Lakes around Malente, situated in the Holstein Switzerland region of Germany, are known for their freshwater bodies and natural beauty. The area features notable lakes such as the Kellersee, Dieksee, and Behler See, which offer diverse activities. These lakes provide opportunities for water sports, extensive hiking trails, and tranquil swimming spots. The region's landscape and interconnected waterways make it a destination for outdoor exploration.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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The Canada goose is a species of bird in the anatidae family and is considered the most common goose in the world. Its native range is North America. It is a characteristic lowland bird there, breeding on inland lakes in prairie and agricultural areas.
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The Dieksee promenade takes you from the Malente Wildlife Park to the Diekseeholm forest. The Dieksee promenade runs along the western shore of the 368-hectare Dieksee lake. Here you will find many of Malente's hotels, guesthouses, and health clinics. Redesigned in 2007, the promenade consists partly of paved stone slabs and partly of hard-packed sand. During the construction work, a floating pontoon for events was installed near the pier for the 5-Lakes Cruise and Kellersee Cruise. An additional wooden walkway was also added to the promenade. Terraced platforms have been integrated along the embankment, offering a particularly beautiful view of the Dieksee.
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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.
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Eutin Castle in Eutin, East Holstein, is the cultural center and nucleus of the town. Along with Gottorf Castle and Glücksburg Castle, it is one of the most important secular court buildings in Schleswig-Holstein. The four-winged complex originated from a medieval castle and was expanded into a royal residence over several centuries.
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Guided Tour of the Magnificent Chambers of Eutin Castle Stroll through the 850-year-old Eutin Castle and its magnificent chambers on a guided tour or on your own. The tour includes visits to the castle chapel, the original castle kitchen, and the former living quarters of the dukes. Today, the castle impresses visitors from all over the world as a museum and with special exhibitions. Large-scale ceiling paintings, precious wall coverings, original furniture, paintings, clocks, and furnishings such as three unusual ship models of Tsar Peter the Great can be admired. Prices: €8 per person | 0-6 years free | 7-12 years €2.00 | Families: 2 adults and children €16.00 | Public tour of the castle: €4 plus admission fee Reduced admission: Guests with an Ostholstein Museum ticket, schoolchildren aged 13 and over, trainees and students up to 28 years of age, severely disabled persons, welfare recipients, and the unemployed: €4.00 Photography permit: €1.50 for unlimited photographs in the castle exhibition, without flash, tripod, or similar, and for private use only.
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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.
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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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The most popular lakes in the Malente region include the Kellersee, Dieksee, and Behler See, each offering unique experiences. Visitors particularly enjoy the Kellersee Pier for its views and the Dieksee Promenade for leisurely strolls along the water.
Yes, the Malente lakes offer extensive hiking opportunities. The Kellersee features a 16-kilometer circular path through nature, and the Dieksee has a 14-kilometer circular path suitable for walking and cycling. You can find various hiking routes, including easy options like the Viewing platform at the Dieksee – Mermaid Statue on Dieksee loop, or more challenging ones like the Kellersee – Luisenweg in the Prinzenholz loop.
The lakes around Malente are excellent for water sports. The Kellersee and Dieksee are suitable for canoeing, sailing, and stand-up paddling. The Behler See also serves as a convenient entry and exit point for canoes and other water sports equipment, with a jetty available for easy access.
Absolutely. Many activities around the Malente lakes are family-friendly. The Dieksee has a free lido with excellent water quality and DLRG supervision, making it a safe swimming spot for families. The Dieksee Promenade is also ideal for leisurely walks with children, and the Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) is a fascinating natural feature to observe cormorant colonies.
Yes, swimming is a popular activity. The Kellersee has designated swimming spots like Wöbbensredder and Hamburger Strand. The Dieksee offers a free lido with DLRG supervision. The Behler See features a public bathing area in Timmdorf with a large sunbathing lawn and a sandy section, perfect for a refreshing dip.
Yes, boat tours are a great way to experience the lakes. The "MS Luise" offers scenic boat tours on the Kellersee. The Dieksee is a starting point for the popular "5-Lakes Cruise," allowing you to explore several interconnected lakes in the Holstein Switzerland region.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can observe various waterfowl, including cormorant colonies on Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See). The Diekseeholm forest near the Dieksee contains the Malente mirror ponds and natural Kneipp basins. The lakes themselves, with their wooded banks and idyllic bays, offer picturesque landscapes.
Yes, the Kellersee borders the town of Eutin, which features an impressive castle and historic town center. Eutin Castle is a significant cultural center in the region, offering guided tours of its magnificent chambers.
Yes, the Behler See is dog-friendly, with dogs permitted at its bathing area in Timmdorf. It's always a good idea to check local regulations for other specific lake access points.
There are several cycling routes around the Malente lakes. The Diekseepromenade is suitable for cycling, and a 14-kilometer circular path around the Dieksee is also popular. For road cycling enthusiasts, routes like the Gremsmühle at Kellersee – Gut Wahlstorf Manor loop offer moderate challenges.
The Malente lakes are beautiful year-round, but the warmer months from spring to autumn are ideal for water sports, swimming, and extensive hiking or cycling. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities and boat tours.
Many spots offer beautiful views. The Kellersee Pier is a popular place to enjoy the Kellersee. Along the Dieksee Promenade, terraced platforms provide particularly scenic vistas. Additionally, the View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge offers a great perspective of the larger lake.


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