Lake Schmalensee lies west of the village of the same name and covers around 90 hectares. It is one of the six lakes in the Bornhöved lake chain, which is also part of the Wankendorf lake district. Lake Bornhöved lies directly to the south; a canal around 100 metres long connects the two lakes. This places the individual lake within the context of a larger landscape.
Bathing Area on the Eastern Shore
The public bathing area is on the eastern shore of Schmalensee. It features a large sunbathing lawn, benches, a sandy beach and a jetty with a small water slide. Toilets, play equipment and a separate shallow-water area are also available. The facilities bring together a range of options for swimming and taking a break in one place. If you are planning a visit to the lake, you can make the bathing area the main focus or combine it with local and historical attractions.
Local History and the Planned Schmalenseepfad
The earliest documented mention of Schmalensee dates to 21 October 1296. A document dated 25 January 1343 records that Counts Hinrich and Nicolaus transferred their authority over Schmalensee to Preetz Monastery. The two dates serve different purposes: 1296 marks the earliest mention, while 1343 refers to a specific event in the history of governance. Together, these clearly dated points help put the village’s history into context.
The former village ecology trail was intended to be renamed the Schmalenseepfad. The planned route was to include stops on the lake, hedgerows and meadows, an orchard, a peace oak with a memorial stone, an ice cellar, a burial mound, a dairy and a war memorial. The themes thus range from landscape features and places of remembrance to rural history. In a notice dated 14 March 2026, the municipality reported that the first signposts had been installed; the official opening was still pending at that time, and not all the signs were in place. If you are planning to visit the Schmalenseepfad, check its current status in advance.
Cycling and Further Discoveries
For cyclists, the signposted section of the 530-kilometre Mönchsweg offers a different perspective: it runs through Schmalensee between Bornhöved and Stocksee. The route combines cycling with the region’s medieval Christian heritage and historic churches. Unlike the planned village trail, with its proposed themed stops, the Mönchsweg focuses on a longer cycling route. Both offer different ways to explore the landscape and its history, without requiring a connection between the routes.
Segeberg as the Wider Destination
The wider Segeberg destination offers additional ways to enjoy nature and hiking. Segeberg district brings together dense forests, clear lakes, vibrant hedgerows and lush meadows. Its hiking routes and trails are suitable for both longer excursions and short walks. Guided hikes and nature tours offer insights into local wildlife and plant life.
For planning, it is therefore worth deciding what to focus on: the bathing area brings together practical facilities by the water, the planned Schmalenseepfad connects proposed stops related to nature and local history, and the Mönchsweg highlights cycling and medieval heritage. This makes it possible to explore Schmalensee as a destination with several distinct themes, while the Segeberg district offers further hiking and nature experiences.
Discover more destinations: Klein Gladebrügge, Kisdorf, Blunk, Goldenbek, Rickling, Garbek, Rohlstorf, Stocksee
Return to the wider travel overview: Segeberg.
