Top 20 Lakes in Schleswig-Holstein
Best lakes in Schleswig-Holstein are concentrated in the state's northernmost region, particularly within the "Holstein Switzerland" area. This landscape features numerous lakes, offering diverse natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The region is characterized by its rolling hills, extensive forests, and a network of interconnected waterways. These natural features make Schleswig-Holstein a notable destination for outdoor activities centered around its many lakes.
Best lakes in Schleswig-Holstein
- The most popular lakes include the Cycle Path Along Burger See, a cycle_way that offers a great view of the Wulfen Bay. This path is wide and provides nice resting places with large deck chairs for sunbathing.
- Another must-see spot is Glückstadt Harbor, an other_man_made highlight with historical rows of houses. The outer harbor is accessible at any water level, and the inland port can be reached through a barrage.
- Visitors also love View of the Schlei near Lindaunis, a viewpoint offering impressive sights of the Schlei, the longest fjord of the Baltic Sea. This spot is particularly striking during stormy weather and features pretty places like Arnis nearby.
- Schleswig-Holstein is known for large glacial lakes, smaller tranquil lakes, and coastal lagoons. These bodies of water provide varied environments for water sports, birdwatching, and scenic exploration.
- The lakes in Schleswig-Holstein are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 4800 upvotes and more than 1100 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Neustadt in Holstein Harbour
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Brodtener Cliffs
Highlight • Gorge
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Rantum Basin Dyke Trail
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Cycle Path Along Burger See
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
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Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve
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Glückstadt Harbor
Highlight • Structure
The inland port can be reached from the outer port through a barrage. Depending on the water level, this is opened two and a half to two hours before high water for about two hours.
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View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge
Highlight • Viewpoint
We are pleased to welcome you to the website of the Great Plön Lake Tour and the Bosau Tour.
You can experience the picturesque beauty of the Great Plön Lake, the largest lake in our state, up close on our shipping lines. On a trip through the romantic island paradise, you can see a variety of water birds that are native to the "Plöner See" nature reserve. You might even spot the sea eagle, which has become native here again. With its wooded banks and over 30 islands, the Plön Lake is probably one of the most scenic in Germany.
The view of the Plön Castle and the Princes' Island also make the trip an experience.
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Northern Lake Lowland Nature Reserve (Nördliche Seeniederung)
Highlight • Natural Monument
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View of the Schlei near Lindaunis
Highlight • Viewpoint
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Geltinger Birk Nature and Bird Sanctuary
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Popular around Schleswig-Holstein
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Tips from the Community
The cycle paths are great and you always have a great view of the waters.
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Beautiful cycle path along the water.
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Rental of canoes, kayaks, SUP boards for individual and guided tours across the lakes and the Schwentine. The Malenter Kanucenter by Bottervogel is located just a few minutes' walk from Malenter train station, directly opposite the Dieksee promenade. Canoes (Canadians), kayaks and SUP boards as well as the necessary accessories such as paddles, life jackets and barrels for waterproof transport of smartphones and other valuables can be rented here. Groups, families and individuals can paddle across the lakes and the Schwentine either independently or - by prior arrangement - as part of a guided tour.
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Rental and sale of kayaks and Canadian canoes. Boats and accessories are also available for purchase. Boats Keusen, located in the Eutin district of Fissau, is just 130 m from the water hiking car park at the start of the Schwentine water hiking trail. Here you can not only rent kayaks and Canadian canoes, but also buy your own boats - the range includes kayaks, Canadian canoes, pedal boats, SUPs and fishing boats. For a fee, transport and collection of the rented canoes can be arranged.
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From 1-person kayaks to 10-person canoes with equipment and instructions If someone has arrived without a canoe, they don't have to miss out on the fun of paddling. The rental stations in Malente, Plön, Eutin and Bosau offer everyone the opportunity to rent a canoe or kayak including accessories and you usually also receive a short instruction.
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Boat rental near the campsite on Lake Plön offers canoe and kayak rentals and a pick-up service. The Plön canoe rental is located on the Schwentine water hiking trail and has a variety of canoes and kayaks for rent. In addition, a transport and pick-up service can be booked, which brings the boats to the starting point of the paddling tour and picks them up again at the destination. Guided canoe tours can be booked for groups of 20 people or more. In addition to canoes, sailing boats, fishing boats, rowing and pedal boats, dragon boats and stand-up paddling (SUP) boards can also be rented. The staff provide tips on paddling and help plan your paddling tour. Kanovermietung_Plön©TI GPS Tatjana Kay
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Moin, moin and welcome on board! We are pleased to welcome you to the website of the Great Plön Lake Tour and the Bosau Tour. You can experience the picturesque beauty of the Great Plön Lake, the largest lake in our state, up close on our shipping lines. On a trip through the romantic island paradise, you can see a variety of water birds that are native to the "Plöner See" nature reserve. You might even spot the sea eagle, which has become native here again. With its wooded banks and over 30 islands, the Plön Lake is probably one of the most scenic in Germany. The view of the Plön Castle and the Princes' Island also make the trip an experience.
