Best lakes around Raa-Besenbek are found in the surrounding region, offering both natural recreation and cultural exploration. While Raa-Besenbek itself is a small municipality, the nearby Rantzauer See in Barmstedt is a significant attraction. This artificial lake, created by damming the Krückau river, features a freely accessible bathing area with good water quality. The area also includes the historic Schlossinsel, which hosts cultural monuments and a museum.
Last updated: June 26, 2026
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Raa-Besenbek.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
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.
0
0
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.
1
0
I also swam here once.
0
1
Unfortunately, a bracket was inserted into the web address in the first part. Here is the correction: https://naturbadoberglinde.de/oeffnungszeiten.html
0
1
A great "natural pool," meaning there are no chemicals in the water. Even without a bike, it's easily accessible by public transport (runs every 30 minutes) from S-Pinneberg in just a few minutes and is a 500-meter walk. Even though costs and admission prices are rising everywhere, making it unaffordable for families, visiting this pool is FREE. Although there is no admission charge, the pool is supervised by at least two people from the DLRG (German Lifesaving Association) during general opening hours (see also https://naturbadoberglinde.de/oeffnungszeiten.html). Outside of opening hours, the pool can be visited "at your own risk." However, after a long period of hot weather without rain, I once found myself standing in front of a locked gate. The reason: the health department had closed the lake due to blue-green algae. Unfortunately, in a natural body of water, you always have to expect these and similar restrictions.
2
0
The Oberglinde natural pool is a true paradise for water lovers of all ages! Idyllically surrounded by nature, it has been inviting people to take a dip in the refreshing water on warm days for decades. (Source: https://www.holstein-tourismus.de/de/unsere-region/detailansicht/detail/naturbad-oberglinde.html)
2
0
Very nice and green park with seating. You can also watch birds well at the lake.
1
0
Here you can go for a nice relaxed walk/hike 🥾.
4
0
The primary attraction is the artificial Rantzauer See in nearby Barmstedt. It offers a freely accessible bathing area with excellent water quality and a fine sandy beach. Connected to it is the historic Schlossinsel (Castle Island), which features cultural monuments and a museum. Visitors particularly enjoy the Seepark Barmstedt on Lake Rantzau for walks and the View of Lake Rantzau for scenic perspectives.
The Schlossinsel (Castle Island) in Rantzauer See is a significant historical site. You can visit the Barmstedt Castle Island to see historic buildings like the Museum der Grafschaft Rantzau (Museum of the County of Rantzau) and the former Schlossgefängnis (Castle Prison). The Rantzauer Wassermühle (Water Mill), one of Schleswig-Holstein's oldest, is also located opposite the island.
Yes, the Rantzauer See area is very family-friendly. The lake features designated shallow areas for children and separate zones for swimmers and non-swimmers. You can rent rowboats and pedal boats, play mini-golf, or relax on the large sunbathing lawn. The Seepark Barmstedt on Lake Rantzau and Barmstedt Castle Island are also noted for being family-friendly, offering pleasant walks and art installations.
Yes, the Rantzauer See in Barmstedt offers a freely accessible bathing area with excellent water quality and a fine sandy beach. There's also the Oberglinde Natural Outdoor Pool, a beautiful swimming lake located close to Uetersen, which offers free entry and is highly recommended for cooling down on hot days.
The area around Rantzauer See is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and cycling paths surrounding the lake and in the adjacent Rantzauer Forst. For more structured routes, there are numerous options for mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. Explore trails like the 'View of Lake Rantzau – Krückau Trail Wooden Bridge loop' for gravel biking, or 'Rantzau Castle Island – Lorenzen Bridge loop' for MTB. Find more routes in the MTB Trails around Raa-Besenbek, Road Cycling Routes around Raa-Besenbek, and Gravel biking around Raa-Besenbek guides.
Yes, the Rantzauer See is surrounded by walking and cycling paths, including those extending into the Rantzauer Forst. The Seepark Barmstedt on Lake Rantzau also offers pleasant short walks. These paths provide opportunities for relaxed strolls amidst nature and historical sites.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your interests. For swimming and water activities, the summer months (June to August) are ideal. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for walking and cycling, with beautiful foliage. The area also hosts various events, such as an Advent market and a historical medieval market, making winter visits charming for cultural experiences.
Around Rantzauer See, you'll find several amenities. The View of Lake Rantzau offers a cafe and kiosk. The Barmstedt Castle Island has a cafe in the former castle prison. The Seepark Barmstedt features a bistro-café-restaurant. Additionally, rowboat and pedal boat rentals are available, and there's a mini-golf course.
The Rantzauer See and Schlossinsel are located in Barmstedt, which is easily accessible from Raa-Besenbek. Barmstedt has public transport connections. For car visitors, parking is available near the lake and the Schlossinsel. The area is designed to accommodate up to 100,000 visitors annually, indicating good accessibility.
Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural recreation and cultural exploration. They enjoy the excellent water quality for swimming, the relaxing atmosphere of the Seepark Barmstedt on Lake Rantzau, and the historical charm of the Barmstedt Castle Island with its museum and art installations. The scenic views, cafes, and opportunities for walks and bike tours are also highly rated.
While Rantzauer See is the main lake attraction, the Uetersen Rosarium, though not a lake, is another significant natural area nearby. This extensive rose garden offers a beautiful landscape with around 900 varieties of roses, perfect for a relaxing break and enjoying nature's beauty.


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