The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Schlesen

The year 1304 refers to the first documented mention of the village. In 2004, its 700th anniversary was celebrated. Interesting is the combination of the village anniversary and the memorial stone: The stone not only commemorates the long history of the place but also explicitly remembers the deceased and fallen members of the community — presumably, in particular, the victims of the World Wars. Such erratic boulders are often found in Schleswig-Holstein in central village squares or near churches and are considered local places of remembrance. The coat of arms on the stone shows the historic schoolhouse of Schlesen above stylized water waves. The motif refers to the location of the community in the lake-rich landscape around the Passader See and the Hagener Au.

The text on the sign describes the historical ice cellar, which belonged to the Salzau estate and, according to older villagers, was still used until the 1920s. Afterwards, it was temporarily used as a rubbish dump and was filled in at the beginning of the 1960s. It was only in 1997 that the facility was uncovered again through a village beautification project. Particularly interesting: * Ice cellars were previously used for storing natural ice. * The ice was sawn from lakes and ponds in winter. * In summer, it was used to cool meat, beer, and other foodstuffs. * The Silesian ice cellar was built in a funnel shape into the ground. * Above it was a conical thatched roof. * Access was via a north-facing annex with a double door as a "cold lock". * Additionally, the facility was shaded by trees. The sign also explains that ice cellars fell into disuse after the introduction of electric refrigerators, fell into disrepair, and were filled in in many places. The drawing at the bottom right is also exciting: it shows a schematic longitudinal section of the ice cellar with an outer and inner stone ring and the actual shaft.

The Seebrook spring is a small, idyllic spot near Salzau Castle and is reminiscent of the water-rich landscape of Probstei. Nestled between old trees and well-kept green spaces, iron-rich spring water emerges here, giving the well its typical reddish hue. The spring is considered a regional landmark and, with its quiet location, invites you to take a short break on your tour. Especially on warm days, the place with the babbling water and the large willow tree feels almost like a hidden little natural garden.

Incidentally, if it weren't for the large, yellow sign pointing to an archaeological monument, you would simply walk right past it. You see nothing but a bend in the path and a trail through the bushes with a small side path and a view of the lake.

On the southern shore of Lake Dobersdorf, in the Jasdorf district, lie the remains of a medieval motte-and-bailey castle. The mound, approximately 30 meters wide and 5 meters high, was originally surrounded by a ditch and rampart. During World War II, the northern section was significantly altered by a bomb hit and subsequent earthworks; the ditch there has now been widened into a pond. So says the information panel, but there's no sign of it! The site is dated to the 13th-14th century and has been a protected historical monument since 1968.

Here is a small, shady access point to the lake. There are several really nice swimming spots elsewhere on the lake.

The village street is situated on a slight rise, so from here you have a great view across the lake towards the west.

Swimming spots and opportunities to rest give you additional enjoyment with peace and serenity 😊...