Klein Rönnau: Mill, Circular Trail and Nature

Klein Rönnau can be explored through two distinct themes: its historic watermill and trails through woodland and meadow landscapes. The mill was built in 1649; the Ihlsee Circular Trail associated with the town leads through beech forest and alongside the Trave meadows. Mill technology and nature offer different focal points for planning a trip.

The watermill: experience the history of milling

The listed mill complex includes parts of the original milling equipment from 1649. Visitors can watch a demonstration of the milling process, from grain to flour. This brings to life the craft behind the watermill’s long history. Group visits are possible by prior arrangement.

Hiking between beech forest and the Trave meadows

The 5.07-kilometre Ihlsee Circular Trail connects beech forest and the Trave meadows, and is suitable for family hikes. The route is designed for families too. The meadows provide a habitat for numerous insects and birds, including banded demoiselles, grasshopper warblers, kingfishers and middle spotted woodpeckers. The changing woodland and meadow landscapes offer different perspectives on nature along the circular route.

A nature park circular trail follows a footpath and cycle path from Ihlsee towards Klein Rönnau and reaches the old watermill on Mühlenweg. Further along, the restored mill courtyard and its pond lie on the route; it also runs alongside a protected landscape water body. Trail conditions and signage may vary, so it is worth checking the route guidance before setting out.

The wider destination of Segeberg

The wider destination of Segeberg adds regional nature and cultural attractions to the mix. The district of Segeberg is characterised by dense forests, clear lakes, vibrant hedgerows and lush meadows. The 40-square-kilometre Segeberg Forest offers a woodland setting for nature-focused outings.

Culture offers its own highlights too: the Alt-Segeberger Bürgerhaus Museum in Bad Segeberg showcases the history of the house’s architecture and residents from 1541, as well as an exhibition on Segeberg’s 800-year development. St Mary’s Church in Bad Segeberg was built in 1156 from fired clay bricks. It was the first brick church of its kind north of the Elbe and the first basilica with a vaulted ceiling.

A major summer event is the Karl May Games at the open-air theatre at the foot of Bad Segeberg’s Kalkberg. They take place every summer; each performance can accommodate up to 7,700 spectators. If you plan to include this cultural event, check the performance dates for your travel dates.

Choose the right focus for your trip

Would you like to focus mainly on the history of the mill and trails through Klein Rönnau’s natural landscape, or should your trip also take in the nature and cultural attractions of the wider destination of Segeberg? This difference in focus can guide your choice of location: Klein Rönnau is known for its historic mill and the Ihlsee Circular Trail, while forests, museums, church architecture and summer open-air performances offer further regional attractions.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Wiemersdorf, Bark, Schmalfeld, Schackendorf, Pronstorf, Neversdorf, Weddelbrook, Bornhöved.

Go to the wider travel overview: Segeberg.