4.8
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3,544
hikers
Großer Segeberger See Loop
02:32
9.73km
70m
Hiking
Hike the 6.0-mile Großer Segeberger See Loop, a moderate trail offering lake views and forest paths in Holsteinische Schweiz Nature Park.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
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244 m
Noctalis Bat Centre Bad Segeberg
Highlight • Structure
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Tip by
2.25 km
Lakeside promenade at the Great Segeberg Lake
Highlight • Lake
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8.06 km
Stipsdorf Bay on Lake Segeberg
Highlight • Lake
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9.73 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.51 km
1.88 km
1.22 km
121 m
Surfaces
3.01 km
1.97 km
1.83 km
1.74 km
973 m
209 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Sunday 17 May
19°C
9°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to complete the Großer Segeberger See Loop?
The Großer Segeberger See Loop is approximately 9.7 kilometers (6 miles) long. Komoot estimates it takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete, but this can vary depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the scenery. Most hikers finish it within 2 to 3 hours.
What is the difficulty level of this hiking trail?
This loop is rated as moderate. It requires a good basic fitness level but features easily accessible paths, making it suitable for a range of hikers. While some sources suggest it's suitable for all skill levels, be prepared for varied terrain.
What is the terrain like around the Großer Segeberger See?
The terrain is quite diverse, offering a mix of experiences. You'll encounter dirt trails, gravel sections, and some paved areas. The path winds through forests, open meadows, and fields, occasionally leaving the immediate lakeshore. Sturdy hiking boots are recommended due to some potentially uneven sections.
What are the main highlights or landmarks along the Großer Segeberger See Loop?
The trail offers several points of interest. You'll enjoy stunning views of the Großer Segeberger See itself. Notable spots include the charming Lakeside promenade at the Great Segeberg Lake in Bad Segeberg, which has benches and a Kneipp water-treading basin. You'll also pass near the Noctalis Bat Centre Bad Segeberg and the scenic Stipsdorf Bay on Lake Segeberg. The prominent Kalkberg, with its viewing platform, is also nearby, offering panoramic views.
Where does the trail start, and is there parking available?
The loop often starts and ends in Bad Segeberg, which is a convenient base. While specific parking lots aren't detailed, Bad Segeberg offers various parking options within the town, from which you can access the lakeside promenade and the start of the loop. Look for public parking areas in the town center.
How do I get to the trailhead using public transport?
Bad Segeberg is well-connected by public transport. You can reach Bad Segeberg by train or bus, and the town center is within easy walking distance of the lake and the start of the loop. Check local transport schedules for the most current information on routes and timings to Bad Segeberg.
Is the Großer Segeberger See Loop dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly, making it a great option for hiking with your canine companion. However, please ensure your dog is kept on a leash, especially when passing through populated areas, near wildlife, or on agricultural land. Always remember to clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to hike this loop?
The Großer Segeberger See Loop is enjoyable year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful, with vibrant flora or colorful foliage. Summer is great for enjoying the lake, but some parts of the path can become overgrown. Winter offers a tranquil, often snowy, landscape, but be prepared for colder conditions and potentially icy paths.
Are there any seasonal considerations or specific sections to be aware of on the trail?
Yes, while generally accessible, some accounts mention that parts of the path, particularly in July, can become overgrown. This might make certain sections less comfortable to navigate. It's always a good idea to check recent trail conditions if hiking during peak growing season.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for this trail or the Holsteinische Schweiz Nature Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Großer Segeberger See Loop or to access the general areas of the Holsteinische Schweiz Nature Park. The trails are freely accessible to the public. However, always respect local regulations and private property.
Does the Großer Segeberger See Loop connect with other hiking trails?
Yes, the route around the Großer Segeberger See is part of a larger network of trails. It overlaps significantly with the 'Große-See-Runde' and 'Rundweg Großer Segeberger See' trails. You'll also find sections that are part of the 'Naturparkweg' and 'Rundweg Segeberger Flüsse und Seen', offering opportunities to extend your hike if desired.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
In the end I got wet just in my T-shirt
Half an hour after I got up, the idea came up to take the train to the neighboring state of Schleswig-Holstein, where the “real north” is. The tour I did here had been on the “planned tours” for a few months and today I want to turn “planned” into “done”. Almost everything is possible with the app, so the train ticket to Bad Segeberg was just a click away. And two hours later I'm actually standing at the city's train station, where Winnetou and Co. are up to mischief at the Karl May Festival in the summer. But now in winter there is still no trace of the Wild West. But that's not why I'm here. A lake is to blame. The Great Segeberger See lured me here. A lake that was not formed by Ice Age glaciers, but by the sequence of thawing of Ice Age permafrost and formation of cavities in the subsoil, subsequent subsidence of the rock strata and finally filling of the depressions with water (short version). Now I'm standing on the southern shore and setting out to circumnavigate the lake clockwise. Orientation is super easy as you just have to walk the path closest to the water. There is a lot going on. Many walkers with and without dogs meet me or have the same route. From time to time I have to be careful where I step, because thanks to the last wet days the ground is pretty soft and therefore quite muddy. The path around the lake is almost at ground level, but on the east side I took the opportunity to climb a few meters. The few meters "up" on the Moosberg are worth it, because you have a wonderful view of the Great Segeberger See from its "summit". The last few kilometers continue along the shore of the lake, although the water has literally run over the shore here from time to time, making the path a little adventurous. All in all, I would almost consider it a "big walk"; in any case, a nice spot where you can spend a few hours as a hiker.
I've already gone x times, but it's always nice! And today on Monday almost alone on the road 🙂
In glorious sunshine once around the Great Segeberger See.
The circular trail around Lake Segeberg starts at the large parking lot below the cemetery in Bad Segeberg. (€3 for a full day.) We feared the trail would be used primarily as a bike path. But that's not the case. The trail was almost entirely natural, winding beautifully around the lake. So if you're ever in Bad Segeberg, feel free to walk the circular trail. Afterwards, we made a short detour to the small pedestrian zone and market square.
The Segeberger See is, with the exception of a small town crossing and a short stretch along a road with little traffic, very easy to circumnavigate and you actually walk mostly close to the lake. At the beginning I met a few walkers. For the most part, however, I started very late again 😬, alone on the paths.
On the road in Bad Segeberg today. Halfway a bench, a beach and a cup of coffee ☕️ to pause. On the back lap another turtle 🐢 discovered while sunbathing. In the small but fine city center for a pizza and a piece of cake at Doppio and can only recommend one here.😋 All in all a nice round in nice company 🌞
The last tour in the north took us to Bad Segeberg in Holstein Switzerland. We started the tour by visiting the Kalkberg, which also serves as the backdrop for the Karl May Festival. The festival has been taking place since 1952 and began with amateur actors and simple backdrops. 300,000 visitors now attend the festival every year. The Kalkberg Cave is Germany's northernmost sulphate karst cave. At the moment it cannot be visited because of the bats (up to 20,000 animals) that are still sleeping. The hike around the lake was beautiful, many flying birds were kind to me today and allowed me to take good photos of them. And another little fun fact for you. Did you know that without bats there would be no tequila? Because only 🦇 pollinate the agaric plant from which tequila is made. That is why they are also called "farmers of the rainforest" because they pollinate another 300 types of fruit, such as bananas and mangoes.