The best traffic-free bike rides around Schierensee
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No traffic gravel bike trails around Schierensee offer a diverse landscape for riders. The region, situated within the Westensee Nature Park, features rolling hills, dense forests, and distinctive hedgerow scenery. Gravel biking routes here combine both paved and unpaved surfaces, including forest paths and agricultural roads. This mosaic of natural elements provides varied terrain for exploration away from heavy traffic.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Schierensee
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Lakeside Path on Lake Plön – View of Großer Plöner See loop from Stolpe, a 29.7 miles (47.8 km) trail that takes 2 hours 41 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers views over Großer Plöner See.
- Another top favourite among local gravel bikers is Schlüter's Inn loop from Stolpe, an easy 12.1 miles (19.5 km) path. This route features gentle terrain suitable for a relaxed ride through the local landscape.
- Local gravel bikers also love the Small pond with benches – Wankendorf–Stolpe Road loop from Wankendorf, an 8.2 miles (13.2 km) trail leading through a mix of open areas and quiet roads, often completed in about 48 minutes.
- Gravel biking around Schierensee is defined by tranquil lakes, rolling hills, and dense forests, with routes that blend fine gravel paths and forest roads. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy loops to more moderate distances.
- The routes in Schierensee are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.8 stars from more than 30 reviews. More than 100 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore Schierensee's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 17, 2026
5.0
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14
riders
47.8km
02:41
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4
riders
19.5km
01:07
60m
60m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
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2
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
3
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Schierensee
Tips from the Community
The lake was first mentioned in a document in 1075 in a description of the Limes Saxoniae by Adam of Bremen. The village was first mentioned in 1347, when the knight Nikolaus Splyth pledged his estate, including the village of Stocksee, to Reinfeld Monastery. From 1640 to 1649, Stocksee was owned by the noble Brockdorff family. In 1649, Duke Joachim Ernst (Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön), the first Duke of the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön, acquired Stocksee.[6]
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On October 1, 1937, the municipality of Stocksee was merged with the neighboring village of Damsdorf under the name Stocksee. In 1948, the municipal council decided to separate the municipalities again, and this decision was implemented on March 31, 1951.[8][9] In the 1980s, divers found a roughly 700-year-old dugout canoe in the lake, indicating a longer settlement history in the village.
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Today's lake fills a deeply incised glacial tongue basin from the Weichselian glaciation. This basin was formed by the advance of various glaciers, which carved out large basins in the soft soil and deposited the material laterally. This formation resulted in the lake's shores being relatively steep, and the reed beds along the shores are relatively narrow. The lake contains three islands (Großrethberg, Kleine Insel, and Lange Insel) and a peninsula, which, like the shoreline, are predominantly covered in alder swamp forests. In higher elevations, these wetland forests transition into extensively managed beech forests.
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Cows and calves grazing on pasture is an image often associated with species-appropriate animal husbandry and a high quality of life for the animals. Spending time together on pasture promotes the animals' natural behavior, enables social interaction, and contributes to their health. Advantages of grazing cows and calves: Natural husbandry: Cows and calves can pursue their natural needs, such as eating, exercising, resting, and interacting with other animals. Social learning: Calves learn how to interact in the herd from older animals and imitate their eating behavior. Improved animal welfare: Grazing promotes the animals' health because they can exercise, soak up sunlight, and breathe fresh air. Stable herd structure: Grazing together contributes to the development of close relationships and promotes a calm and stable herd structure. Promoting natural feeding habits: Calves learn to eat pasture feed early on and can thus better meet their needs. Less stress and competition: Due to the larger space and forage variety on the pasture, stress caused by competition is reduced. Aspects to consider when grazing: Weather conditions: Dry weather is important to protect pasture soils and animals from wet conditions. Forage availability: A good pasture with sufficient forage is crucial for successful grazing. Shelter: A sheltered shelter with dry bedding should be available to protect the animals from the elements. Frost-free water troughs: A frost-free water supply is important in winter, so heated water troughs should be provided. Keeping cows and calves together on pasture is an animal-friendly and natural form of husbandry that has a positive effect on the well-being and health of the animals.
