Top 20 Lakes around Plön
Best lakes around Plön are situated in Holstein Switzerland, an area known for its diverse lake landscape. This region features large, deep lakes like Großer Plöner See, as well as smaller, interconnected bodies of water. The natural landscape provides opportunities for water sports, nature observation, and various land-based activities. Plön's lakes offer a blend of natural beauty and recreational options.
Best lakes around Plön
- The most popular lakes is Sehlendorfer Binnensee Nature Reserve, a nature_reserve that features narrow wooden bridges and a path through a pasture with cattle. This area offers a vantage point with views of the inland lake and bird breeding grounds.
- Another must-see spot is Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel, a beach. This location provides views of Plön Castle and features a sandy beach suitable for families due to its shallow entry.
- Visitors also love Coastal Lake Landscape at Schmoel Nature Reserve, a natural monument. This nature reserve includes small lakes directly on a natural beach cycle path, offering a scenic route with views of the coastal section.
- Plön is known for large lakes like Großer Plöner See, smaller lakes such as Kleiner Plöner See, and nature reserves like Selenter See. The region offers a variety of lakes to see and explore, from those ideal for water sports to those designated for bird observation.
- The lakes around Plön are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 2400 upvotes and over 350 photos shared across various highlights.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See)
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Sehlendorfer Binnensee Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of Plön Castle from the Great Plöner Lake
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel
Highlight • Beach
prinzeninsel.de
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lake Passade
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
View of the Kiel Fjord
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Coastal Lake Landscape at Schmoel Nature Reserve
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sieversdorf Bridge
Highlight • Bridge
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more lakes around Plön.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Plön
The Monks' Trail – From Bremen to the Baltic Sea
The National Natural Landscapes in Schleswig-Holstein
Enjoy nature and culture – Holsteinische-Schweiz Cycle Tour
Culinary cycle tours on Germany’s Baltic coast
Glorious views and cultural highlights on Schleswig-Holstein’s Baltic coast
Baltic Sea Coast Cycle Route – Schleswig-Holstein's most popular long-distance cycle route
Magic Moments — 6 magical places in Germany and Denmark
Bicycle touring on the Baltic Sea Cycle Path
33 lakes for sunny weekends
D-Route 2: Baltic Coast Route
Other adventures around Plön
Tips from the Community
In Plön and the surrounding area, there are cormorant colonies that sometimes cause damage to vegetation and fisheries. The island of Sterin in the Great Plön Lake is a well-known example of the destructive effect of cormorant droppings, which virtually destroy vegetation. There was also a cormorant colony on an island in Lake Selent, which was later abandoned and subsequently recovered.
24
1
200 lakes close together, with Schleswig-Holstein's largest lake at its center: that's Holstein Switzerland. It's not without reason that this "lake paradise" is one of the most popular vacation regions for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, families, and those looking to slow down from the stresses of big city life. The Great Plön Lake, with its deep blue waters and pristine shoreline, entices visitors to spend relaxing holidays on, in, and around the lake. Whether paddling, sailing, fishing, swimming, diving, or golfing near the lake – the options are endless. Furthermore, the 30 square kilometer expanse of water with a depth of 58 meters invites you to enjoy relaxing lake views. And all around the lake, picturesque towns like Plön, Bosau, and Dersau boast a wealth of culture, history, and nature. It's no wonder this lake has been awarded the seal of "Schleswig-Holstein's Favorite Lake" several times in a row.
14
1
The Great Plön Lake offers bathing areas for swimming in the summer months. The water quality is generally very good or excellent. The Prinzenbad on the west bank of the Prinzeninsel with its beautiful sandy beach, kiosk and lifeguard is worth a visit.30.12.2024
9
0
A varied selection of refreshments and cocktails attracts visitors to the bar. There is a carefree party atmosphere here. Music and good humor bring a southern flair to Holstein Switzerland. Swimming makes you hungry. Tasty snacks satisfy your hunger between meals. After swimming, comfortable lounge chairs invite you to chill out. The beach is also an ideal place for picnic lovers. It gets romantic in the evening when the setting sun is reflected in the Great Plön Lake and waves gently lap on the shore.
8
0
In the west of the island is the approximately 100-meter-wide sandy beach. The gently sloping shore offers ideal bathing conditions for children. In summer, a DLRG post is manned here. But adults also experience the purest holiday atmosphere. With lush forest in the background, you have a relaxing view of the lake landscape. Small islands interrupt the calm surface of the water, in which the sun reflects when the weather is nice. Canoes, boats and stand-up paddlers move across the lake and take disturbing thoughts of everyday stress with them. This makes the island a place to switch off and recharge.
9
0
Beach between the Princes' Island in the Great Plön Lake with a sandy beach and DLRG. At the end of the idyllic Princes' Island is the natural beach with a view of the sunset included. As a destination for a day trip or a rest stop, you should not miss the approximately 100 m wide, gently sloping sandy beach. The bathing area can only be reached on foot, by bike or by excursion boat. The bathing area is guarded by the DLRG and has a kiosk, toilet, shower, playground and in summer also a volleyball net. Parking spaces are located on the Ascheberger Chaussee (approx. 2 km to the bathing area).
