Located on the northern edge of the Segeberger Forest between the towns of Bad Bramstedt and Bad Segeberg, the Eekholt Wildlife Park is home to around 100 different species of native wildlife. It showcases the animals in their natural habitats while raising awareness about sustainability in nature.
The Eekholt Wildlife Park was founded in 1970 and is still privately run to this day. It was created to convey awareness about plants, animals, and humans' ecological interdependence, with diagrams and exhibits illustrating the role each plant or animal plays in maintaining the ecological balance.
Follow the walking trails that lead through wetlands, bogs, coniferous and deciduous wooded forests that provide a habitat for more than 700 animals at the Eekholt Wildlife Park. Each of the various ecosystems represents its typical plant life, insects, birds, and mammals, with the Osterau creek winding through the park.
Get up close to wolves, deer, wild boars, and moorland sheep, as well as rare species like white-furred red deer and endangered otters. There are regular free-flying performances by the wildlife park’s birds of prey and the feeding of otters, wolves, and tree-martens. Traveling with children? There’s a special “touch” area with pygmy goats and an adventure playground where they can let off some steam.
In addition to the habitats that are open to the public, Eekholt also runs a Wildlife Park School where children are taught the basic concepts of nature conservation through contact with the wildlife park’s animals. There are several barbecue sites at the wildlife park where you can enjoy a picnic, as well as an on-site restaurant serving local dishes and snacks.