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Bad Segerberg

04 July 2018 / 27 Comments

Bad Segeberg - Karl May Spiele and bat cave

Bad Segeberg which is inland where we went for a visit to the "Karl May Spiele" and a bat cave in Germany. It was perhaps not exactly as we thought, but it was good anyway.

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Towards Bad Segeberg

As we approached the German town of Bad Segeberg, just over an hour's drive from Timmendorfer Strand, we saw one sign after another advertising 'Winnetou' and 'Karl May Spiele'. We understand that Karl May's books are very famous, but none of us have read them. Have you?

Bad Segeberg med Karl May Spiele

Open air theatre with Karl May Spiele

Karl May is a German author known for his adventurous Wild West books about the Appachee Indian Winnetou. The author lived from 1842 to 1912 and, according to Wikipedia, his books sold 200 million (!) copies worldwide.

When we arrived at the open-air theatre, the box office was open, but hardly anyone else was there, so what could be the reason? Well, the show is performed four days a week, and we came here on the wrong day ...

Karl May Spiele i Bad Segeberg
Karl May Spiele in Bad Segeberg

Open air theatre from above

This was of course a slight miscalculation, but luckily there was more to do in Bad Segeberg! We started by going up the Kalkberg mountain, next to the open-air theatre. Once upon a time, the Siegeburg castle was located here on the 91 metre high limestone mountain. Construction of the castle began in 1134 and became a mighty fortress with the houses below. 

However, it was destroyed during the Thirty Years' War by the Swedes and the rock was then used to extract lime and gypsum. It was used to build houses and St Mary's Church, which is one of the more significant Romanesque buildings in northern Germany. The mountain used to be 40 metres higher and all we can see is a very deep well that remains in place.

When we were looking down on the theatre (and the well) we met a Swedish family with children, who were visiting German relatives and at the same time watching the games, which they spoke highly of. They also told us that the outdoor theatre was built for propaganda purposes during the Second World War, but that after the end of the war it had a completely different use.

Karl May Spiele
Open air theatre where Karl May Spiele are usually held

Bat cave

Right next to the open-air theatre is a ... bat cave! The cave, called Kalkberghöhle, was found by children playing in 1913. It is now known that around 18 000 (!) bats hibernate here every winter.

To protect the bats from cats, owls and other dangers, a small wooden entrance to the cave has been built (and there is also an infrared light that counts the bats). Just above the entrance, a group of owls sits hopefully looking for a little snack for dinner.

Ingång till fladdermusgrotta
The entrance to the bat cave
Uggla vid fladdermusgrotta
Two owls sit ready in the rock above the bat entrance.
Uggla vid fladdermusgrotta i Bad Segeberg
Another hungry owl lies in wait

Guided tour in bat cave

The Kalkberghöhle cave is 2285 metres long, and it's always 9 degrees down here, whatever the season. A perfect winter home for bats! Seven different species of bats hibernate here in winter, and at the end of March they leave their winter home and can travel hundreds of kilometres.

During the summer months they live in barns, churches or tree or rock cavities, and also take the opportunity to mate. They usually have one chick per season, which they then bring back to Kalkberghöhle when it's time to hibernate. We went on a guided tour here, but you weren't allowed to take pictures, so we show pictures from the cave/museum. Noctalis.

Fladdermusgrotta
Kalkberg cave bat cave, Photo: Ralf Brunner

The cave cannot be visited in winter when the bats live here, but only in summer when the cave is empty. Although the bats are not at home, it is interesting to take a guided tour of their "palace". The guided tour was in German (which we are not very good at), but we received written information in English.

Fladdermusgrotta i Bad Segeberg
The stairs out of the cave, Photo: Olaf Francke

Bat Museum

Next to the cave there is also a bat museum. The museum is nice, but perhaps above all educational and fun for children (if they understand German, English or Danish). On the top floor you can also see live bats and other animals such as walking sticks, frogs and snakes. An interesting visit that taught us a lot about bats!

