The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Klein Zecher

Well, there wasn't much "view" here. Maybe in winter, when the trees no longer have leaves. But it is unusual that such a high hill towers over an island... And why not sit down and catch your breath before continuing and covering the second half of the path...

You are here above the lake. However, during the vegetation period, you can't see anything of the water, but "only" a sea of green. But that also has something calming about it 🥰. Besides, we were here, as on the entire tour, completely alone - fantastic!

The view of Lake Schaalsee from the terrace is truly beautiful. Enjoy a nice piece of cake and a coffee there...

The Schaalsee is nestled within the biosphere reserve of the same name and, at over 70 meters deep, is considered Northern Germany's deepest clearwater lake. Those who wish to swim here should only do so at designated areas—for example, in Dargow, Lassahn, Seedorf, or at the Zarrentin lido. The water quality is excellent, perfect for a refreshing dip on the go. The protected natural environment surrounding the lake is rich in species and tranquil—ideal for those who appreciate peace, clean air, and clear water. The beer and coffee garden is a pleasant place to relax.

The Cistercian monastery in Zarrentin am Schaalsee was founded in 1246 and dissolved in 1553. The building houses a permanent exhibition in the cloister, which has a direct connection to the monastery and its history. Originally, the monastery complex, together with the Zarrentin Church, formed a closed, slightly trapezoidal rectangle with a four-sided cloister surrounding the inner courtyard. This contained the nuns' cemetery. The buildings of the south and west wings were described as dilapidated as early as 1576 and demolished soon thereafter. The Gothic east wing, whose long side runs parallel to the shore of Lake Schaalsee, has survived to this day. The cross-ribbed vaults, some with elaborately designed keystones and consoles, are completely preserved. Source: https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kloster_Zarrentin

The Gothic parish church of St. Peter and St. Paul is located in the same complex as the monastery and the local history museum. The church is free to visit, provided no events are taking place.

The following legend surrounds the heraldic animal of the small town of Zarrentin am Schaalsee: "In the Cistercian nunnery, there once lived an abbess who came from Lake Constance, and the tasty whitefish were said to have been her favorite food there. Once, during Lent, in the solitude of Zarrentin, she was so irresistibly overcome by a craving for the long-deprived fish that she called upon the devil and demanded that he bring her some whitefish from Lake Constance. In return, she would pledge her soul to him. However, he had to be back before midnight. The enterprising master of evil agreed and immediately set off. No sooner had he disappeared than the abbess's conscience struck. In her perplexity, she called the convent of nuns together and remorsefully confessed her transgression. Then one of the nuns stood up, calmed the pious mother, climbed the tower, and set the clock forward one hour. It was now 11:00 p.m., and the devil was with his fish above Techin. Then the Zarrentin monastery clock struck twelve thunderous strokes. In his rage, the devil threw the whitefish into the Schaalsee. This is how these fish, which have made the Schaalsee so famous among gourmets, are caught there today. Source: https://schaalsee-angler.de/ausflug/geschichte-der-mar-ne

Nestled in the beautiful nature of the Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve, this traditional fishery stands for fresh, sustainably caught fish from the clear waters of the Schaalsee.