9
0
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.
17
1
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.
16
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some unique natural features to explore around the Plön lakes?
The Plön lake district, nestled in Holstein Switzerland, offers diverse natural features. The Großer Plöner See, the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein, is notable for its over 20 islands, including Prinzeninsel. The Dieksee features unique Malente mirror ponds in the Diekseeholm forest, which are old fish breeding ponds now used as Kneipp basins. You can also explore the Sehlendorfer Binnensee Nature Reserve with its narrow wooden bridges and bird breeding grounds, or the Coastal Lake Landscape at Schmoel Nature Reserve, which includes small lakes directly on a natural beach cycle path.
Which lakes are best for families with children?
Several lakes around Plön are excellent for families. The Prinzenbad Beach on Prinzeninsel (Großer Plöner See) is particularly family-friendly due to its shallow sandy entry. The Großer Plöner See also offers numerous bathing sites and activities like pedal boating. The Dieksee has a scenic promenade suitable for walks and cycling with children, and the Behler See features a flat-shored bathing area near Timmdorf with a sunbathing lawn.
What kind of hiking trails can I find near the Plön lakes?
The Plön lake district offers a variety of hiking trails, ranging from easy lakeside strolls to moderate routes. You can find trails like the "Plöner Strandweg" which features a planet path along the Großer Plöner See, or the 11-kilometer Dieksee Rundweg. For more options, explore the Hiking around Plön guide, which includes routes like the "Plön Lakes Circular Trail" and shorter loops with lake views.
Are there cycling routes suitable for exploring the lakes?
Yes, the region is very popular for cycling. The Dieksee Promenade is great for cycling, and the Coastal Lake Landscape at Schmoel Nature Reserve features a natural beach cycle path. You can find various routes, including the "Culinary loop of Lake Plön in Holstein Switzerland Nature Park" or the "Crane nature trail (Kranich-Naturerlebnispfad) on the Sehlendorf inland lake." For a comprehensive overview, check the Cycling around Plön guide.
Where can I observe wildlife, especially birds, around the Plön lakes?
The Plön lakes are a haven for birdwatching. The Großer Plöner See is an important breeding ground for various water birds, including white-tailed eagles, goldeneyes, and greylag geese. The northern part of the Kleiner Plöner See also provides important resting zones for water birds. The Selenter See, with its nature reserve in the northern part, is a vital breeding, moulting, and resting area for numerous bird species such as kingfishers, bitterns, and sea eagles. The Sehlendorfer Binnensee Nature Reserve also has information boards about local bird species.
Are there any historical or cultural landmarks near the lakes?
Yes, the town of Plön, situated on the northern shore of the Großer Plöner See, is overlooked by the majestic Plön Castle. This historical landmark adds a cultural dimension to the natural beauty of the lakes. The Prinzenbad Beach on Prinzeninsel also offers wonderful views of Plön Castle.
Can I go swimming in the Plön lakes?
Absolutely. The Großer Plöner See alone has 15 designated bathing sites, with Prinzenbad Beach on Prinzeninsel being a popular choice due to its shallow entry. The Selenter See also offers several bathing areas like Grabensee and Seekrug, complete with jetties, sandy beaches, and picnic spots. The Behler See has a flat-shored bathing area near Timmdorf.
What are some quieter, less crowded lakes to visit?
For a more serene experience, the Kleiner Plöner See offers an idyllic setting for water sports and angling, often quieter than its larger counterpart. The Selenter See, while the second-largest in Schleswig-Holstein, is known for peaceful recreation and nature observation, especially in its nature reserve areas, making it a good choice if you're looking to avoid more bustling spots.
What do other visitors particularly enjoy about the Plön lakes?
Visitors frequently praise the diverse natural beauty and the wide range of activities available. Many enjoy the picturesque views, especially of Plön Castle from the lake, and the opportunity for water sports like sailing, stand-up paddling, and boating. The scenic trails for hiking and cycling around the lakes are also highly appreciated, as are the tranquil spots for nature observation and birdwatching.
Is fishing permitted in the Plön lakes?
Yes, fishing is a popular activity in several Plön lakes. The Großer Plöner See is known for species like eels, perch, pike, and zander. The Kleiner Plöner See also offers pike, perch, zander, and eels for anglers. The Selenter See is particularly abundant in fish, including eels, perch, pike, whitefish, and roach, making it a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts.
How can I experience the interconnected lake system, like the '5-Lakes Cruise'?
The interconnected lake system, particularly around the Dieksee and Behler See, can be experienced through boat tours. The popular "5-Lakes Cruise" (5-Seen-Fahrt) is a two-hour tour that explores these interconnected lakes, offering a unique perspective of the landscape and a relaxing way to see multiple bodies of water.
Most popular routes around Plön
Most popular attractions around Plön
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Find the best lakes around Plön per region:
Explore more
Still not found your perfect lake around Plön? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.
