Explore Rastorf from two different perspectives: the Moorweiher and Schwentine Valley, and the buildings and paths along the Schwentine. The Moorweiher bei Rastorf FFH site combines a defined area with several named habitat types; bridges, the estate and the history of milling complement its natural appeal. For planning purposes, it is also helpful to distinguish between a cycling tour of around seven kilometres and the longer Schusteracht. One section between Rastorfer Mühle and Rosenfeld requires particular care.

Moorweiher and Schwentine Valley

The Moorweiher bei Rastorf is a 55-hectare FFH site in a side valley of the Schwentine, north of Gut Rastorf. Its habitat types include transition mires and quaking bogs, woodruff beech forest and bog woodland. The name Moorweiher draws attention to a body of water, but the habitat types listed also include woodland habitats. Gut Rastorf, in turn, is associated with the scenic Schwentine Valley.

Another natural feature is the 19-hectare Altarm der Schwentine nature reserve, which extends as far as Rastorfer Mühle. An information board describes the habitats and species found in the area. Together with the Moorweiher, it offers nature enthusiasts different points of interest: an FFH site with mire and woodland habitats, and a nature reserve on an old channel of the Schwentine.

Bridges, the estate and the history of milling

The protected Rastorfer Bogenbrücke spans the Schwentine. The Weiße Brücke is a local attraction between Schwentinental and Rosenfeld. Both structures give the Schwentine a clear role in descriptions of the area, without implying that the bridges are the same.

Gut Rastorf is a local attraction at the Gutskontor Torhaus and is associated with striking late Baroque gables. Another architectural landmark is St.-Ansgar-Kapelle at Wildenhorster Weg 14 in Rastorf. A burial mound lies on Moorsehdener Weg, between Rosenfeld and Rehburg. These destinations offer different points of interest, from the estate’s architectural heritage to an archaeological site in the landscape.

Rastorfer Mühle also has an industrial history. In 1904, at Bernhard Howaldt’s initiative, it was converted into a hydroelectric power plant to supply the Howaldt shipyard. A second power plant was built at Rosensee in 1909. This takes the story from late Baroque gables to the use of hydropower in the early 20th century.

Cycling routes at different scales

One route follows the Rastorf shore of Rosensee to Rosenfeld, then continues along Dorfstraße and a rough track to the Weiße Brücke. Take particular care when cycling the section between Rastorfer Mühle and Rosenfeld: it can be narrow, steep and lined with roots beside the Schwentine. If you are cycling with small children, you should avoid this section. Check current conditions locally before setting out.

A cycling loop of around seven kilometres starts at Schwentinental Town Hall and passes Oppendorfer Mühle, the Schwentine, Rosensee and the Weiße Brücke. The much longer regional Schusteracht route forms a figure of eight around Preetz and is about 74 kilometres long. It is designed for both cycling and walking; its integrated network caters to cyclists, walkers and horse riders, and also takes account of people travelling on the water. These two distances give you an initial sense of scale, while the specific route you choose depends on current conditions.

Within the wider destination of Plön

The district of Plön lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland region and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. The district includes about 80 lakes, among them the Großer Plöner See, covering 29 square kilometres, and the Selenter See, covering 22 square kilometres. Large parts of the district lie within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, which covers 75,000 hectares and offers opportunities to experience nature as well as a habitat for rare animals. This regional context complements Rastorf’s own themes with the wider landscapes of the Plön destination.

Discover more destinations: Pohnsdorf, Preetz-Land, Ruhwinkel, Plön, Martensrade, Stakendorf, Lütjenburg, Kletkamp

Return to the main travel overview: Plön.