Top 20 Lakes around Barmstedt
Best lakes around Barmstedt are centered around the artificial Rantzauer See, located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This 7.5-hectare lake, with a maximum depth of 3 meters, was created by damming the Krückau river. The area combines historical significance with recreational opportunities, featuring both natural and man-made water bodies. It provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities and exploration.
Best lakes around Barmstedt
- The most popular lakes is Barmstedt Castle Island, a castle that looks back on 900 years of history. This island features a manor house, a museum, a café, and exhibitions in the castle prison, with a watermill nearby.
- Another must-see spot is Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, an other natural area. It offers places for picnics, opportunities to learn about peat, and features two circular hiking trails.
- Visitors also love View of Lake Rantzau, a viewpoint. This location offers views of the artificially created reservoir and its idyllic castle island, providing a destination for bike or hiking tours.
- Barmstedt is known for artificial lakes, forest lakes, and former gravel pit lakes. The region offers a variety of water bodies for different recreational interests, from historical sites to fishing spots.
- The lakes around Barmstedt are appreciated by the komoot community. The area has received more than 740 upvotes and features over 300 photos from visitors.
Last updated: July 24, 2026
Barmstedt Castle Island
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Small lake in Himmelmoor
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View over the Himmelmoor
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Himmelmoor Nature Reserve
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Rantzau Castle Island (Schlossinsel) and Watermill
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Tips from the Community
According to a 1919 contract, peat extraction, which began around 1780, was to continue until the moor had completely disappeared. However, extraction was discontinued in 2018. The gradual renaturation and rewetting of the Himmelmoor had already begun. The "Himmelmoor Friends' Association" was founded in December 2005.
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A beautiful, small lake for paddling, pedal boating or swimming. Splendid!
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Simply a very beautiful island with interesting buildings, sculptures, plants and history! Recommended.
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Very interesting things to see on the island.
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Today's castle goes back to a moated castle, for which the Krückau was dammed up to create a fortified island with moats around it. The founders were the Knights of Barmstede. From 1322 the castle came to the county of Schauenburg near Rinteln on the Weser. A bailiff ruled from here in the sense of the count these northern areas. When the Schauenburgers died out, the castle came into the possession of the Rantzau family, who expanded it into a residence. After the fratricide (see the memorial in the Barmstedt Forest), the castle was confiscated by the Danish king. The buildings you see today are mainly from this period. The castle island is used in many ways today. On the one hand there is a café in the former prison, then there is an art gallery, as well as some works of art in the outdoor area, a museum on the history of the county of Rantzau and the castle building itself. The island can be freely explored and also has nice seating areas with a view of the Rantzauer Lake. Definitely worth a visit, even if you're there outside the opening hours of the café or museum. Site plan and information boards explain the individual buildings in more detail.
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The Barmstedter Schlossinsel is always worth a detour. Art in Gallery III, coffee and cake in the castle prison and always exciting current special exhibitions in the Museum der Grafschaft Rantzau (Sat/Sun 2pm-5pm, Oct.-March 1pm-4pm). The small tour through the Vossloch forest is particularly recommended in hot weather, as it is always in the shade.
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3 worthwhile viewing platforms are located directly on the moor nature trail. On a walk you pass them almost automatically. Thanks to the benches, they are also very suitable for a short hiking break.
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There is no other place in Schleswig-Holstein that is like the Rantzau Castle Island. The buildings from the Middle Ages were replaced by a manor house at the beginning of the 19th century. Overall, the island looks back on 900 years of history. The Museum Island is definitely worth a visit, because in addition to a museum, there is a café and exhibitions in the castle prison, a gallery in the old court clerk's house, handicrafts in the coach house and a pottery and weaving workshop in the nearby water mill. Rantzau Castle, which was a residential building for a long time, may soon be open to the public again. https://www.barmstedt-und-umland.de/rantzauer-see-mit-schlossinsel
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore around the lakes in Barmstedt?
The most prominent historical site is the Rantzau Castle Island (Schlossinsel) on Rantzauer See. This island has a rich history spanning 900 years, featuring a classical manor house, a museum for the County of Rantzau, a court writer's house with changing exhibitions, and a former prison now housing a café and exhibitions. An old watermill from the 19th century also borders the island.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Barmstedt?
Yes, the Rantzauer See offers several family-friendly activities. There's a free public swimming area with a sandy beach, sunbathing lawn, volleyball court, and table tennis. You can also rent pedal boats and rowing boats, or enjoy a round of mini-golf. The View of Lake Rantzau highlight mentions these facilities.
What kind of nature and wildlife can I observe around Barmstedt's lakes?
The Rantzauer See is a good spot for birdwatching, with common waterfowl like greylag geese, Canada geese, and great crested grebes. The Moor Nature Trail Water Birds specifically highlights opportunities to observe various bird species such as mallards, coots, and moorhens in their natural habitat.
Where can I go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around a lake in the region?
The Pinnsee, a forest lake in the Herzogtum Lauenburg district, is ideal for walks and bike rides, with a full circuit taking less than half an hour. The Rantzauer See also has surrounding paths, and the adjacent Rantzauer Forst provides further opportunities for hiking and cycling. For specific cycling routes, you can explore the Cycling around Barmstedt guide.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Barmstedt?
Yes, the Rantzauer See features a free public swimming area with a sandy beach, typically open from May to September. The Pinnsee also has a small bathing beach on its eastern shore, known for its clear water.
What are the best times to visit the lakes around Barmstedt?
The Rantzauer See is particularly vibrant from May to September when its public swimming area is open and boat rentals are available. During this period, the rhododendron park is also in bloom. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter can also be appealing for quiet walks, though some facilities may be closed.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond swimming and boating on Rantzauer See, the area offers extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various routes in the Cycling around Barmstedt, Road Cycling Routes around Barmstedt, and MTB Trails around Barmstedt guides. The Rantzauer Forst, adjacent to Rantzauer See, is also popular for walks.
Are there any lakes primarily for fishing in the Barmstedt region?
Yes, the Teichanlage Bokholdt-Hahnredder, a former gravel pit lake near Barmstedt, is privately owned by the Sportanglerverein Elmshorn-Barmstedt. It is known for its very clean water and a variety of fish species, making it a valuable spot for anglers.
What unique natural features can be found near Barmstedt's lakes?
Besides the lakes themselves, you can visit the Waldsee Spring and Picnic Area, which features a natural water source and an educational forest trail. The Rantzauer See also has a beautiful rhododendron park nearby.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Rantzauer See area?
Visitors frequently praise the idyllic setting of the View of Lake Rantzau, noting it as a great destination for bike or hiking tours. The historic Rantzau Castle Island with its museum, café, and exhibitions is also a major draw, offering a blend of history and relaxation.
How was the Rantzauer See formed?
The Rantzauer See is an artificial lake, created between 1934 and 1938 by damming the Krückau river. It covers an area of 7.5 hectares and has a maximum depth of three meters.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around the Rantzauer See. The Rantzau Castle Island hosts a café in the former castle prison. There are also various cafés surrounding the lake, some offering lake views, as mentioned in tips for the View of Lake Rantzau.
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