Barkelsby: Hemmelmarker Lake and Estate History

Barkelsby combines the rolling landscape of Schwansen, the coastal lake Hemmelmarker See and a distinctive history of estate architecture. In spring in particular, rapeseed and grain bloom in the fields, above which the area’s highest elevations rise. The lake’s landscape features sandy and gravel beaches as well as sections of steep shoreline. Nature and rural heritage thus offer two distinct ways to experience the area.

Landscape and Birdlife at Hemmelmarker Lake

The 159-hectare Hemmelmarker See Special Area of Conservation is located mostly in the municipality of Barkelsby and in the Schwansen landscape. The lake is a former arm of the sea that has remained as a coastal lake. The area’s features include sandy and gravel beaches as well as sections of steep shoreline. People swim, ride horses and walk along the beach areas. These activities offer different ways to experience the shore: spending time by the water, riding or exploring the surroundings on foot. Seasonal conditions and access restrictions may change; check the latest information before visiting.

Birdlife also shapes the lake differently depending on the season. Little ringed plovers and sand martins nest there at certain times. Migratory and wintering birds use the area for resting and feeding. When planning your visit, one seasonal distinction is key: occasional breeding populations on the one hand, and resting and foraging by migratory and wintering birds on the other. Nature here therefore offers a reason to discover Hemmelmarker See beyond its beach activities.

Estates and Architectural History

Hohenstein Estate includes a manor house, a former thatched dairy warehouse and former farm buildings. They preserve the character of rural life in the past and are presented as part of the estate’s heritage. A local history museum is also attached. Hohenstein is a listed historic estate and is privately managed; visitor access to the individual properties may vary.

Hemmelmark Estate offers a different architectural character. Its former manor house was built in 1903/04 in the English country house style; two 18th-century estate barns are thatched. The comparison between the periods brings together distinct chapters of architectural history: a manor house in the English country house style and older, thatched farm buildings. Together with the buildings at Hohenstein, these structures give tangible form to rural life in Barkelsby in the past.

Barkelsby and the Wider Travel Destination

The wider Rendsburg-Eckernförde travel destination offers a broader, district-wide perspective: Rendsburg-Eckernförde district has 55 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline and a signposted cycling network spanning 1,000 kilometres. There are four nature parks in the district; the 180-kilometre Nature Park Hiking Trail passes through all four. These regional figures refer to the district and complement Barkelsby’s local profile, shaped by Hemmelmarker See and its estate properties. This distinction can help with planning: cycling and hiking trips can take in the wider region, while Barkelsby’s natural and architectural history offers its own points of interest during your stay.

Accommodation to Suit Your Trip

Then choose the specific location based on the excursions you are planning.

Discover more destinations: Felde, Rendsburg, Brekendorf, Schwedeneck, Damp, Gettorf, Schierensee, Holzbunge.

View the wider travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.