The best walks and hikes around Hemmelsdorfer Lake
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80,676
hikers
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hikes
Hiking around Hemmelsdorfer Lake offers a network of trails characterized by gentle terrain and proximity to the lake. The region features lowlands, wet meadows, and lake shore paths, with minimal elevation changes. These routes provide access to the natural environment surrounding Hemmelsdorfer Lake, suitable for various outdoor activities.
Best hiking trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake
- The most popular hiking route is Lake Hemmelsdorf – View of Lake Hemmelsdorf loop from Hier stand das "Pöppendorfer Lager", a 3.7 miles (6.0 km)…
Last updated: September 28, 2026
4.8
(14)
40
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(21)
70
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(19)
59
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
17
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A lovely rest area right at a road junction... If you're traveling by bicycle, you can repair your bike at the on-site repair station.
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A lovely rest area right at a road junction... If you're traveling by bicycle, you can repair your bike at the on-site repair station.
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According to the European Water Framework Directive (WFD), Lake Hemmelsdorf is in an unsatisfactory ecological state. The lake receives heavily to very heavily nutrient-polluted water from the larger tributaries of the Mühlenau, Thuraubek and Spannau as well as other tributaries. The visible consequences in summer are often blue-green algae and foam formation on the banks. In terms of water quality, Lake Hemmelsdorf is one of the most endangered lakes in Schleswig-Holstein.
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The fish population in Lake Hemmelsdorf includes perch, roach, bream, ruffe, zander, pike, eel, carp, and, to a lesser extent, rudd, minnow, and tench.[5] The northern part of the lake and the adjacent Aalbeek lowland were declared a nature reserve "Aalbeek Lowland" on 31 December 1984[6] and a European Bird Sanctuary in 2000, covering an area of 310 hectares.
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Breeding birds at Lake Hemmelsdorf include the mute swan, greylag goose, gadwall, coot and great crested grebe. During migration, the little gull, osprey, black tern, great egret, tufted duck and pochard are present. The kingfisher and the white-tailed eagle are regular feeding visitors. The marsh harrier, reed warbler, great reed warbler, bluethroat, penduline tit and bearded reed can be found in the reeds.
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Lake Hemmelsdorf is divided into two completely different basins in the area of the so-called Möveninsel. The larger northern basin is flat and four meters deep (four meters below sea level). The smaller southern basin is a large cryptodepression (the result of ice age glaciation). On August 31, 2007, the HafenCity University of Hamburg carried out a survey in this southern part of Lake Hemmelsdorf using sonar technology (side scan sonar, subbottom sonar and multibeam sonar) to determine the deepest point on land in Germany. The deepest point is 39.5 m and was marked with a buoy.
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With a catchment area of 36.4 km², Lake Hemmelsdorf has numerous small tributaries, including the Aalbeck, which drains Lake Ruppersdorf, and the Mühlenau, which drains the Överdiek.
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The lake was formed after the last ice age (the Weichselian glaciation), when the channel carved out by glaciers connected to the Baltic Sea and the Hemmelsförde was formed. This fjord was subsequently cut off from the Baltic Sea by the sand masses eroded from the Brodten shore by the Baltic Sea and moved westward by the current, thus forming the lake we see today.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
There are over 980 hiking routes available around Hemmelsdorfer Lake, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels.
Are there many easy hiking trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
Yes, the region is particularly well-suited for easy walks. Over 700 of the available routes are classified as easy, making it ideal for casual strolls and relaxed hiking experiences.
Are there any good circular walks around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
Many of the trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of Wet Meadows – Aalbeek-Niederung Trailhead loop from Hemmelsdorf is an easy 6.6 km (4.1 miles) loop that takes you through diverse landscapes.
Are the hiking trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake suitable for families with children?
Yes, the gentle terrain and minimal elevation changes make many trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake very family-friendly. Routes like the Karls Strawberry Farm Zirkow – Karl's Adventure Village Warnsdorf loop from Aalbeek-Niederung are short and easy, perfect for outings with kids.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
Most trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake are dog-friendly, but it's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife. Be mindful of local regulations and ensure you clean up after your pet.
Where can I find parking for hiking around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
Parking is generally available at various access points around the lake, particularly near popular trailheads and villages like Hemmelsdorf or Offendorf. Look for designated parking areas, often signposted, to ensure convenient access to the trails.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
The spring and autumn months are particularly pleasant for hiking around Hemmelsdorfer Lake, with mild temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summer offers warmer weather ideal for combining hikes with lakeside activities, while winter can provide serene, crisp walks, especially if the lake freezes over.
Are there any notable viewpoints or attractions along the hiking trails?
Yes, there are several points of interest. You can visit the Hermann-Löns-Blick Observation Tower for panoramic views of the lake, or explore the Moor Trail in the Aalbeek-Niederung. The Pier at Lake Hemmelsdorf also offers a scenic spot to enjoy the water.
What do other hikers enjoy the most about hiking in Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 11,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil lakeside paths, the diverse natural landscapes including wet meadows, and the accessibility of the trails for all skill levels.
Are there opportunities for wild swimming after a hike?
While Hemmelsdorfer Lake is a popular spot for water activities, designated swimming areas are recommended for safety and environmental protection. Always check local regulations regarding swimming in natural bodies of water.
Are there cafes or places to eat near the hiking trails?
Yes, you'll find various cafes and restaurants in the villages surrounding Hemmelsdorfer Lake, such as Hemmelsdorf itself or nearby Timmendorfer Strand. The Fischereihof Hemmelsdorf is a popular spot for fresh fish and refreshments right by the lake.
What kind of landscape can I expect on the trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake?
The landscape around Hemmelsdorfer Lake is characterized by gentle lowlands, extensive wet meadows, and serene lake shore paths. You'll encounter a mix of open fields, small woodlands, and agricultural areas, with very little elevation change, offering a peaceful and varied hiking experience.
Most popular routes around Hemmelsdorfer Lake
Most popular attractions around Hemmelsdorfer Lake
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