’s history includes a specific event from 1334: Sifried and Eler von Bissee sold half of the village of Schönhorst to Heinrich Godethit. The year and the names of those involved provide a precise historical anchor alongside today’s landscape.

The Wider Travel Region of Rendsburg-Eckernförde

The wider travel region of Rendsburg-Eckernförde offers a broader regional context. Rendsburg-Eckernförde district has a signposted cycle network stretching 1,000 kilometres. The 180-kilometre Nature Park Hiking Trail runs through the district’s four nature parks; the district also has 55 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. These regional dimensions may be useful when planning a broader stay with an interest in cycling, hiking or the coast, while Schönhorst itself is defined by its hilly landscape, forests and waterways.

Discover more destinations: Bordesholm, Norby, Bendorf, Jevenstedt, Hoffeld, Güby, Damendorf, Westerrönfeld.

View the wider travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.