Best attractions and places to see in Naturpark Aukrug encompass a diverse landscape of moraines, woods, heathland, and numerous ponds across 380 square kilometers in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The park features undulating hills, including the Itzespitze at 83.4 meters and the Boxberg at 76.8 meters, alongside the Stör River and its tributaries. Visitors can explore significant natural features like the Aukrug Fish Ponds and protected nature reserves, as well as cultural sites such as historic grain storage buildings and ancient trade…
Last updated: July 19, 2026
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The Lübeck Trade was an important trade route in the Middle Ages that connected the cities of Lübeck and Hamburg. Several memorial stones along this route commemorate its historical importance.
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At 76.8 meters, the Boxberg is not the highest elevation in the Aukrug Nature Park, but it is one of the few moraine peaks in central Holstein that deserves the name "mountain." The Itzespitze, at 83.4 meters, is even higher than the Boxberg. Today, only a few beech trees grow on the grounds of the Boxberg recreational forest. If you want to learn more about the Aukrug Nature Park and its origins, visit: https://nationale-naturlandschaften.de/gebiete/naturpark-aukrug.
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While we can no longer imagine our landscape without the road network that cuts through everything, we may well ask ourselves at this point: When and for what purpose did all this come about? Why did people want and need to get from A to B at certain times? Peaceful trade is definitely preferable to warlike reasons.
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The rest forest begins directly after walking between the ponds. Right at the beginning there is a small place of worship where you can rest on several benches. A sign asks you to only walk (i.e. do not push or ride bicycles). If you walk along the paths there you will pass several other, but smaller places of worship. I can only warmly recommend stopping by here.
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A beautiful forest area with many idyllically located fish ponds! That invite you to relax and hike. Different animals can be observed, such as: frogs, waterfowl, white-tailed eagles, herons....
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the fish ponds have an inviting character with their mild microclimate.
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Naturpark Aukrug offers several notable natural features. You can visit the Aukrug Fish Ponds, known for their idyllic setting and diverse wildlife. For panoramic views, head to the View from Boxberg, one of the park's moraine peaks. The park also features the Stör River and its tributaries, as well as unique areas like the Reher Kratt and Störkathener Heide nature reserves.
The region is rich in history. You can explore the Historic Kornspeicher and old farm buildings in Waldhütten, which offer a glimpse into past rural life. Another significant site is the Lübsche Trade – Old trade route Lübeck–Tønder, marked by memorial stones. Additionally, 'Dat ole Hus' in Aukrug provides insights into centuries-old rural life, and the 450-year-old Aukrug Water Mill is a notable historic structure.
Yes, Naturpark Aukrug is very family-friendly. Many highlights, such as the Aukrug Fish Ponds and the Fish ponds at Waldgut Waldhütten, are suitable for families. The park also features an adventure trail in Tönsheide with interactive nature stations and a nature park puzzle for younger explorers. The recreational wood at Boxberg is also a great spot for families.
Naturpark Aukrug offers an extensive network of hiking trails suitable for various skill levels. You can find easy hikes, such as circular routes around the Aukrug Fish Ponds or trails leading to the View from Boxberg. For more options, explore the dedicated guide for easy hikes in Naturpark Aukrug.
Yes, Naturpark Aukrug is home to diverse wildlife, especially around its numerous ponds and nature reserves. The Aukrug Fish Ponds are known as a paradise for amphibians, and you might observe waterfowl and other species. Protected areas like the Reher Kratt and Störkathener Heide nature reserves provide habitats for endangered species such as the black stork, eagle owl, and common spadefoot toad.
While much of Naturpark Aukrug features undulating hills, it is not known for extremely challenging, high-elevation hikes. The highest point is the Itzespitze at 83.4 meters, and the Boxberg reaches 76.8 meters, offering good views rather than strenuous climbs. Most trails are considered easy to moderate, focusing on scenic walks through woods, heathland, and along rivers.
Naturpark Aukrug can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring brings blooming flora, while summer is ideal for outdoor activities and enjoying the designated swimming area at Badestelle Seelust. Autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and the Waldhütten estate hosts a Christmas market on the 3rd and 4th Advent, specializing in Christmas tree cultivation.
Yes, Naturpark Aukrug offers several scenic running trails. You can find routes around the Aukrug Fish Ponds, with options ranging from 9 km to 14 km. These trails often pass through forests and along water bodies, providing a pleasant environment for a run. For more detailed routes, check the guide for running trails in Naturpark Aukrug.
Visitors particularly appreciate the park's natural beauty and tranquility. The idyllic setting of the Aukrug Fish Ponds and the peaceful atmosphere of the Fish ponds at Waldgut Waldhütten are frequently mentioned. The expansive views from the View from Boxberg and the historical significance of sites like the Lübsche Trade also receive high praise.
Yes, Naturpark Aukrug is well-equipped for road cycling with extensive networks of cycleways. You can find various routes, including loops around the Stör River or through charming villages. Distances vary, with options like a 48 km loop from Sarlhusen or a 31 km loop from Aukrug. Explore the dedicated guide for road cycling routes in Naturpark Aukrug for more details.
Yes, there are options for refreshments and accommodation. At the foot of the Boxberg, you can find a café with a beer garden, perfect for a break after exploring. The idyllic Waldgut Waldhütten also offers holiday homes for those seeking a peaceful stay in nature. Additionally, the region hosts various events like an asparagus festival, and local producers offer experiences related to cheese production and fish farming.
Beyond the main highlights, Naturpark Aukrug boasts several unique natural features. Keep an eye out for the unusual geological formation known as Peissener Loch. You can also explore a soil educational path in the Bredenhoper Gehölz wood, take a circular walk through the Viertshöher Moor, and discover unique wolf's bane meadows, a giant redwood in Barlohe, and a Celtic tree circle in Gnutz.


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