Bimöhlen: Moorland and History

Bimöhlen combines a long history of settlement with moorland and lowland landscapes. Bronze Age burial mounds, an Iron Age urnfield and traces of peat and iron processing give the village several historical layers. At the same time, hiking opportunities extend through the lowlands towards Weide and Hasenmoor; on the Osterau, a water excursion runs from Bimöhlen to Bad Bramstedt. This gives trip planning several different options: village history, nature watching, walking routes and time on the water.

A history that lives on in the village landscape

Bimöhlen was first mentioned in a document in 1189. Six Bronze Age burial mounds and an Iron Age urnfield point to a much earlier history of settlement. The central village square still reveals that Bimöhlen was once a typical circular village; remains of a medieval motte are also present. Slag finds suggest that iron was produced from bog iron ore on the edge of the Osterau lowlands. The village’s history thus spans archaeological sites, medieval structures and traces of mineral processing.

Hasenmoor: nature and a history of land use

Bimöhlen lies in a glacial meltwater valley between Klausberg, Hallohberg, Keetelviert and Königsmoor. Hasenmoor is a 275-hectare FFH site; this FFH site is also known as Königsmoor. Following extensive renaturation work, it is considered a species-rich habitat. Historically, Hasenmoor was a fen covering around 300 hectares, where peat was used as fuel. A nine-kilometre field railway once carried the peat to the AKN tracks in Großenaspe.

Water was impounded to renaturalise the remaining moorland, creating a comparatively large lake. A remaining peat bank helps visitors picture peat extraction. For nature watching, Hasenmoor has an observation tower and several hides; check before your visit whether they are currently accessible. This is a chance to discover both the history of peat use and the moor habitat’s importance today.

On foot, by canoe and at the wildlife park

Hiking opportunities extend through the lowlands towards Weide and to Hasenmoor on the southeastern edge of the village. If you are planning routes, it is best to check their current condition before setting out. The water excursion on the Osterau from Bimöhlen to Bad Bramstedt takes approximately two and a half hours; water conditions and paddling pace can affect the duration. This provides a useful, though flexible, timeframe for planning.

The Bimöhlen canoe launch site is on the K89. A nearby car park makes it easier to arrive and depart; the surrounding area is considered suitable for a riverside picnic and woodland walks. Parts of Eekholt Wildlife Park lie in the Bimöhlen district of Weide. Covering 67 hectares, the wildlife park offers the chance to see more than 700 animals from 100 species; there is also a large playground for children. In Bimöhlen, a public transport stop is named “Bimöhlen Wildpark Eekholt”. Before your visit, check current timetables, routes and visitor facilities; the wildlife park’s animal numbers and area may change.

The water excursion has an approximate timeframe; local history, moorland nature watching, hiking and the wildlife park offer other areas of interest.

The wider Segeberg destination

The wider Segeberg destination also offers more to explore for nature and culture enthusiasts. Segeberger Forst covers 40 square kilometres and offers a wooded setting for nature-based excursions. The “Holstein Switzerland” Nature Park extends into the district from the northeast, with its hilly landscape; north of Bad Segeberg, Holsteiner Quellenland offers seven circular cycling routes. Every summer, the Karl May performances take place in the open-air theatre at the foot of Bad Segeberg’s Kalkberg. Each performance can accommodate up to 7,700 spectators. Check the dates for your travel year.

Discover more destinations: Henstedt-Ulzburg, Mözen, Wiemersdorf, Travenhorst, Goldenbek, Bad Bramstedt, Negernbötel, Rohlstorf.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Segeberg.