4.6
(9185)
35,811
hikers
11
hikes
Hiking trails around Rathjensdorf are situated within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, characterized by a hilly landscape dotted with numerous lakes. The region features extensive forests and rolling hills, providing diverse terrain for outdoor activities. Rathjensdorf is located directly on the shores of the Großer Plöner See, a central natural feature with wooded shores. This area offers a mix of lakeside paths and inland trails through natural parkland.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
4.7
(126)
377
hikers
12.9km
03:27
150m
150m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(8)
22
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(6)
20
hikers
18.0km
04:43
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
23
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Plön Castle, built 1633–1636 as a residence for Duke Joachim Ernst, is the largest castle in Schleswig-Holstein and an important Renaissance building. It served as a ducal seat, Danish summer residence, Prussian cadet institute and boarding school before being extensively renovated. Today, the highly visible, white castle is home to the Fielmann Academy. Here are the most important epochs of the castle's history: Origin: The castle stands on the foundations of an older castle from the 12th century. Construction period (1633–1636): Duke Joachim Ernst of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön had the three-winged brick castle built as his residence during the Thirty Years' War. Duchy and Danish period: Until 1761 it was the seat of the Plön Dukes. After the line died out, it fell to the Danish royal family, served as a widow's residence and later as a summer residence for King Christian VIII. During this time (from around 1840) the building was given its present white appearance. Prussian Era & 20th Century: After 1867, the castle became a Prussian cadet institute. In the 20th century, it housed a National Socialist elite school (Napola) and later a boarding school. Fielmann Academy: In 2002, Prof. Dr. Günther Fielmann acquired the castle and established a non-profit optician academy there.
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Transport: Until the 1970s, milk was not transported in 40-ton tankers, but elaborately in cans. Collection process: The dairy farmers placed the full cans on the side of the road or at the milk collection point. The milk truck, often a smaller truck or even a horse-drawn carriage in earlier times, picked them up. Dairy trips: The cans were taken to the dairy, emptied, cleaned and often returned the next day. The transport was labor-intensive, as each can had to be lifted individually.
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Discover the Holstein Switzerland and enjoy your hike along the circular routes Kellersee, Plöner Seen and Segeberger Flüsse und Seen. Look out for our 20 stamp boxes and take a short break there. In the stamp boxes you will find a stamp with a motif from the Holstein Switzerland and a number as well as a stamp pad. Press the stamp onto the correspondingly numbered field in your hiking pass and continue to the next stamp box.
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The Holstein Switzerland Hiking Passport entices hikers with over 20 stamp boxes along three main hiking trails ("Kellersee," "Plön Lakes," "Segeberg Rivers and Lakes"), allowing them to collect hiking badges. Hikers collect stamps in a free passport, available at the tourist information offices in Plön, Malente, Eutin, and Bad Segeberg. Bad Segeberg Tourist Information Office Bad Segeberg Tourist Information Office
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The Holstein Switzerland Hiking Passport entices hikers with over 20 stamp boxes along three main hiking trails ("Kellersee," "Plön Lakes," "Segeberg Rivers and Lakes"), allowing them to collect hiking badges. Hikers collect stamps in a free passport, available at the tourist information offices in Plön, Malente, Eutin, and Bad Segeberg. Bad Segeberg Tourist Information Office Bad Segeberg Tourist Information Office
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The path through the pretty entrance gate leads to a white-tailed eagle observation platform...
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From the small village of Rathjensdorf you have a beautiful view across the fields to Lake Trammer.
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There are over 10 hiking routes around Rathjensdorf, offering a variety of experiences within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. These trails range from easy lakeside strolls to more moderate routes through the region's characteristic hilly countryside and forests.
Yes, Rathjensdorf offers several easy trails. For instance, the Stamp Box Holstein Switzerland – Trammersee North Shore loop from Rathjensdorf is an easy 4.0 miles (6.4 km) path that provides accessible views of the Trammersee and surrounding nature. Another easy option is the Bathing Area at Trammer See – Trammersee North Shore loop from Plön, which is 6.9 km long.
Hiking around Rathjensdorf offers diverse and picturesque scenery. You'll encounter the charming hilly countryside, numerous lakes including the Großer Plöner See and Trammer See, and extensive forests. Many routes feature wooded shores, open parkland, and views of the region's unique natural features like the Prinzeninsel.
Yes, many of the trails around Rathjensdorf are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular example is the Bathing Area at Trammer See – Trammer See loop from Rathjensdorf, which circles the Trammer See. Another option is the Lake Behler – Parnaß Tower loop from Plön, which takes you through the lake district.
The region around Rathjensdorf is rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You can enjoy views of the Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge, explore the Sterin Island, or visit the Prinzenbad Beach on Prinzeninsel. While not directly in Rathjensdorf, the historic Plön Castle is also nearby and can be incorporated into longer routes around the Großer Plöner See.
Yes, the area offers trails suitable for families. The easy routes, particularly those along the lakeshores, are generally well-suited for family outings. The natural park setting with its diverse flora and fauna, including potential birdwatching opportunities, can make for an engaging experience for children.
The routes in Rathjensdorf are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 9,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the picturesque landscapes, the tranquility of the lake and forest paths, and the variety of terrain offered within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park.
Generally, dogs are welcome on hiking trails in the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature protection areas, near wildlife, or when passing through agricultural land, to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors and local fauna.
Absolutely. The hilly terrain and numerous lakes provide many scenic viewpoints. You can find excellent views of the Großer Plöner See, especially from spots like the View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge. The Parnaß Tower, which can be reached via the Lake Behler – Parnaß Tower loop from Plön, also offers panoramic views of the lake district.
Rathjensdorf is beautiful year-round, but the spring and autumn months offer particularly pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is ideal for combining hiking with swimming in the lakes, while winter can offer serene, snow-covered landscapes, though some paths might be less accessible.
While Rathjensdorf is a smaller community, public transport options, primarily buses, connect it to larger towns like Plön. From Plön, you can often find connections that bring you closer to various trailheads around the Großer Plöner See and Trammer See. Checking local bus schedules is recommended for planning your access.
While Rathjensdorf's trails are generally moderate, longer routes like the Lake Behler – Parnaß Tower loop from Plön, at 18.0 km, offer a more extended experience through the lake district. The region is also part of the E1 long-distance trail, providing opportunities for multi-day hikes through varied terrain.


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