Best natural monuments around Pronstorf are found within the broader Segeberg district, a region characterized by its diverse natural landscape. The area features significant lakes, rivers, and unique geological formations. This part of Schleswig-Holstein offers various natural features, including protected habitats and striking landforms, providing opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 11, 2026
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The Herrenteich Pond is located in the heart of the carp town of Reinfeld. It was artificially created in the 12th century by Cistercian monks as a reservoir for the Heilsau River for fish farming. Carp are still bred here today. A four-kilometer circular trail around the Lower Herrenteich invites you to discover this special ecosystem. 16 stations along the adventure trail offer fun and a nature experience in one, sharpening your awareness of the special features of this natural area. In summer, you can enjoy the cool water at the lido. See: https://tourismus-stormarn.de/de/naturerlebnis/herrenteich-reinfeld-5
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The Herrenteich in Reinfeld is a popular tourist destination. The approximately 55-hectare body of water is divided into the upper and lower Herrenteich. The upper Herrenteich remains a recognized nature reserve. The lower Herrenteich is home to, among other things, a hiking trail and an outdoor pool in the summer. Due to melting snow, the Herrenteich flooded in early March 2010. A temporary dam erected at the time due to construction work threatened to no longer hold the water masses. A breach of the dam would have flooded the entire hinterland. The Hamburg/Lübeck railway embankment would also have been affected. See: https://www.thw-badoldesloe.de/aktuelles/aktuelle-meldungen/artikel/vor-10-jahren-hochwassereinsatz-am-herrenteich-fachgruppen-wasserschadenpumpen-verhindern-stauwe
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The 3.7 km long trail leads along the partially wooded shore of the Herrenteich lake. The east and west banks are connected by a bridge at the "Fischhuser Damm"—north of this bridge begins the "Oberer Herrenteich" nature reserve. See: https://reinfeld-aktiv.de/tag/reinfeld/page/6/
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The 3.7 km long trail leads along the partially wooded shore of the Herrenteich lake. The east and west banks are connected by a bridge at the "Fischhuser Damm"—north of this bridge begins the "Oberer Herrenteich" nature reserve. See: https://reinfeld-aktiv.de/tag/reinfeld/page/6/
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The Herrenteich in Reinfeld owes its existence to Cistercian monks who founded the Reynevelde monastery in the 12th century. They cleared the forest, created fish ponds and dammed the Heilsau to form the Herrenteich. Water lily - Photo: Silke Oldorff Water lily - Photo: Silke Oldorff The Herrenteich in Reinfeld, Stormarn district, owes its existence to the Cistercian monks who founded the "Reynevelde" monastery in the area of the marshy lowlands of the Heilsau in the 12th century. The Heilsau rises near today's Stockelsdorf (Ostholstein district) and flows into the Trave below Reinfeld. Count Adolf commissioned this Cistercian order in 1186 to reclaim this "place of loneliness and terror", according to contemporary witness Provost Sido from Neumünster. They cleared the forest, created small fish ponds and used the excavated material to build the dam for the Heilsau to form the Herrenteich. The monks lived in the monastery until the 16th century
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With 37 hectares, the Herrenteich is the largest of a total of five freshwater ponds in Reinfeld; with its diverse bank vegetation, it offers a home to many animal species.
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The Ihlsee is located in the northwestern part of the district town of Bad Segeberg on the northern edge of the Kleinniendorf district and is part of the designated Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve. The origin of the lake has not been fully investigated. Either the depression was formed after the Ice Age due to dead ice or it was created as a sinkhole by the collapse of a cave in the Segeberg salt dome. Today the lake has an area of around 29 hectares and stretches 450 m from north to south and around 850 m from west to east; the shore is 2.25 km long. Along with the Bültsee and the Garrensee, the lake is one of the few nutrient-poor lakes in Schleswig-Holstein. The lake is located in a depression and has no inflow. It is fed only by groundwater and inflowing surface water (precipitation). To the north of the bathing area is the outflow that connects the lake to the Great Segeberg Lake. The lake can be walked around, but there is no path along the lake. There is a bathing area on the eastern shore that has existed for decades. The bathing water quality is regularly monitored and in recent years has been rated as very good to good. There is a residential area on the northern shore. On the western and southern sides, the Ihlwald, a swamp forest, dominates the shoreline. From 1911 to 1961, there was a Kiel-Segeberg narrow-gauge railway station at Ihlsee, the tracks of which were removed in 1962. The Ihlsee was declared a nature reserve in 1950 because of its special features. The lake is a particularly nutrient-poor body of water, which gives rise to rare flora. Today, the lake is part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve and has been part of the Natura 2000 protected area network since 2006. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ihlsee
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Nice walk around the pond! With lots of cozy spots.
