Landscape Between Forest and Water

Schönhorst is characterised by its strongly hilly terrain. Extensive woodland, with small ponds, wet woodland and ecologically valuable areas of natural succession, lies to the north. Intensive grassland farming is characteristic of the south, where numerous small bodies of water are scattered across the grassland. Within the municipality, the wooded and wetland areas in the north thus contrast with the open grassland and water features in the south. Schönhorst is considered a local recreation area for Kiel. If you are looking for a holiday apartment for a stay focused on landscape and walks, this contrast may be a reason to consider the area.

The waterways also give the area a clear north–south orientation: the Strom flows through the entire municipality from north to south, and the Schönhorster Graben flows into the Strom. Local ditches drain south towards Lake Bothkamp and the Eider. To the southeast, there are open views of Lake Bothkamp. The area also has a comparatively well-developed network of hedgerows on earth banks. For orientation, it is worth keeping these features distinct: the Strom crosses the municipality, the ditches drain south, and the open lake view is to the southeast.

On Foot: Walking Paths and Circular Route

New walking paths were created during reforestation in 1992. A circular route leads into Schönhorster Gehege and crosses a stream that flows towards Lake Bothkamp. It offers views of Lake Bothkamp, the church in Kirchbarkau and Bothkamp manor house. The estimated duration is about five hours. At this length, the route makes for a longer day out; plan accordingly and check local trail conditions and access before setting out.

This distinction can help you align your own plans with your choice of a holiday apartment in Schönhorst.

Getting There and Planning Your Day

The route is accessible by car via the A 21 or B 404 and the Kirchbarkau exit; by bus, take route 410 from Kiel Central Station/ZOB to Kirchbarkau, Am Alten Bahnhof. Check timetables before departure. The L 307 runs west–east through Schönhorst and connects the L 318 with the B 404.

The Wider Rendsburg-Eckernförde Area

The wider travel destination of Rendsburg-Eckernförde puts the local focus on hiking in a broader context. Rendsburg-Eckernförde district has a signposted cycle network extending for 1,000 kilometres; the 180-kilometre Nature Park Hiking Trail also runs through the district’s four nature parks. These distances are quite different from the Schönhorst circular route, which is estimated to take about five hours. For a longer trip, you can therefore choose between a specific day of hiking and a regional focus on hiking or cycling.

A Historical Point of Reference

The local history has a specific point of reference: in 1334, Sifried and Eler von Bissee sold half of the village of Schönhorst to Heinrich Godethit. This date adds a specific cultural and historical event to the themes of landscape and walking routes.

Discover more destinations: Rumohr, Osterrönfeld, Breiholz, Mühbrook, Groß Vollstedt, Alt Duvenstedt, Jevenstedt, Dätgen

Go to the wider travel overview: Rendsburg-Eckernförde.