Rabel: Circular Trail, Rabelsund and Excursion Destinations

Rabel is in Ostangeln between the Schlei and the Baltic Sea, on the Rabelsund inlet of the Schlei. The village is officially recognised as a resort and is located in the Schlei Nature Park. Rabel borders the Schlei to the south and the Wormshöfter Noor near Gut Buckhagen to the east. Bodies of water, landscapes and named trails offer different points of reference for finding your way around.

The Schlei, Rabelsund and Gut Buckhagen

At Rabelsund, the Schlei reaches a depth of 22 metres at a notable local point. Historic fish weirs associated with Gut Buckhagen were used there for fishing until 1905. Gut Buckhagen is also listed as a sight in Rabel. Thus, Rabelsund brings together a distinctive landscape feature and a historic use of the Schlei.

On foot to Rabelsund

The “Along the Schlei Shore to Rabelsund” circular trail is 5.03 kilometres long, easy and unpaved. It starts in Rabel and follows field paths and quiet roads. Along the way, the route crosses wide rapeseed fields. Near Rabel, the Schlei shore appears as a small cliff, with views across the water. Trail conditions can vary depending on the season; check them before setting out.

The circular trail offers a walking route with a specific distance. Another kind of excursion is the kilometre-long sandy beach in Kronsgaard, which can be combined with visits to Rabel. Boat trips on the Schlei are also among the activities associated with Rabel. This gives you a choice between a walk, a beach destination and an activity on the water.

Trails and landscapes in Schleswig-Flensburg

In the wider Schleswig-Flensburg travel destination, designated cycling and hiking trails can be found in the northern Schlei area. Some run along the shore, while others head inland. Hikers and cyclists can also enjoy the expansive landscape right beside the Schlei. The Schlei Nature Park’s landscape includes gentle hills, forests, hedgerows, rapeseed and grain fields, as well as sandy beaches and bathing coves. The Schlei’s brackish-water areas provide a habitat for numerous endangered bird species.

Guided nature tours are offered in the Schlei Nature Park. The landscape is also criss-crossed by the Viking-Frisian Way, the Ox Road and 15 signposted themed cycle routes. These regional trails and activities complement the specific Rabel circular hike with further opportunities to explore the landscape on foot or by bike.

Excursion destination: Geltinger Birk

Geltinger Birk is also an excursion destination that can be combined with visits to Rabel. Covering 773 hectares, it is the largest nature reserve in the Schleswig-Flensburg district. There are well-maintained paths and guided walks, during which visitors learn about the flora and fauna. For your plans, it offers a different focus from the circular trail at Rabelsund: a guided walk in a large nature reserve.

Discover more destinations: Pommerby, Esgrus, Kronsgaard, Hasselberg, Niesgrau, Maasholm, Nieby, Steinberghaff.

View the main travel overview: Gelting Bay.