Discover Freienwill: Hollmarksee and local history

Freienwill brings together a body of water steeped in history and architectural and landscape features from different eras. Hollmarksee is an interesting swimming destination with a history of its own; St. John's Church and Bronze Age graves reach far back into the past. Höckberg also offers a different perspective on the landscape. When looking for accommodation in Freienwill, a simple question can help you decide: would you like your stay to focus more on time by the water, cultural history, or landscapes and outdoor activities?

Hollmarksee: natural history and swimming area

Hollmarksee is a spring-fed lake inland in Freienwill. After an outlet channel to the Kielstau was built in 1906, its area decreased from 4.05 hectares to 1.9 hectares. The lake was discovered as a swimming destination in the early 1920s. This development links the lake's physical form with its history as a bathing spot.

The swimming area includes a non-swimmer section for children, a bathing island and a separate island with a diving tower. Changing rooms and sanitary facilities, as well as a large sunbathing lawn with sunny and shaded areas, round out the amenities. The kiosk serves refreshments and snacks on a large outdoor terrace; parking is available at Hollmarksee. Signs point the way to the lake from the turn-off on the road between Freienwill and Oeversee. Facilities, catering and parking arrangements may change; check current conditions before your visit.

Buildings and traces of the past

St. John's Church in Kleinsolt is a 12th-century fieldstone building in Freienwill. The church and churchyard are considered significant for their historical, artistic, urban-planning and cultural-landscape value. A group of burial mounds containing Bronze Age graves lies west of Freienwill. These diverse traces span the period from prehistory to the Middle Ages.

Transport history is also part of Freienwill's past: until 1936, the village had its own railway station. The former narrow-gauge railway connected Freienwill via the Flensburg District Railway towards Flensburg and Angeln. The station and railway line thus represent a different historical layer from the church and Bronze Age graves.

Views and trails at Höckberg

Höckberg is considered Freienwill's local hill and rises 82 metres above sea level. Depending on the weather and vegetation, views from the Höckberg area stretch east to Satrup and Sörup, south towards Schleswig and west towards Großenwiehe. There are walking and recreation trails in the woods north of the Höckberg transmitter. The viewpoint and woodland trails offer different ways to experience the landscape.

A cycling loop with historical connections

The 29-kilometre Uggelhardetour is a cycle route through the historic Uggelharde area. One section follows the historic Ox Road. The loop is signposted locally and can be started at any point. The distance indicates the length of the route; as a loop with flexible access, it has no single designated starting point.

Beer seminars and tastings

De Beermokers ut’n Norden offers beer seminars and tastings. The beer is a natural product, with no filtration, treatment or additives. If you are planning a tasting or seminar, check the current visiting arrangements in advance, as the packages may change.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Maasbüll, Ausacker, Großsolt, Tastrup.

Return to the main travel overview: Hürup.