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The most striking geological feature is the Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, a 91-meter-high gypsum mountain. It was once taller before gypsum mining reduced its height. Its caves are a significant winter roost for up to 30,000 bats, and guided tours are available in the summer. The origin of Lake Ihl is also debated, possibly formed by dead ice or a sinkhole from the Segeberg salt dome.
Yes, several natural monuments are suitable for families. The Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg offers panoramic views and bat cave tours in summer. Herrenteich Reinfeld has a pleasant hiking trail around the lake, with a detour to the Fasanerie. Lake Ihl, with its clear waters, is also a good spot for nature walks and swimming in summer.
The region around Pronstorf offers diverse outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the 'Running loop from Strenglin' or 'Alte Ziegelei loop from Pronstorf'. For cycling, consider routes such as 'Avenue to Gut Rohlstorf – Lake Warder loop from Pronstorf'. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like 'Klein Rönnau Watermill – View of Großer Segeberger Lake loop from Pronstorf'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Pronstorf, MTB Trails around Pronstorf, and Cycling around Pronstorf guides.
For breathtaking panoramic views, ascend the Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg. From its summit, you can see Bad Segeberg, the Großer Segeberger See, and even Lübeck's church spires on clear days. The hiking trail around Herrenteich Reinfeld also offers picturesque views of the lake. Additionally, the Rönne estuary and stone bridge at Großer Segeberger See provides beautiful lake views.
The warmer months, from spring to autumn, are generally ideal for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and enjoying the lakes. Summer is perfect for swimming in Lake Ihl and taking guided tours of the bat caves at Kalkberg. The Herrenteich is particularly scenic in autumn when it is drained for carp farming, offering a unique landscape.
Yes, the region is rich in biodiversity. The Trave River and its surroundings are designated as a 'flora and fauna habitat' and are home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare and endangered animal species. The caves of Kalkberg, Bad Segeberg, are a significant winter roost for up to 30,000 bats, making it an excellent spot for bat observation during specific times.
Absolutely. A popular circular trail encircles the Herrenteich Reinfeld, offering scenic views and opportunities for breaks. The Großer Segeberger See, adjacent to the Kalkberg, also features a well-maintained 7.5 km circular trail that is popular for walking and offers beautiful views. You can also walk around Lake Ihl, though the path may not always be directly along the shore.
The Trave River is a vital natural landscape in the broader region, flowing through Schleswig-Holstein. The area surrounding the Trave is designated as a 'flora and fauna habitat' by the European Union, highlighting its conservation importance. It supports diverse flora and fauna and is popular for hiking, cycling, canoeing, and fishing. The German Friends of Nature recognized the Trave as its German Riverscape of the Year for 2016/17.
Yes, Lake Ihl is recognized as one of Schleswig-Holstein's most important nutrient-poor lakes, characterized by a unique ecosystem and protected forest areas. It is part of the Ihlsee and Ihlwald nature reserve and has been part of the Natura 2000 protected area network since 2006. The lake is fed only by groundwater and surface water, contributing to its unusually clear water.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from the Kalkberg, which offers panoramic vistas of Bad Segeberg and the lake. The peaceful and relaxing atmosphere of the walking trails, such as those around Herrenteich Reinfeld, is also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the diverse natural settings, from forests and meadows to the clear waters of the lakes.
While Pronstorf itself is a smaller municipality, the major natural attractions like the Kalkberg and Großer Segeberger See are located in Bad Segeberg, which is well-connected by public transport. For detailed information on reaching Bad Segeberg, you can visit the official tourism website for the region: sh-tourismus.de.
Yes, particularly around the more developed natural monuments. Near Herrenteich Reinfeld, there are cafes directly by the lake where you can stop after a walk. The town of Bad Segeberg, home to the Kalkberg and Großer Segeberger See, also offers various dining options and amenities along its lakeside promenade.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Pronstorf: