Stormarn is located in the Hamburg Metropolitan Region between Hamburg and LĂĽbeck. Castles and manor houses tell stories spanning several centuries, while forests and moorlands also shape the region. This contrast is particularly vivid at Herrenteich in Reinfeld, where a historic water feature meets circular paths and nature experiences. When planning a trip, you can tailor the balance of cultural history, walks and other activities to your interests.
Castles and manor houses tell different stories
Ahrensburg Castle was completed in 1585 and has served continuously as a museum since 1955. Reinbek Castle was built between 1572 and 1576 in the Dutch Renaissance style. It was extensively restored and today serves as a cultural and communications centre in Reinbek. The two castles offer different historical points of reference: one focuses on its year of completion and continuous use as a museum; the other on its construction period, architectural style, restoration and present-day function.
Jersbek Estate dates back to the 16th century and has been farmed ever since. Its 18th-century Baroque garden is open to visitors. If you are especially interested in historic gardens, you can add this stop alongside the castle history. Numerous castles, estates and manor houses shape Stormarn’s cultural landscape.
Herrenteich: fish farming, nature trail and circular route
Herrenteich in Reinfeld was created in the 12th century by Cistercian monks as an artificial dammed pond on the Heilsau for fish farming. Its history also reflects the former use of the waterscape. Today, various attractions lead visitors to the pond and its surroundings.
The “Around Herrenteich” nature trail is a four-kilometre circular route with 16 stations right on the edge of the “Oberer Herrenteich” nature reserve. The lakeside promenade at Herrenteich has two water terraces and additional seating areas. A 3.6-kilometre circular route goes around the lower Herrenteich. The nature trail is distinguished by its number of stations and location beside the protected area; its length and seating areas provide further practical details for a walk.
Moorlands and paths through nature
Hahnheide is Stormarn’s largest nature reserve and offers extensive hiking opportunities. Brenner Moor is Schleswig-Holstein’s largest inland salt marsh. It has a section on a wooden boardwalk and a trail with ten observation points. The nature offerings include both extensive hiking opportunities and a moor with designated observation points.
Another way to experience the landscape is the fruit tree and woodland educational trail, which begins at the old Blumendorf railway station near Bad Oldesloe. More than 160 tall-stemmed fruit trees grow along the trail, including apple, pear, cherry and plum trees. Depending on the season, visitors can sample different varieties along the way. Here, the trail also becomes a place to discover fruit trees and enjoy seasonal tastings.
Explore Stormarn on foot, by bike or on the water
Stormarn has many short and long circular walking routes, as well as the Stormarn Trail and the Way of St. James. Those who prefer a cycling tour can choose from more than 20 routes. These include two church routes, as well as the Carp Tour and the Limes Tour. The BahnRadWege cycle routes follow the tracks of three former railway lines through Stormarn’s landscapes.
The “Postzugraub auf der Staatsbahntrasse” crime trail offers a special combination of cycling and puzzles: on BahnRadWeg B, a bike ride is combined with a puzzle experience and a fictional investigation into a historic mail train robbery. If you are looking for a different activity instead of a route, Stormarn district has ten golf courses. The Trave in the north and the Bille in the south invite you to go paddling; the activity is suggested for families, friends or colleagues.
Local produce and places to eat
Farm shops and farm cafés in Stormarn offer regional foods and culinary products from the surrounding agricultural landscape. This adds a culinary dimension to the region’s cultural sites, trails and natural areas. Stormarn is also well suited to day trips. You can decide which places and themes to focus on, from historic sites and moorlands to the region’s many activity options.
Discover more destinations: Reinfeld, Tremsbüttel, Siek, Reinbek, Ahrensburg, Grabau, Heilshoop, Bad Oldesloe, Großhansdorf, Barsbüttel, Delingsdorf, Jersbek, Hammoor, Hoisdorf, Hamfelde, Stapelfeld, Travenbrück, Ammersbek, Witzhave, Trittau, Tangstedt, Rausdorf, Oststeinbek, Mönkhagen, Lütjensee, Köthel, Grönwohld, Klein Wesenberg, Badendorf, Bargteheide, Brunsbek, Großensee, Hamberge, Lasbek, Bargfeld-Stegen, Nienwohld, Glinde, Todendorf.
Go to the general travel overview: Schleswig-Holstein.
