On the Green Belt-Zarrentin/Kirchensee – Southern Schaalsee Biosphere Reserve

After the difficult days, we finally managed to pull ourselves together and head out into nature. The Schaalsee and the Kirchensee in Zarrentin offered exactly what we needed: silence, fresh air and a beautiful environment that could heal our souls a little. Our hike began on the banks of the Schaalsee, where the smooth surface of the water reflected the blue of the sky and the gentle lapping of the waves greeted us. The paths led us through small forests, past clearings that gave us a view of the water. We took a short break at the Kirchensee. The clear winter air and the calm water were like balm for the soul. A bench right on the bank offered us a moment to pause. We heard the rustling of the leaves, the call of a bird and felt how nature gave us strength. The round trip wasn't particularly long, about 5 kilometers, but it was just right. It wasn't about top sporting performance, but about clearing your head and just taking a deep breath.

The walk around the Kirchensee in Zarrentin is always beautiful. In the sunny weather I also had a great view over the Schaalsee. The monastery complex never ceases to impress me. The Seecafé serves delicious cakes, but the prices are not bad either.

And again along the Schaalsee, this time from Zarrentin and not on a Werder, but around a small inland lake - the Kirchensee (this time no Küchensee 😅). The landscape is really very nice, but unfortunately the round is quite short. But there is a very nice old church to look at and coffee & cake if you like ☕🥧 There is more going on here overall, but it still went quite well. The paths are more for walking for everyone, but are easy to walk on and dry. The parking lot at the church costs money all year round - the one in front of the village on the street does not 😉 Zarrentin itself is a pretty little place. This is a good place to stop 🌾

The weather gods are promising over 20°C for today – I'm not staying home! I take the train and then the bus to Zarrentin am Schaalsee. A first for me, as until now I've only known the Schaalsee from a distance. Today I have the opportunity to stroll directly along its shore. In Zarrentin Markt, I begin the first part of my spring day: a walk around the Kirchensee lake. Right next to the Cistercian monastery, I spot the signpost I've been looking for. Walking along the shore through an avenue, I catch my first glimpse of the Schaalsee lake. Right where the actual circular trail begins is a birdwatching station. From here, you can enjoy wonderful views of the blue water and the eastern shore of the Schaalsee. After a short break, the hike begins. Continuing counterclockwise, I immerse myself in the world of the biosphere reserve. Alder swamp forests characterize the landscape. All kinds of birds chirp, and every now and then I catch a glimpse of the Kirchensee lake. What's striking here is that there are numerous benches – perfect for short breaks. I also encounter many walkers. No wonder, since the Kirchensee loop is one of the most popular hiking trails located directly on the Schaalsee lake. The loop ends where it began: at the birdwatching station – or should we say birdwatching point? No matter – I sit down here, enjoy my snack—it's already lunchtime, after all—and gaze out at the vast blue of the Schaalsee lake. As the sun's rays dance gently across the water, I reflect on what a unique place this lake is. The perfect mix of nature, tranquility, and vastness.

On our stopover between Denmark and home we spend a few days near Lützow. Today we were at Schaalsee. The weather was really good...

Nice walk for Mother's Day around the Kirchensee 🙂

Small fine introductory tour... our start with Komoot 🥾

Looking for a bit of nature on Sunday, we came across the Schaalsee near Zarrentin. Despite the Neptune Festival, we found an almost empty parking lot and set off on a tour along the lake, then decided on a small circular route (3 km). It was really pleasant walking and where we went, you couldn't even hear the hustle and bustle of the Neptune Festival. Most of the people we met were just as enthusiastic about the pleasant atmosphere and the portion of quiet nature with high-definition bird concert 🎶🎵 And to round off our tour, we stopped at Paul's Hofküche in the Seehotel Zarrentin. Very good food, very nice service that justifies the price. 👌🏻 Just something special 👌🏻