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Very nice cycle path directly along the coast over a small dike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best lakes in Schleswig-Holstein for water sports?
The Großer Plöner See is a prime destination for water sports, offering opportunities for surfing, rowing, canoeing, scuba diving, swimming, angling, waterskiing, and windsurfing. The Ratzeburger See is also excellent for rowers, sailors, and windsurfers, while the Kellersee provides options for swimming, angling, waterskiing, and windsurfing.
Which lakes are ideal for birdwatching and experiencing nature?
The Selenter See is an important bird reserve, ideal for birdwatching with species like the kingfisher, bittern, whooper swan, and sea eagle. The Schaalsee, a biosphere reserve, is a biodiversity hotspot with nature reserves offering rich wildlife. The Lanker See, nestled within a nature reserve near Preetz, also provides excellent opportunities for birdwatching and nature photography. Additionally, the Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve is known for wild horses, Galloway cattle, and various sea and water birds, including the white-tailed eagle.
Are there family-friendly activities around the lakes in Schleswig-Holstein?
Many lakes offer family-friendly activities. The Großer Plöner See features excursion steamers and the Prinzeninsel for pleasant bathing. The Schaalsee has designated swimming areas and opportunities for pedalo or rowing boat trips. Highlights like the Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve and the Glückstadt Harbor are also categorized as family-friendly, offering trails and historical sights suitable for all ages.
What kind of hiking and cycling routes can I find near the lakes?
You'll find a variety of routes. For cycling, consider the Cycle Path Along Burger See, which offers great views of the Wulfen Bay. The Cycling in Schleswig-Holstein guide features routes like the 'Culinary loop of Lake Plön in Holstein Switzerland Nature Park'. For hiking, the Schaalsee has a 5-kilometer trail in Seedorfer Werder, and the Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve offers well-developed hiking trails. You can also explore running trails around lakes like the Ratzeburger See.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, several lakes are close to significant cultural sites. The town of Plön, overlooking the Großer Plöner See, features a majestic castle. The Ratzeburger See is known for the impressive Ratzeburg Cathedral, visible from the lake. Near the Kellersee, you can visit the historical Eutin Castle. Additionally, the Glückstadt Harbor offers historical rows of houses and is worth seeing.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes in Schleswig-Holstein?
The lakes are popular year-round, but summer months are ideal for water sports and swimming. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful scenery, especially for birdwatching. Natural history tours around the Schaalsee are available during the summer months.
Where can I find scenic viewpoints around the lakes?
Many lakes offer picturesque views. The View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge provides a great perspective of the largest lake. The View of the Schlei near Lindaunis offers impressive sights of the Baltic Sea fjord. The Cycle Path Along Burger See also has nice resting places with great views of the Wulfen Bay.
Are there any hidden gems or tranquil spots among the lakes?
The Lanker See near Preetz is known for its tranquil setting, offering peaceful swimming spots and an unspoilt experience away from crowds. The Prinzeninsel on Großer Plöner See also provides a quiet bathing spot. For a unique natural experience, the Northern Lake Lowland Nature Reserve offers a serene environment with diverse wildlife.
Which lakes are part of a nature park or reserve?
The Großer Plöner See is a prominent feature of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. The Selenter See is encompassed by the 3,060-hectare bird reserve 'Selenter See-Gebiet'. The Schaalsee is part of Schleswig-Holstein's oldest nature park, the Lauenburg Lakes Nature Park, and is also a biosphere reserve. The Lanker See is nestled within a nature reserve near Preetz, and the Geltinger Birk Nature Reserve is another significant natural area.
Can I find wheelchair accessible paths around the lakes?
While specific details for all lakes are not available, some areas, such as parts of the Neustadt in Holstein Harbour area, are categorized as wheelchair accessible. It is advisable to check specific highlight details or local tourist information for accessibility of individual paths around the lakes.
What is the deepest lake in Schleswig-Holstein?
The Schaalsee is the deepest lake in the region, reaching a depth of 72 meters. It is also recognized as the deepest land incision in Europe.
Most popular routes in Schleswig-Holstein
Most popular attractions in Schleswig-Holstein
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