Top 20 Lakes around Barmstedt
Best lakes around Barmstedt are centered around the artificial Rantzauer See, located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This 7.5-hectare lake, with a maximum depth of 3 meters, was created by damming the Krückau river. The area combines historical significance with recreational opportunities, featuring both natural and man-made water bodies. It provides diverse landscapes for outdoor activities and exploration.
Best lakes around Barmstedt
- The most popular lakes is Barmstedt Castle Island, a castle that looks back on 900 years of history. This…
Last updated: October 13, 2026
Barmstedt Castle Island
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View over the Himmelmoor
Highlight • Viewpoint
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.
Rantzau Castle Island (Schlossinsel) and Watermill
Highlight • Castle
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Lake Rantzau
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Waldsee Spring and Picnic Area
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Barmstedt.
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Popular around Barmstedt
Germany’s blossoming inland — marsh, lakes and fjords in spring
Germany’s golden inland – hike marsh, lakes and fjords in autumn
Exploring Germany’s Elb and Auenland Holstein — day trips by bike
Radfahren in Barmstedt & im Pinneberger Baumschulland
Cycling around Barmstedt
Hiking around Barmstedt
Road Cycling Routes around Barmstedt
Running Trails around Barmstedt
Gravel biking around Barmstedt
MTB Trails around Barmstedt
Other adventures around Barmstedt
Tips from the Community
According to a 1919 contract, peat extraction, which began around 1780, was to continue until the moor had completely disappeared. However, extraction was discontinued in 2018. The gradual renaturation and rewetting of the Himmelmoor had already begun. The "Himmelmoor Friends' Association" was founded in December 2005.
12
0
Here is a nice rest area including a barbecue area.
1
0
A beautiful, small lake for paddling, pedal boating or swimming. Splendid!
8
0
Simply a very beautiful island with interesting buildings, sculptures, plants and history! Recommended.
8
1
Very interesting things to see on the island.
8
1
Unfortunately, the castle prison is closed this year due to a change of tenants and renovations, but there is a great special exhibition about Dutch tiles in the museum (Sat/Sun 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.)!
1
0
Today's castle goes back to a moated castle, for which the Krückau was dammed up to create a fortified island with moats around it. The founders were the Knights of Barmstede. From 1322 the castle came to the county of Schauenburg near Rinteln on the Weser. A bailiff ruled from here in the sense of the count these northern areas. When the Schauenburgers died out, the castle came into the possession of the Rantzau family, who expanded it into a residence. After the fratricide (see the memorial in the Barmstedt Forest), the castle was confiscated by the Danish king. The buildings you see today are mainly from this period. The castle island is used in many ways today. On the one hand there is a café in the former prison, then there is an art gallery, as well as some works of art in the outdoor area, a museum on the history of the county of Rantzau and the castle building itself. The island can be freely explored and also has nice seating areas with a view of the Rantzauer Lake. Definitely worth a visit, even if you're there outside the opening hours of the café or museum. Site plan and information boards explain the individual buildings in more detail.
7
1
The Barmstedter Schlossinsel is always worth a detour. Art in Gallery III, coffee and cake in the castle prison and always exciting current special exhibitions in the Museum der Grafschaft Rantzau (Sat/Sun 2pm-5pm, Oct.-March 1pm-4pm). The small tour through the Vossloch forest is particularly recommended in hot weather, as it is always in the shade.
7
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical and cultural sites can I explore around the lakes in Barmstedt?
The most prominent historical site is the Rantzau Castle Island (Schlossinsel) on Rantzauer See. This island has a rich history spanning 900 years, featuring a classical manor house, a museum for the County of Rantzau, a court writer's house with changing exhibitions, and a former prison now housing a café and exhibitions. An old watermill from the 19th century also borders the island.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes near Barmstedt?
Yes, the Rantzauer See offers several family-friendly activities. There's a free public swimming area with a sandy beach, sunbathing lawn, volleyball court, and table tennis. You can also rent pedal boats and rowing boats, or enjoy a round of mini-golf. The View of Lake Rantzau highlight mentions these facilities.
What kind of nature and wildlife can I observe around Barmstedt's lakes?
The Rantzauer See is a good spot for birdwatching, with common waterfowl like greylag geese, Canada geese, and great crested grebes. The Moor Nature Trail Water Birds specifically highlights opportunities to observe various bird species such as mallards, coots, and moorhens in their natural habitat.
Where can I go for a relaxing walk or bike ride around a lake in the region?
The Pinnsee, a forest lake in the Herzogtum Lauenburg district, is ideal for walks and bike rides, with a full circuit taking less than half an hour. The Rantzauer See also has surrounding paths, and the adjacent Rantzauer Forst provides further opportunities for hiking and cycling. For specific cycling routes, you can explore the Cycling around Barmstedt guide.
Are there any lakes suitable for swimming near Barmstedt?
Yes, the Rantzauer See features a free public swimming area with a sandy beach, typically open from May to September. The Pinnsee also has a small bathing beach on its eastern shore, known for its clear water.
What are the best times to visit the lakes around Barmstedt?
The Rantzauer See is particularly vibrant from May to September when its public swimming area is open and boat rentals are available. During this period, the rhododendron park is also in bloom. For hiking and cycling, spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Winter can also be appealing for quiet walks, though some facilities may be closed.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near these lakes?
Beyond swimming and boating on Rantzauer See, the area offers extensive opportunities for hiking and cycling. You can find various routes in the Cycling around Barmstedt, Road Cycling Routes around Barmstedt, and MTB Trails around Barmstedt guides. The Rantzauer Forst, adjacent to Rantzauer See, is also popular for walks.
Are there any lakes primarily for fishing in the Barmstedt region?
Yes, the Teichanlage Bokholdt-Hahnredder, a former gravel pit lake near Barmstedt, is privately owned by the Sportanglerverein Elmshorn-Barmstedt. It is known for its very clean water and a variety of fish species, making it a valuable spot for anglers.
What unique natural features can be found near Barmstedt's lakes?
Besides the lakes themselves, you can visit the Waldsee Spring and Picnic Area, which features a natural water source and an educational forest trail. The Rantzauer See also has a beautiful rhododendron park nearby.
What do visitors enjoy most about the Rantzauer See area?
Visitors frequently praise the idyllic setting of the View of Lake Rantzau, noting it as a great destination for bike or hiking tours. The historic Rantzau Castle Island with its museum, café, and exhibitions is also a major draw, offering a blend of history and relaxation.
How was the Rantzauer See formed?
The Rantzauer See is an artificial lake, created between 1934 and 1938 by damming the Krückau river. It covers an area of 7.5 hectares and has a maximum depth of three meters.
Are there cafes or restaurants near the lakes?
Yes, particularly around the Rantzauer See. The Rantzau Castle Island hosts a café in the former castle prison. There are also various cafés surrounding the lake, some offering lake views, as mentioned in tips for the View of Lake Rantzau.
Most popular routes around Barmstedt
Most popular attractions around Barmstedt
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Barmstedt? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
