Großensee at the South Beach

At Großensee, the South Beach combines swimming with space to relax and activities for a range of interests. You can swim in the lake, spend time on the large sunbathing lawn or on the pier, and watch the sunset. A playground and a beach volleyball area add to the options; for food on site, there is a kiosk or a restaurant. Opening times and services may vary seasonally.

Water, forest and time by the lake

Großensee and the South Beach are in the Stormarn Switzerland region. The landscape there is characterised by wooded lake views, as well as a designated spot for watching the sunset. This means the same destination offers both active time in the water and quieter moments on the shore. Whether you want to swim, play beach volleyball or sit on the sunbathing lawn, these options give the day different focuses without requiring a set programme.

You can also combine an overnight stay with time by the lake: Campingplatz ABC is next to the Großensee swimming area and offers accommodation right by the lake. Options include tents, pitches for motorhomes and a glamping lodge. Types of accommodation and availability may change; if you would like to stay there, check the current options.

In the wider destination of Stormarn

Stormarn, the wider destination, offers another perspective on the region. Extensive woodland and moorland shape Stormarn; it lies in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region between Hamburg and Lübeck and is well suited to day trips. For walks, there are short and long circular trails, as well as the Stormarnweg and the Way of St. James. There are also more than 20 circular cycling routes and BahnRadWege on former railway lines. These follow the routes of three former railway lines through the Stormarn countryside.

A specific example of a nature trail is in Reinfeld: “Around the Herrenteich” is a four-kilometre circular route with 16 stops, directly on the edge of the “Oberer Herrenteich” nature reserve. In the 12th century, Cistercian monks created the Herrenteich as an artificial reservoir on the Heilsau for fish farming. The trail and the history of the water offer different ways to engage with the area: walking the route and learning about how the cultural landscape came about.

The Brenner Moor also reveals another side of Stormarn’s landscape: it is Schleswig-Holstein’s largest inland salt marsh. One section of the trail runs along a wooden boardwalk; a trail with interpretive stops has ten observation points. The Hahnheide, in turn, is Stormarn’s largest nature reserve and offers extensive walking opportunities. Nature lovers can choose between moorland, forest and trails around a pond in the wider destination.

Castles and regional discoveries

Stormarn also offers historical destinations. Ahrensburg Castle was completed in 1585 and has served continuously as a museum since 1955. The roots of Gut Jersbek date back to the 16th century, and it has been farmed ever since. The Baroque garden, dating from the 18th century, is open to visitors. These examples bring together different periods: the history of the castle, its present-day use as a museum and an accessible garden are all part of the cultural offering in the wider destination of Stormarn.

For a break featuring regional produce, Stormarn has farm shops and farm cafés. They offer food and culinary products from the surrounding agricultural area. This adds a culinary focus to trip planning across the wider destination, while Großensee’s South Beach itself brings together swimming, play and relaxation by the water.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ammersbek, Bad Oldesloe, Ahrensburg, Heilshoop, Brunsbek, Hamberge, Köthel, Barsbüttel.

Go to the wider travel overview: Stormarn.