Stormarn: Moorlands, Ponds and Castle Culture

Between Hamburg and Lübeck, in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region, Stormarn combines woodland and moorland landscapes with ponds, historic estates and castles. The destination is ideal for day trips; you can also combine nature experiences, cultural history and active pursuits to suit your interests. When planning, it is worth first considering which aspects of Stormarn you would like to shape your stay.

Ponds, moors and paths through nature

Herrenteich pond in Reinfeld is both a body of water and a testament to a long history of landscape management: Cistercian monks created it in the 12th century as an artificial reservoir on the Heilsau for fish farming. The lakeside promenade has two waterside terraces and additional seating areas. A 3.6-kilometre circular route leads around the lower Herrenteich. The “Around the Herrenteich” nature trail is a separate, four-kilometre circular route with 16 stations right beside the “Oberer Herrenteich” nature reserve.

Moors and woodland also give the landscape its character. Brenner Moor near Bad Oldesloe is Schleswig-Holstein’s largest inland salt marsh. One section runs along a wooden boardwalk, and a nature trail has ten observation points. Stormarn’s largest nature reserve, Hahnheide, offers extensive opportunities for hiking. The destination also has many short and long circular trails, as well as the Stormarn Trail and the Way of St. James. This means you can choose between individual nature experiences and longer hiking routes when planning your trip.

Castles and estate history

Stormarn’s cultural history can be seen in specific places. Ahrensburg Castle was completed in 1585 and has served continuously as a museum since 1955. Reinbek Castle is built in the Dutch Renaissance style: it was constructed between 1572 and 1576, extensively restored, and today serves as a cultural and communications centre in Reinbek.

The history of Jersbek Estate goes back to the 16th century; it has been in operation ever since. Its 18th-century Baroque garden is open to visitors. Together with the castles, it makes estates and manor houses a distinct theme for sightseeing tours in Stormarn. Ahrensburg, Reinbek and Jersbek represent different historic places and uses.

By bike, on foot or on the water

Those wishing to explore Stormarn actively will find more than 20 circular cycling tours. The Railway Cycle Routes follow the tracks of three former railway lines through the destination’s landscapes. The network of circular cycling tours includes two church routes, as well as the Carp Route and the Limes Tour. One special option combines cycling with puzzles: the “Mail Train Robbery on the State Railway Line” crime trail takes you along Railway Cycle Route B on a fictional historical mail train robbery investigation.

Paddling is another regional activity: the Trave in the north and the Bille in the south invite you to take trips with family, friends or colleagues. When looking for accommodation, you can first decide whether hiking trails and moorlands, historic places, cycling tours or paddling trips should be the focus of your stay. You can then tailor your search to the places you would like to visit.

Local produce and seasonal discoveries

More than 160 standard fruit trees grow along the fruit and woody plants nature trail, which starts at the old Blumendorf station near Bad Oldesloe. These include apple, pear, cherry and plum trees. Depending on the season, you can sample different varieties along the route. Farm shops and farm cafés in Stormarn also offer regional foods and culinary products from the surrounding farmland. These experiences add a culinary perspective on the region to a trip into nature.

When staying in Stormarn, you can easily choose a focus to suit your interests: pond trails and moors, castles and gardens, cycling and hiking routes, or activities on the water. These different themes give you a concrete basis for choosing places to visit and then searching for suitable accommodation.

Discover more destinations: Reinfeld, Tremsbüttel, Siek, Reinbek, Ahrensburg, Grabau, Heilshoop, Bad Oldesloe, Großhansdorf, Barsbüttel, Delingsdorf, Jersbek, Hammoor, Hoisdorf, Hamfelde, Stapelfeld, Travenbrück, Ammersbek, Witzhave, Trittau, Tangstedt, Rausdorf, Oststeinbek, Mönkhagen, Lütjensee, Köthel, Grönwohld, Klein Wesenberg, Badendorf, Bargteheide, Brunsbek, Großensee, Hamberge, Lasbek, Bargfeld-Stegen, Nienwohld, Glinde and Todendorf.

For the regional travel overview: Schleswig-Holstein.