The best family-friendly hikes and walks around Kleiner Dambecker Lake
4.5
(757)
2,863
hikers
140
hikes
Hiking around Kleiner Dambecker Lake offers an immersive experience in a landscape shaped by the last ice age. This region, part of the Mecklenburg Lake District, features diverse, gently undulating terrain with generally flat paths and small hills. The lake is encircled by extensive reed belts, surrounded by moors, meadows, and forests, providing varied natural scenery for family friendly hiking trails.
Best family friendly hiking trails around Kleiner Dambecker Lake
- The most popular family friendly hiking route is Zickhusen Village…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.6
(11)
34
hikers
10.9km
02:46
20m
20m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
hikers
7.27km
01:51
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.3
(8)
27
hikers
8.53km
02:12
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
hikers
10.1km
02:37
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(3)
17
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
This old transformer station, completely overgrown, stands at the edge of Dambeck. Delicious soft-serve ice cream is available in Bobitz, 3 km away.
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As early as 1230, a church in Beidendorf was mentioned in the Ratzeburg tithe register. During a storm in 1703, the church suffered major damage. And a lightning strike in the tower caused a fire, which ultimately destroyed the tower and the already damaged nave. The church was then rebuilt. It was not until 1996 that the church was extensively renovated. Today, it is actively used by the parish.
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Diagonally opposite the manor house is the monastery café. But instead of the rustic, simple furnishings that would be typical of a monastery, you will find a café with a touch of spirituality. The shop in the café also sells mainly esoteric items.
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On the route you can stop off at the Buddha House. Here the monastic community of the modern, interdenominational Gut Saunstorf monastery runs the monastery café, an organic café. In a quiet, relaxed atmosphere, there are homemade cakes as well as great regional ice cream, cold and hot drinks, with an outdoor terrace. It is open Thursday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (https://klostercafe-saunstorf.de/). In addition to the café, there is also a monastery shop with an unusual and creative range. Makes you want to browse!
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The modern, interdenominational monastery is founded at the core of spiritual tradition, which is imparted by a wisdom teacher and lived by students of the path (the monastic community). https://www.kloster-saunstorf.de/ In front of the modern Gut Saunstorf monastery, you can take a rest after a hike or bike ride. In addition to the messenger of peace at the fountain or the pond, the roundabout offers seating in a quiet, lovingly landscaped place in the small village of Saunstorf. In the fountain you can see the symbol of the spiritual enneagram. The grounds of the monastery with the manor house and park are only accessible to the monastery guests who are looking for contemplation and peace here for a few days. The newly built Buddha house is open to anyone interested and for short-term visitors. You can find it at the roundabout, the building with the large Buddha statue. The MONASTERY CAFÉ is open here from Thursday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. It is run by the monastic community. Here you can find homemade cakes, our own juices, coffee, tea, ice cream and more. Some things are also available to take away. Everything is organic. The interior is quiet and tasteful. The outdoor terrace offers a great view of the greenery and the monastery. https://klostercafe-saunstorf.de/ Right next door there is also the KLOSTERLADEN with handicrafts, natural products for the body, beautiful decorative items, spiritual literature and more. The building also houses an integral healing center with a private doctor's office, healing practice and midwife. https://heilzentrum-saunstorf.de/
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In front of the modern Gut Saunstorf monastery you can take a break after a hike or bike ride. The roundabout offers a place to sit in a quiet place next to the messenger of peace at the fountain or the pond. The monastery grounds themselves are only accessible to house guests, but it is worth a visit to the publicly accessible Buddha house right next to the pond at the roundabout. There is a MONASTERY SHOP there with handicrafts, natural cosmetics, nutritional supplements and spiritual literature. To the shop: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Der+Klosterladen+Gut+Saunstorf/@53.8205976,11.3630944,17z/data=!3m1!5s0x47adc142d9639099:0x3e22c05f08b37871!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x47adc14 321bcfa3b:0x683c7bf292b75e2c!2 sThe+monastery+shop+Gut+Saunstorf!8m2!3d53.8205976!4d11.3656693!16s%2Fg%2F1tfnxmp7!3m5!1s0x47adc14321bcfa3b:0x683c7bf292b75e2c!8m2!3d53.8205976!4d11.3656693!16s%2Fg%2F1tfnxmp7?entry=ttu The MONASTERY CAFÉ is also open Thursday to Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with an attractive indoor area and a beautiful outdoor terrace with a view over the monastery roundabout. Here you can get coffee, tea, cakes, homemade juices, ice cream and more. Some things are also available to take away or give as gifts. To the café: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Klostercaf%C3%A9+Kloster+Gut+Saunstorf/@53.8206007,11.3630944,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x47adc1d964a1acbb:0xd7a29615433ddc30!8m2!3d53.8205976!4d11.3656693!16s%2Fg%2F11l2cpvrl0?entry=ttu
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A church that, for once, is not built of bricks. A beautiful eye-catcher. Especially the tower clock, which has a striking blue face.
