4.5
(12501)
80,833
hikers
923
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake are characterized by gentle terrain, offering accessible paths through diverse natural settings. The region features the lake itself, which has a glacial origin and includes Germany's deepest point below sea level in its southern basin. Surrounding the lake are the low-lying meadows and tranquil woodlands of the Ostholstein hill country, along with the significant Aalbeek-Niederung Nature Reserve. This area provides a habitat for various bird species and offers a network of trails suitable…
Last updated: October 2, 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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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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There are over 660 easy hiking routes around Hemmelsdorfer Lake, many of which are perfect for families. The region offers a wide variety of paths suitable for different ages and abilities, ensuring a pleasant outdoor experience for everyone.
The trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake are characterized by their gentle terrain, featuring shoreline paths, low-lying meadows, and tranquil woodlands. This makes them accessible for various fitness levels, including young children and those with strollers. The area's rich biodiversity and observation points also provide engaging experiences for curious young explorers.
You can expect mostly flat or gently rolling terrain, with well-maintained paths through woodlands, along the lake shore, and across open meadows. The trails are generally easy to navigate, making them ideal for families looking for a relaxed outdoor adventure.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy several points of interest. The Hermann-Löns-Blick Observation Tower in the Aalbeek-Niederung offers panoramic views over Hemmelsdorfer Lake. You can also explore the Hemmelsdorfer See Lakeside Boardwalk for direct observation of the water, or visit the Pier at Lake Hemmelsdorf for a classic lake experience.
The region is rich in natural beauty. The Moor Trail in the Aalbeek-Niederung nature reserve is a highlight, offering insights into the local ecosystem with its wet meadows and reed belts. This area is a European Bird Sanctuary, so keep an eye out for diverse bird species like mute swans, greylag geese, and even kingfishers.
Yes, many of the family-friendly routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A great option is the Lake Hemmelsdorf – View of Lake Hemmelsdorf loop from Hier stand das "Pöppendorfer Lager", which offers continuous lake views and is just under 6 km long.
For a shorter, easy outing, consider the Karls Strawberry Farm Zirkow – Karl's Adventure Village Warnsdorf loop from Aalbeek-Niederung. It's just over 2.5 km and features minimal elevation gain, perfect for little legs. Another good choice is the View of Lake Hemmelsdorf – Lake Hemmelsdorf loop from Offendorf, which is about 3.5 km.
If you're looking for a slightly longer family adventure, the View of Wet Meadows – Aalbeek-Niederung Trailhead loop from Hemmelsdorf is a great choice. At around 6.5 km, it offers a good balance of distance and easy terrain, allowing for a more extended exploration of the nature reserve.
Yes, parking is generally available at various starting points around Hemmelsdorfer Lake, especially in and around the villages like Hemmelsdorf and Offendorf, and near popular attractions like the Aalbeek-Niederung nature reserve. These spots are usually well-marked.
Many of the trails around Hemmelsdorfer Lake, particularly those along the shoreline and through the more developed areas, are suitable for strollers due to their gentle and well-maintained surfaces. However, some paths within the nature reserve might be unpaved or have uneven sections, so checking individual route details on komoot is always recommended for specific conditions.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the beautiful lake views, and the well-maintained paths that make for a relaxing and enjoyable experience for all ages. The rich birdlife in the Aalbeek-Niederung is also frequently highlighted.
Yes, you'll find several options. The village of Hemmelsdorf and other quaint villages along the lake's shores offer places to eat. For example, the Fischereihof Hemmelsdorf is a popular spot. Additionally, the bathing area in Offendorf provides a nice place for a break or a refreshing dip during warmer months.


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