Fladdermusgrotta i Bad Segeberg
Entrance to the bat house (cave and museum) on the left.
Fladdermusgrotta i Bad Segeberg
Flying dog, photo: Ralf Brunner

Bad Segeberg in Germany

Sure, it sounds Swedish, but what kind of town is this? It's just 25 kilometres west of Lubeck in the state of Schleswig-Holstein. If you just want to enjoy beautiful nature, head northeast to Grosser Segeberger See and enjoy the spa and lake. There is also a rather difficult golf course with water hazards and 15 lakes.

See more in Northern Germany

Of course, if you're travelling around northern Germany, there's much more to see and experience! Here are suggestions for some more places to visit nearby:

All our top tips about Germany. Click on the image!

Facts about Bad Segeberg

  • Country: Germany
  • Federal Republic of Germany: Schleswig-Holstein
  • Circle: Segeberg
  • Residents: 18 000 (2017)

Good to know about Bad Segeberg

  • Language: German (some also speak English)
  • Currency: Euro
  • Price mode: A bit cheaper than Sweden
  • Time difference: None
  • Emergency number: 112
  • Religion: Christianity (Protestantism)
  • El: Like Sweden
  • Water: Drinking beard
  • Tourist OfficeOldesloer Str. 20

Travel to Bad Segeberg

  • Flights from Stockholm to Hamburg takes 1 h 35 min directly. Here you can rent a car and drive to Bad Segeberg, which takes about an hour (63 km) via the A1 and A21.
  • Car From Kiel to Bad Segeberg takes about 1 hour (66 km) via B404 and A21
  • Car From Rostock to Bad Segeberg takes about 1 h 30 min (151 km) via A20.

facts about Kalkberghöhle (Bat Cave)

  • Opening hours: Open 1 April-30 September (2018).
  • Prices: Adults pay €12 and children €6 (2018).
  • More info: There is also an experience centre (interactive exhibition) on bats that is worth visiting.

Facts about Karl may Spiele (Wild Western Show)

  • Opening hours: Open 29 June - 8 September (2019), opening on 29 June at 20:30.
  • Shower: Karl May Spiele shows are held Wed-Fri-Sat at 15:00 and 20:00 and Sunday at 15:00 (2019).
  • Prices: Adults pay €19-31.50 depending on location, and children €15.50-25.50 depending on location.
  • More info: The outdoor theatre has 7500 seats and the 2019 show is called The Bear Hunter's Son. You can find more information on the theatre's website.

Food and drink in Bad Segeberg

  • Cafe Ludwigs located at Kirchstr. 24 in the city centre
  • Restaurant Fedula located at Kurhausstrasse 43
  • Lidl is located at Lindhofstrasse 14.

Accommodation in Bad Segeberg

  • Vitalia Seehotel at Am Kurpark 3, 23795 is just 14 minutes from Bad Segeberg Kalkberg next to the Grosser Segerberger See lake.
  • Kalkberg holiday apartment at Lübecker Str. 41 is located a few minutes from all major attractions.

Pitches and campsites

  • RV site Kalkbergblick at Kastanienweg 1 is 5 minutes from Kalkberg.
  • Seecamping Segeberg at Kastanienweg 8 is 4 minutes from Kalkberg Segeberg.
  • Here you can find more campsites and pitches in Germany

You might also like:

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04 July 2018 6:00
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25 Comments

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  1. Anette says:

    Seeing a few bats in the air can be ok, even fun, but many in a cave, I don't like that.
    A couple of years ago I was in a similar cave in Malaysia. Please help me!!!!

    04 July 2018 - 8:10

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      The good thing about this cave is that the bats aren't home when you go down into it, because they only live here in the winter (and then you can't go in because they are sleeping ;)). I think bats are cute, but many at once tend to be a bit different, so I understand what you mean! 😉

      04 July 2018 - 8:52

      Reply

  2. Maria says:

    Isn't it strange that when you plan a visit, you often manage to pick the wrong day or time? So it was for us in Verona when we wanted to go to Julia's combe and the museum. But you find other exciting things instead! I haven't read anything by the author. May look him up on the net and see if it seems worth reading... What do you think?

    04 July 2018 - 9:04

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Well, that's typical, isn't it? I think the books are a bit more like young people's books. of the Wild West type. So, I'm thinking more if it's something you read in your youth maybe...?

