Ihlsee

Beneath the shimmering surface of the Ihlsee, a hidden world thrives. The Ihlsee, nestled in Bad Segeberg, whispers tales of a glacial past. This isn’t just any lake. It’s a relic of the last ice age, born from a massive chunk of stranded ice known as “Toteis”. As the ice age receded around 13,000 years ago, this ice block lingered, buried beneath melting sands and sediment. Over centuries, it slowly melted, leaving a void that filled with water, giving birth to the Ihlsee long after the glaciers had vanished. The Ihlsee’s name, derived from the Low German word for leech, hints at a time when these creatures thrived in its waters. Today, the Ihlsee stands as a testament to its nutrient-poor origins. This unique characteristic has created a haven for rare and endangered plant species. Look closely, and you might spot the delicate Wasserlobelie, blooming just once a year, or the critically endangered Brachsenkraut and Pillenfarn, clinging to life in this special ecosystem. The Ihlsee’s clear, light-filled waters and sandy, gravelly bottom provide the perfect conditions for their survival. It’s even considered to have the best-preserved underwater vegetation of all the low-lime lakes in Schleswig-Holstein. The surrounding Ihlwald, a protected nature reserve along with the lake, completes this haven of biodiversity. Take a stroll along the 3-kilometer path encircling the Ihlsee. You’ll pass through sandy woodlands, swampy areas known as “Bruch,” and perhaps even catch a glimpse of the island built for a pair of swans back in 1935. This tranquil setting holds a surprising piece of history. From 1951 to 1961, the large parking area in front of the restaurant was a stop on the Kiel-Segeberg narrow-gauge railway. Imagine a bustling scene of tourists arriving by train to enjoy the lake and its surroundings. The Ihlsee, a sanctuary of nature and a window into the past, invites you to explore its tranquil beauty and uncover its hidden stories.