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This was my first time in the new monastery café. It was very comfortably furnished and there was delicious coffee and cake. It certainly won't be my last visit ☺️
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available around Kleiner Dambecker Lake?
The Kleiner Dambecker Lake area offers a wide variety of family-friendly hiking opportunities, with nearly 150 routes available. Over 80 of these are classified as easy, making them perfect for families with children.
What kind of natural features can we expect to see on family hikes here?
The landscape around Kleiner Dambecker Lake is a beautiful result of the last ice age, featuring gently undulating terrain, extensive reed belts along the lake, and diverse surroundings of moors, meadows, and forests. You'll experience a tranquil natural haven, perfect for observing local flora and fauna.
Are there any easy circular walks suitable for families with young children?
Yes, there are several easy circular walks. For a pleasant outing, consider the The church of Beidendorf – Gut Saunstorf Monastery loop from Evangelische Dorfkirche, which is just over 6 km long and offers gentle terrain suitable for families.
What is the best time of year to visit Kleiner Dambecker Lake for family hiking?
The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly rewarding. In spring, you can witness migratory birds and blooming plants, while autumn offers stunning foliage. The generally flat terrain makes for relaxed hiking without significant ascents, enjoyable in most seasons.
Is Kleiner Dambecker Lake a good spot for wildlife spotting with kids?
Absolutely! Kleiner Dambecker Lake is a nature reserve of exceptional ornithological importance. It's a vital resting point for migratory geese and a breeding ground for numerous bird species like the Eurasian bittern and white-tailed eagle. Keep an eye out for otters and rare plants like sundew too. Sticking to marked trails helps protect this sensitive ecosystem.
Are dogs allowed on the family-friendly hiking trails?
Many trails in the region are dog-friendly, but as Kleiner Dambecker Lake is part of a nature reserve, it's crucial to keep dogs on a leash to protect the sensitive wildlife and ecosystems. Always check specific trail regulations before you go.
Are there any specific landmarks or points of interest along the trails that families might enjoy?
While the primary attraction is the natural beauty and wildlife, some routes pass by charming village churches or offer views of historic sites. For example, the Zickhusen Village Church loop from St. Katharinenkirche takes you past a local church, offering a glimpse into the regional culture amidst nature.
What do other hikers say about the family-friendly trails around Kleiner Dambecker Lake?
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience around Kleiner Dambecker Lake, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 700 ratings. Hikers often praise the tranquil atmosphere, the diverse natural scenery, and the well-maintained paths that make it enjoyable for all ages.
Are there any easy routes that offer a good overview of the natural landscape?
Yes, for an easy route that showcases the area's natural beauty, consider the Hiking loop from Das Alte Moor bei Drispeth. This route is just over 7 km and provides a lovely experience through the varied terrain of the nature reserve.
What should we bring for a family hike in this region?
Given the natural setting, it's advisable to bring comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Binoculars can enhance wildlife spotting, and a camera is great for capturing the scenic views. Remember to pack out everything you pack in to help preserve the nature reserve.
Are there options for longer, moderate family hikes if we're looking for more of a challenge?
Yes, if your family is up for a slightly longer adventure, there are moderate trails available. The View of Saunstorf loop from Bobitz is a good option, covering about 8.5 km with some gentle elevation changes, offering a rewarding experience for active families.
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