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A small, beautiful bridge with seating to relax.
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The Holmweg trail runs above the road through the forest, lined with huge fir trees. The 1 km long trail is a singletrack trail and is easily accessible.
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Eat delicious food and drink beer
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available around Schierensee?
There are 7 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Schierensee listed in this guide. These routes offer a mix of easy and moderate options, perfect for exploring the Westensee Nature Park away from cars.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the gravel bike trails in Schierensee?
The gravel bike trails around Schierensee feature a diverse terrain, typical of the Westensee Nature Park. You'll encounter a mix of well-maintained forest paths, agricultural roads, and some paved sections. The region's gently undulating landscape, with its 'gentle hills,' provides a dynamic experience with both challenging ascents and enjoyable descents.
Are there any easy, no-traffic gravel routes suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, there are several easy, no-traffic options. For a shorter, family-friendly ride, consider the Schlüter's Inn loop from Stolpe, which is just under 20 km. Another easy option is the Small pond with benches loop from Wankendorf, covering about 13 km.
What are the best viewpoints or natural attractions to see along the no-traffic gravel routes?
The region is rich in natural beauty. Many routes offer scenic views of the tranquil Großer Schierensee and Kleiner Schierensee lakes. Don't miss the Hollenbek Viewpoint for picturesque vistas over Lake Schieren. The trails also wind through the unique 'hedgerow landscape' (Knickslandschaft), expansive meadows, and refreshing forests of the Westensee Nature Park.
Can I find circular gravel bike routes around Schierensee that are traffic-free?
Absolutely. Most of the routes in this guide are designed as circular tours, allowing you to start and end at the same point without retracing your steps. For example, the Forest path along the Stocksee loop from Bornhöved offers a pleasant circular ride through nature.
Where can I park my car to access these no-traffic gravel bike trails?
While specific parking lots for each route are not detailed here, many trails start from villages like Stolpe, Wankendorf, Bornhöved, or Trappenkamp. These locations typically offer public parking facilities suitable for accessing the trailheads. We recommend checking the individual route details on Komoot for precise starting points and potential parking information.
Are there any dog-friendly sections or regulations I should be aware of on the gravel trails?
The Westensee Nature Park is generally welcoming to dogs, but they should be kept on a leash, especially in nature reserves and near wildlife. There's even a dedicated dog bathing area at the Zwillingseiche near Schierensee, which could be a nice stop on your ride. Always respect local signage regarding pets.
What is the best time of year to go gravel biking in Schierensee for traffic-free routes?
The region is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking. The weather is typically mild, and the natural scenery is vibrant with blooming flowers or colorful foliage. Summer is also great, especially if you plan to combine your ride with a swim at one of the bathing areas like the Hollenbek Tunnel and bathing area. Winter can be charming, but some paths might be muddy or icy.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the no-traffic gravel routes for a break?
While specific establishments are not listed in the route details, the villages and towns that serve as starting points for these routes, such as Stolpe, Wankendorf, and Bornhöved, often have local cafes, bakeries, or inns where you can take a break and refuel. The Schlüter's Inn loop even hints at a potential stop.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about gravel biking in Schierensee?
The area is highly rated by the Komoot community, with an average score of 4.8 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the routes, the beautiful lakeside views, and the varied terrain that makes for an engaging gravel biking experience away from traffic. The well-maintained forest paths and the natural beauty of the Westensee Nature Park are frequently highlighted.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic gravel routes in the area?
Yes, for those seeking a longer and moderately challenging ride, the Lakeside Path on Lake Plön – View of Großer Plöner See loop from Stolpe covers nearly 48 km with a decent amount of elevation gain. Another moderate option is the Forest path along the Stocksee loop from Trappenkamp, which is about 40 km long.
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