      04 July 2018 - 9:21

      Reply

      • Maria says:

        Oh well... No West then... Kitty was the thing... And my phone is driving me crazy! Change the words! Not combe but tombe.

        04 July 2018 - 13:17

        Reply

  3. Maggan and Ingemar says:

    We have missed that cave 🙂 Nice that you give tips on new exciting places. Germany probably has a lot to offer. Nice that the bats were not at home, Exciting to follow you.

    04 July 2018 - 9:37

    Reply

  4. Ama de casa says:

    How sad that you came on the wrong day... But good of you to climb up to the view anyway. I think bats are cool animals, and we have seen some caves where they live in large numbers. The most surprising was probably when we were in Austin, the capital of Texas, and there were 1.5 million bats living under a bridge. Unfortunately, when we went to check it out, they were very late so it wasn't very effective when they flew out because it was so dark.
    Although I don't really like it when a bat gets the idea that my shoe is a perfect nesting place. It was a bit scary, actually 😀.

    Super nice owls!

    04 July 2018 - 9:49

    Reply

  5. Role o Carina says:

    Great trip you are on!

    Take care....

    04 July 2018 - 10:30

    Reply

  6. Britt-Marie Lundgren says:

    We have never heard of this cave, nor has Karl May.
    We like caves but not really bats, so a visit in the summer seems perfectly fine. We've also been to a bat cave over in Malaysia.
    What wonderful photos of the owls!
    Well done!

    04 July 2018 - 11:06

    Reply

  7. Lena in Wales says:

    I know about Karl May, but I haven't read anything by him either, feels a bit old today.
    The bat cave, I think I'll jump.
    But has been to Bad Segeberg a few times.
    Have a nice trip!

    04 July 2018 - 11:31

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      Karl May still seems to be popular in Germany, in Sweden I can imagine that it is more like books that you might remember from your childhood. Glad you were in Bad Segerberg! 🙂

      04 July 2018 - 14:50

      Reply

  8. Mr Nils-Åke Hansson says:

    Bats are not one of my favourite animals.

    04 July 2018 - 15:59

    Reply

  9. Ditte says:

    Things can be good even if they don't turn out the way you intended.
    The bat caves seem exciting. I have visited similar ones in Thailand, but they are not exactly my favourite animals. But if I had been on site here, it would have been a visit.
    Fun with the owls who wanted to be in the picture.

    04 July 2018 - 17:26

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      I understand that many are divided or hesitant about bats! I think they are quite cute actually, but if a large group flies towards you, it becomes a little different feeling 😉 The owls were nice and nice as a photo object! 🙂

      04 July 2018 - 20:55

      Reply

  10. BP says:

    18,000 bats in one place! OMG I just say. Really lucky the cave was empty when you visited. Dislike bats. They scream and are aggressive in groups.
    The owls were incredibly beautiful!

    I understand that you have a co-operation with the Schleswig Holstein tourist board. I have a feeling that they want to showcase other parts of the country than the usual places on the North Sea. Nice idea.

    04 July 2018 - 20:24

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      I understand that not everyone likes bats, even if I do 😉 And yes! We have a lot of collaborations during this trip! The collaborations help us to make the trip possible financially, while also helping us to find gems in different regions, which is fun. We always have an open dialogue, so sometimes the destinations are our suggestions (Peter has researched extremely much!) and sometimes they are the tourist agencies' suggestions, if we bite 😉.

      04 July 2018 - 21:00

      Reply

  11. Lena - good for the soul says:

    The open-air theatre!

    Wow, so many bats. They are certainly cute to look at in pictures, but I find them a bit creepy. We had one in the living room once. It was a challenge to get it out, to say the least!

    Hug Lena

    04 July 2018 - 20:49

    Reply

    • Comment by post author

      Helena says:

      A bit hard to get one in the living room ... I have had domestic rats for ten years, so maybe that's why I like this kind of animal 🙂 (Although I don't want them in the living room ;))

      04 July 2018 - 21:01

      Reply

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  1. Templin in Germany with cowboys and Indians | FREEDOMtravel
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