Best natural monuments in Kreis Segeberg offer diverse landscapes, from geological formations to unique ecosystems. This region in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, features dense woods, expansive open areas, clear lakes, and lush meadows. It is valued for its ecological significance and as a habitat for various species, providing insights into the area's natural heritage. The district's 16 nature reserves underscore its commitment to preserving valuable natural areas.
Last updated: July 9, 2026
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Hiking in Kreis Segeberg
The Ihlsee is located in the northwestern part of the district town of Bad Segeberg on the northern edge of the Kleinniendorf district and is part of the designated Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve. The origin of the lake has not been fully investigated. Either the depression was formed after the Ice Age due to dead ice or it was created as a sinkhole by the collapse of a cave in the Segeberg salt dome. Today the lake has an area of around 29 hectares and stretches 450 m from north to south and around 850 m from west to east; the shore is 2.25 km long. Along with the Bültsee and the Garrensee, the lake is one of the few nutrient-poor lakes in Schleswig-Holstein. The lake is located in a depression and has no inflow. It is fed only by groundwater and inflowing surface water (precipitation). To the north of the bathing area is the outflow that connects the lake to the Great Segeberg Lake. The lake can be walked around, but there is no path along the lake. There is a bathing area on the eastern shore that has existed for decades. The bathing water quality is regularly monitored and in recent years has been rated as very good to good. There is a residential area on the northern shore. On the western and southern sides, the Ihlwald, a swamp forest, dominates the shoreline. From 1911 to 1961, there was a Kiel-Segeberg narrow-gauge railway station at Ihlsee, the tracks of which were removed in 1962. The Ihlsee was declared a nature reserve in 1950 because of its special features. The lake is a particularly nutrient-poor body of water, which gives rise to rare flora. Today, the lake is part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve and has been part of the Natura 2000 protected area network since 2006. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihlsee
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The Segeberger See is so beautiful and the possibilities to spend directly on the shore are particularly inviting.
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You have an absolutely fantastic view of Lake Segeberg from the highest point in the city - namely from the Kalkberg 😊... In addition there is the 360°C all-round view of Bad Segeberg for free 😃...
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An airfield was to be built here in the 1960s. How glad am I that it didn't come to that because of the many protests. Today we can enjoy the beautiful landscape
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Tip: The evening Karl May events end with fireworks.
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Tip: The 91 m high limestone mountain is not made of lime (calcium carbonate) but of gypsum (calcium sulphate).
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Always a beautiful sight
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Deer, rabbits and birds can be seen in the evening.
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Kreis Segeberg offers a diverse range of natural monuments, including unique geological formations like the Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, serene lakes such as Wittmoor Lake and Lake Ihl, and extensive nature reserves like the Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve. You can also find the sources of rivers like the Alster Spring and protected individual trees throughout the region.
Yes, many natural monuments in Kreis Segeberg are suitable for families. The Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, offers a climb to a viewpoint and seasonal bat cave tours. Wittmoor Lake and the Lily Pond in the Henstedter Moor provide easy walks and opportunities for nature observation. The Kaltenkirchener Heide East Entrance also leads to a natural heritage area with accessible paths.
The natural monuments in Kreis Segeberg are beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying lush greenery, blooming flora, and outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Autumn offers vibrant fall colors, while winter can provide a peaceful, snow-covered landscape. For specific attractions like the bat caves at Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, summer is the primary season for guided tours.
Kreis Segeberg's natural monuments are rich in wildlife. The Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, is Northern Europe's largest natural wintering ground for up to 30,000 bats. The Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve is home to smooth snakes, common European vipers, dormice, eagle owls, and honey buzzards. Moor landscapes like the Lily Pond in the Henstedter Moor support amphibians, reptiles, and various bird species.
Absolutely! Many natural monuments are integrated into or surrounded by excellent hiking trails. For example, the Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve offers numerous trails through varied terrain. You can find a variety of running and walking routes throughout the region, including those near Wittmoor Lake. Explore more options on the Running Trails in Kreis Segeberg guide.
Yes, Kreis Segeberg is well-suited for cycling, with many routes passing by or through natural monuments and reserves. You can find diverse cycling experiences, from easy tours to more challenging rides. For detailed routes, refer to the Cycling in Kreis Segeberg guide, which includes options like the Henstedter Moor Trail near the Alster Spring.
The Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, is a striking geological formation, primarily made of gypsum, rising 91 meters high. It's significant for its extensive cave system, which serves as Northern Europe's largest natural wintering ground for bats. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from its summit and learn about bats at the nearby NOCTALIS World of Bats museum.
Yes, several areas are excellent for birdwatching. The Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve is part of the 'Barker und Wittenborner Heide' bird sanctuary, home to species like eagle owls and honey buzzards. The Lily Pond in the Henstedter Moor also supports various bird species, including meadow birds like the lapwing and curlew.
Wittmoor Lake is an artificial bog lake located within the Wittmoor nature reserve. It's a key part of a renatured bog landscape, offering a unique and photogenic view of ecological restoration. It's an excellent spot to observe a regenerating ecosystem and appreciate conservation efforts.
While primarily natural, some sites have historical connections. The Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, has a long history of gypsum mining that shaped its current form. The Kaltenkirchener Heide East Entrance leads to a former military training ground that has been rewilded into a natural heritage area, offering a glimpse into its past use.
Beyond the larger reserves, Kreis Segeberg also designates individual trees as natural monuments. Examples include the Eibe am Amtsgericht (Yew at the District Court) in Bad Segeberg, and several ancient oaks and a beech in Kaltenkirchen. These trees are protected for their age, size, beauty, or rarity, contributing to the local natural heritage.
Many natural monuments offer fantastic photographic opportunities. The panoramic views from the top of Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, are highly recommended. Wittmoor Lake is noted for its photogenic views of the renatured bog. The diverse landscapes of the Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve also provide varied scenery for nature photography.


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