Rohlstorf – Wardersee and Warder Church

Rohlstorf combines a circular walk around Wardersee with the late Romanesque Warder Church and a landscape shaped by lakes and forests. The villages stretch along the western shore of Wardersee; woodland for hiking lies in the area around Wardersee and Klüthsee. Rohlstorf can be reached via the B 432 federal highway on the Hamburg–Scharbeutz route. This offers two perspectives for planning: landscape and cultural history, with trails and lakes on one hand, and architectural history and religious significance on the other.

Wardersee and Trails

The 7.67-kilometre Quaal–Wardersee circular trail is located in Rohlstorf. It follows natural paths, particularly around Wardersee. Highlights of the route include the Warder bathing area, Warder Church, the lime tree avenue and fields. Together, these offer a combination of lakeshore, architecture, an avenue and open countryside on a circular walk. Its set distance and circular route make it easy to plan as a standalone activity. While the named route focuses on Wardersee, the woodland around Wardersee and Klüthsee is also part of the local landscape.

Wardersee covers 360 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 10.8 metres. Its extensive floodplains form a nationally important resting area for migratory birds. Swimming in the lake is also one of the leisure activities available in Rohlstorf.

The History of Warder Church

Warder Church was first mentioned around 1198 and is a late Romanesque fieldstone church dating from around 1200. Its origins go back to the 12th century; the round fieldstone tower was enclosed in a square structure in the 19th century. This means the medieval fieldstone construction and a later alteration to the tower can be seen in the same building. The church is a patronage church of the Rohlstorf estate and served Warder and many surrounding villages as a spiritual centre. It therefore brings together architectural history and an earlier religious role for Warder and the surrounding area. Parking is available right by the entrance to Warder Church. As parking arrangements may change, check the current situation before your visit.

The Wider Segeberg Destination

For those interested in the wider Segeberg destination as well as local attractions, the area offers hiking trails and footpaths for longer excursions and short walks. Guided hikes and nature tours offer insights into local flora and fauna. Segeberg District is connected to the Hamburg Transport Association's overall network and can be reached by regional train and bus. Segeberger Forst covers 40 square kilometres and offers a wooded setting for nature-focused outings.

The regional cultural programme includes the Karl May Festival, held every summer at the open-air theatre at the foot of Bad Segeberg's Kalkberg. The venue seats up to 7,700 spectators per performance; check the dates for the current summer. The Alt-Segeberger Bürgerhaus Museum presents the building's history and that of its residents, dating back to 1541, as well as an exhibition on Segeberg's 800-year development.

Discover more destinations: Wiemersdorf, Wensin, Hitzhusen, Garbek, Henstedt-Ulzburg, Winsen, Krems Ii, Bark

Return to the wider travel guide: Segeberg.