In Högsdorf, a hiking trail runs along Schoppelweg into the village and continues towards Helmstorf. The point-to-point route is about 13 kilometres long and takes approximately four hours. Nature and cultural heritage go hand in hand here: the route combines views across fields and woodland with bodies of water and traces of history.
A hike among natural and cultural traces
Near Schoppelweg, an opening in the hedgerow offers a view of cultivated fields. The route crosses the Alte Mühlenau and passes through the Achtersöhren woodland. There, large oaks and a pond with pollarded willows are part of the landscape. Along the way, open spaces and trees meet bodies of water and distinctive trees.
At a woodland pool, you can find yellow irises, cowslips and red toothwort. How easily these plants can be seen depends on the season. Large erratic boulders also lie beside the route. They are identified as remnants of the Plön ice stream from the Weichselian glaciation, adding a geological dimension to the trail.
Cultural traces include burial mounds along the Högsdorf–Helmstorf trail. The Gut Helmstorf Nature Discovery Trail is also a point of interest along the route. Another feature is the former Lütjenburg–Gremsmühlen railway line, which dates back to 1892. These stops can be combined with an experience of nature, without losing the hike’s character as a route through landscape and history.
Historic names and Gut Helmstorf
Högsdorf is known by the historic forms HUSSEKENDORP, HOSTORPE, HÖSTORF and HOESTORFF. The village has used its current name since 1810. Its name history therefore reaches well beyond the present-day spelling and complements the historic traces along the hiking route with a glimpse into the development of the village’s name.
The history of the Helmstorf estate district is also part of the region’s background: a large part of the land was leased from the late 18th century until the estate districts were dissolved in 1927. Högsdorf was sold by the estate’s owner in 1928. These dates mark different stages: the end of the lease period coincided with the dissolution of the estate districts, while Högsdorf was sold the following year.
Plan your route and journey
The approximate walking time of four hours and distance of around 13 kilometres provide a clear framework for your day’s hike. The trail has no steep sections. The Högsdorf–Lütjenburg section is suitable for pushchairs throughout. As trail surfaces can change, it is advisable to check the current route conditions before setting out.
Bus route 310 from Kiel to Schmiedendorf is one option for getting to the trail; for the return journey, there is a connection from Lütjenburg towards Kiel. Check the timetable before travelling. The Högsdorf Siedlung public transport stop is freely accessible at all times. When planning, take into account both the point-to-point route and the different destinations served by the bus connection.
The wider region: Plön
The Plön district, part of the wider travel destination of Plön, lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland region and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. The district is home to around 80 lakes, including Lake Großer Plöner See, covering 29 square kilometres, and Lake Selenter See, covering 22 square kilometres.
Large parts of the district belong to the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park.
Discover more destinations: Höhndorf, Stakendorf, Selent-Schlesen, Bokhorst-Wankendorf, Giekau, Passade, Lake Großer Plöner See, Probsteierhagen.
Go to the wider travel overview: Plön.
