Best lakes around Seestermühe, a municipality in the district of Pinneberg, Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, offers picturesque landscapes and a tranquil atmosphere. While large natural lakes are not directly within its boundaries, the broader region provides notable water bodies ideal for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and cyclists. The area is characterized by marshland, historically relying on collected rainwater and a system of ditches.
Last updated: September 30, 2026
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A beautiful winter hike through the freshly fallen snow at Horstsee. The hiking trails were easy to walk on.
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I passed by this place on my tour: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/2573083399 I hope the link works. I know the lake as the Glinde outdoor swimming pool. I've swum there occasionally. The picture I've attached was taken from the fence.
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The colorful autumn foliage at Horstsee in Stade is beautiful to behold. A visit is highly recommended 👍.
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Even in autumn 🌿, a hike 🍁 around Horstsee 🍂 is a wonderful 🕸️ experience 🌾. When the sun shines 🌞, nature is beautifully reflected in the water of the lake.
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Horstsee in Stade, Lower Saxony, was formed by a former clay pit on the edge of the Hohentorsvorstadt district of Stade. The walled-up tunnel at Horstsee, which formerly led to the Aktien-Ziegelei Horst (March 2008), Stade, Lower Saxony. The coordinates are: 53° 35′ 39″ N, 9° 27′ 42″ E Elevation above sea level: 6 m above sea level Area: 3.75 ha Maximum depth: 9 m Average depth: 4–5 m The volume of the lake roughly corresponds to the total water volume of the Oberschwinge. The average depth in the western part is approximately 4 to 5 meters. In the eastern part, the lake is up to approximately 9 meters deep. The surface area is approximately 3.75 hectares. A 640-meter-long, hilly hiking trail runs around the lake, offering many magnificent views of the lake and the surrounding countryside. There are plenty of places to sit and relax and enjoy the scenery. Back when there was a real winter, we could even ice skate here.
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Even in autumn 🌿 a hike 🍁around the Horstsee 🍂 is a great 🕸️ experience 🌾.
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The natural pool is operated by a support association, which makes admission completely free. Parking is also free. That's a huge plus! The water quality is regularly monitored and is excellent according to Seen.de. It's described as "natural bathing fun in a beautiful landscape," with idyllic views (e.g., cows on the opposite bank) and is uncrowded.
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A great little hike around Horstsee. It can be extended through the Stade meadows.
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The region around Seestermühe offers a diverse range of water bodies, including natural swimming lakes, tranquil moor ponds, and historical lakes formed from clay mining. While large natural lakes are not directly within Seestermühe's boundaries, the broader area provides notable options for nature enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation.
Yes, there are options for swimming. Wolny Lake is a popular destination, particularly during good weather, known for its calm and shallow areas, making it suitable for families. Another excellent choice is the Oberglinde Natural Outdoor Pool, a beautiful swimming lake close to Uetersen that offers a refreshing way to cool down on warm days.
For nature observation and birdwatching, Himmelmoor Lake within the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve near Quickborn is highly recommended. This rewilded moorland is a haven for diverse and rare bird species, including marsh tits, kingfishers, and white-tailed eagles. The reserve features a nearly four-kilometer-long nature trail with information boards and vantage points to observe the unique plant and animal life. You can learn more about the reserve's history on Wikipedia.
Yes, several lakes offer pleasant hiking opportunities. For instance, Horstsee (Horst Lake) features a hiking trail that leads completely around the lake, allowing visitors to enjoy its idyllic setting and rich biotope. The Himmelmoor Nature Reserve also has a nature trail around Himmelmoor Lake. For more hiking options in the broader area, you can explore the Hiking around Seestermühe guide.
Wolny Lake is a great option for families due to its shallow areas, and it's also a favored spot for dog owners to walk their pets. The Oberglinde Natural Outdoor Pool is another family-friendly choice for swimming. For walks, the trail around Horstsee (Horst Lake) is also suitable for families.
The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. For swimming and general outdoor recreation, the warmer months from late spring to early autumn are ideal. For birdwatching and enjoying the unique moorland landscape at Himmelmoor, spring and autumn offer excellent opportunities to observe migratory birds and vibrant seasonal changes.
Absolutely. The region around Seestermühe offers various cycling routes that pass by or near some of these water bodies. For gravel biking, you can find routes like the 'Am Goldenen Stern – Wolny Lake loop from Elmshorn' in the Gravel biking around Seestermühe guide. There are also many road cycling options available in the Road Cycling Routes around Seestermühe guide.
Yes, some lakes have interesting historical origins. For example, Horstsee (Horst Lake) was created from the mining of red clay by a brickworks, with a water vein accidentally opened in 1921 filling the hollow overnight. The Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, home to Himmelmoor Lake, is also a site of former extensive peat mining, now undergoing ecological restoration.
Visitors appreciate the tranquil atmosphere and natural beauty of the lakes. Many enjoy the peaceful spots for resting, such as the contemplative viewing platform at View of the moor pond at Tävsmoor/Haselauer Moor. The opportunity for a refreshing swim at places like the Oberglinde Natural Outdoor Pool is also highly valued, especially on warm days.
While not a 'secret wild swimming spot,' Wolny Lake is a less-known but popular destination that offers a calm and welcoming environment. The View of the moor pond at Tävsmoor/Haselauer Moor also provides a quiet, contemplative spot adjacent to the Heist airport, perfect for a peaceful break.


Still not found your perfect lake around Seestermühe? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.