Segeberger Kalkberg

Segeberger Kalkberg is a limestone hill rising to about 91 meters in the center of Bad Segeberg, with gypsum formations and cave systems beneath the surface. Walking paths lead up the slope, and the summit offers views across the town and surrounding area.

A medieval castle called Siegburg stood on this site, built by Lothair of Saxony and serving as the administrative center for the County of Stormarn. The fortress lost importance over time, but the hill itself continued to define the town's geography and character.

The open-air theater at the base hosts the Karl May Festival each year, where crowds gather to watch performances based on German western literature. These shows have shaped the town's cultural life for generations and remain a central part of local tradition.

The summit is reachable on foot, though the climb requires some effort along the sloping terrain. Those with mobility challenges should know that the steep ground and paths are not wheelchair accessible.

Beneath the hill lies a salt dome that pushes the ground upward at roughly one to two millimeters per year. This hidden geological force makes the site one where the earth is still actively growing, an uncommon phenomenon for visitors to consider.