4.6
(357)
3,140
riders
268
rides
Road cycling around Rantzau offers varied terrain across Schleswig-Holstein, characterized by a moraine landscape with rolling hills, numerous lakes, and extensive forests. The region includes the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, known for its gentle inclines and over 200 lakes, and the flatter areas around Rantzauer See. Cyclists can expect routes that traverse open fields, pass historical sites, and provide views of the natural features.
Last updated: May 6, 2026
5.0
(6)
49
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
18
riders
46.9km
02:13
210m
210m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Sign up for free
14
riders
27.9km
01:24
200m
200m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5
riders
57.7km
02:30
280m
280m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
40.6km
01:59
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Fast section of the route, the cars are disturbing.
0
0
The reason for the bargain The real estate agent indulged in descriptions of the beauty of Holstein Switzerland, but completely forgot to mention the state of preservation of the three-story mansion, which was the reason for the bargain price...
16
0
Rantzau Castle in the Plön district was advertised on the Immobilienwelt portal in spring 2016 under the headline "Monument seeks loving hands!" The purchase price: €400,000 plus broker's commission and taxes. At first, that sounded quite low for 30 rooms with approximately 1,200 square meters of living space and a 100,000 square meter property with a park and exotic trees.
15
0
The estate has been inhabited and cultivated for more than 800 years. The name Rantzau – or Rantzow – indicates an even earlier Wendish settlement in the area. The Rantzau family itself is not of Wendish origin, but the first knights to settle here took the name of their property, as was customary at the time. The first known family member is Johann von Rantzau, who was a squire in the service of Adolf IV and was knighted around 1235.[3] Johann von Rantzau was the founder of the various Rantzau lines that would shape the history of Schleswig-Holstein in the following centuries. The estate, which developed here around a small fortified castle with a manor house, remained in the family's possession for more than 500 years. During these centuries, Rantzau did not play a particularly significant role in the region's history and served as the seat of various branches of the growing Rantzau family.
16
0
Rantzau Castle in Rantzau in eastern Schleswig-Holstein is the namesake and former ancestral seat of the ancient noble Rantzau family. The castle was the center of a noble estate and, by this definition, is actually a manor house. However, due to its special significance in the region's history and its once rich furnishings, it has been referred to as a palace for some time. The house experienced a brief period of prosperity from the end of the 16th to the early 17th century and was one of the most mature works of the Renaissance in Schleswig-Holstein.[1][2] However, through various renovations, the complex was so extensively altered that its former appearance can only be guessed at.
16
0
The Maria Magdalenen Church in Malente is the church in the municipality of Malente in the Ostholstein district in Schleswig-Holstein. It is located in the center of the town surrounded by the (former) church green. It is the oldest building in Malente and is now used by the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Malente for church services.
16
0
The Rantzau region offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 260 tours available on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 52 easy, 209 moderate, and 8 difficult options.
Road cycling in Rantzau is characterized by a diverse moraine landscape. You'll find a mix of rolling hills, extensive forests, and numerous lakes, particularly within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. While some areas, like around the Rantzauer See in Barmstedt, are flatter, many routes feature gentle inclines, offering varied terrain for cyclists.
The road cycling routes around Rantzau are highly rated by the komoot community, holding an average score of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 350 reviews. Cyclists often praise the scenic beauty, the variety of terrain, and the well-maintained paths that traverse lakesides and quiet country lanes.
Yes, Rantzau offers several road cycling routes suitable for beginners. There are 52 easy routes available, often featuring flatter sections, especially around areas like the Rantzauer See in Barmstedt. These routes provide a gentle introduction to the region's beautiful landscapes.
The Rantzau region, particularly the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, is known for its gently rolling hills. While not mountainous, routes often include moderate elevation gains, providing a good workout without overly steep climbs. For example, the Selenter See Lakeside Road – Country Lanes Near Martensrade loop from Sellin features an elevation gain of over 270 meters.
You can expect to encounter a wealth of natural beauty, including over 200 lakes, extensive forests, and open meadows. Notable natural highlights include the Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See), scenic lakeside views at Kellersee, and the tranquil Mirror Ponds and Kneipp Pool, Malente.
Yes, the Rantzau region is rich in historical and cultural landmarks. You can cycle past numerous manor houses, estates, and castles, such as those in Eutin and Plön. The Rantzauer See in Barmstedt features the historic Schlossinsel (Castle Island) with its historical building ensemble. You might also spot unique sights like The 'Schauende' statue in the Great Eutin Lake.
Absolutely. The Rantzau region, especially the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, is dotted with over 200 lakes, including Schleswig-Holstein's largest, the Großer Plöner See. Many road cycling routes offer stunning waterside scenery. The Selenter See Lakeside Road – Country Lanes Near Martensrade loop from Sellin is a prime example, featuring beautiful lakeside sections.
Yes, many road cycling routes in the Rantzau region are designed as circular tours, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A well-known example is the Holstein Switzerland Cycle Tour, a 200-kilometer circular route that explores the most picturesque corners of the region. Shorter circular options are also plentiful, such as the Schönweide–Grebin Scenic Road – Schönweide Country Road loop from Grebin.
Yes, Rantzau offers family-friendly road cycling options, particularly in areas with flatter terrain like around the Rantzauer See in Barmstedt. The region's extensive network includes many easy and moderate routes that are suitable for families. The presence of recreational facilities and natural attractions also adds to its appeal for family outings.
The best time for road cycling in Rantzau is generally from spring to autumn. Spring brings vibrant blooms, especially the rapeseed fields, while summer offers pleasant temperatures for exploring the lakes and forests. Autumn provides beautiful foliage. While some routes are accessible year-round, the gentle inclines and varied terrain are most enjoyable in milder weather.
Yes, for those seeking longer rides, the Rantzau area is part of larger cycling networks. The Holstein Switzerland Cycle Tour is a prominent 200-kilometer circular route that allows for extensive exploration of the region. Many komoot routes also offer significant distances, such as the Schönweide Country Road – Seekrug–Engelau Road loop from Dannau, which covers over 57 kilometers.


Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.