Best castles around Schmalensee are situated in the rural and lake-rich environment of the Segeberg district in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. While Schmalensee itself is a small tourist resort, the surrounding region offers several notable historical structures. Visitors can explore a variety of castles and gatehouses that reflect the area's rich past. These landmarks provide insights into the architectural and cultural heritage of northern Germany.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
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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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The Princes' Island was acquired by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and remains in the possession of the House of Hohenzollern to this day. Forest, marshy terrain, a sandy beach, and four large paddocks characterize the landscape.
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The extensive renovation work on the Lower Saxon farmhouse on Prince's Island in Plön has been delayed somewhat. However, Prince's Island manager Frank Nettlau now hopes to reopen in mid-May. The craftsmen are still busy working on the door. Anja Rüstmann Anja Rüstmann 06.05.2019 Plön. Even from afar, you can see what has already been done on the historic building at the tip of Prince's Island in Plön. The Lower Saxon farmhouse has been given a new thatched roof. The Hohenzollern family, who own the island and thus also the restaurant, paid a six-figure sum for this. The work lasted from January to the end of March.
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Family-friendly and varied hiking trail with many interesting stops. A varied medium-length trail with great views, passing many of Plön's sights. The circular trail leads through the forest, along the shoreline, along the lakeside promenade of the Great Plön Lake, and to the Prince's Island. Numerous information panels along the Plön Lakeshore Nature Experience Trail provide insights into the local flora and fauna. The Planet Trail is also located along the trail, explaining the solar system at a scale of 1:2 billion. Tips: Lake Cruises; Lower Saxon Farmhouse (Restaurant & Cafe); Apple Orchard; Planet Trail; Castle Area; Castle & View; Prince's House; Castle Gardens; Prince's Island Swimming Area with Snack Bar
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prinzeninsel.de Restaurant, Cafe, and Beer Garden on Prince's Island, Plön After a pleasant walk to the tip of Prince's Island or a scenic cruise across the large Plön Lake, you'll arrive at the Prince's Island Restaurant. In this completely renovated, historic farmhouse, you'll find the daily changing Prince's Buffet, featuring freshly caught fish, succulent local beef, seasonal regional vegetable dishes, and much more. You'll also find Holstein dishes, mostly from the region, homemade cakes, ice cream creations, and coffee and tea specialties. Holstein cuisine at its finest in a wonderful setting: At the tip of Prince's Island, the quaint farmhouse or cozy beer garden combines typical Holstein cuisine with influences from France, Italy, and Germany. The restaurant is only accessible on foot, by bike, or by boat. A dedicated electric shuttle service is available for guests.
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From the Prinzeninsel car park on the B430, it is only a few steps to paradise. Pure nature, no cars, no motorbikes, the only bikers here are cycle tourists. The Prinzeninsel is on every cycling map of the former royal seat of Plön.
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One day, the water level dropped, and a beautiful island emerged from the lake. This is how fairy tales begin. And a fairy tale did indeed come true, even though the water level of Lake Plön was only artificially lowered in 1881: Prince's Island. A small paradise in the east of Holstein Switzerland, surrounded by lakes, the Holstein Lake District, 2 kilometers long, just 30 meters wide at its narrowest point. Characterized by deciduous forests, idyllic shores, a sandy beach, the "Prince's Baths," four large paddocks, and the ancient farmhouse.
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The Princes' Island is a small jewel in the middle of Holstein Switzerland. Forest areas, small hills and a multitude of lakes are characteristic of this charming landscape in the east of Schleswig-Holstein. On the new Princes' Island, nature experiences are combined with culinary delights.
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While Schmalensee itself is a small tourist resort, the surrounding Segeberg district and broader region of Schleswig-Holstein offer a variety of historical structures. You can explore gatehouses like the Seedorf Gatehouse, which is a Dutch late Renaissance style building, or former noble estates such as Ascheberg Castle. The region also features neo-Gothic country houses like Belau Castle, offering diverse historical exploration opportunities.
Yes, several sites are suitable for families. The Seedorf Gatehouse is family-friendly and functions as a museum and event space. The area around Ascheberg Castle, a former noble estate, is also considered family-friendly. Additionally, the View of Plön Castle from Prinzeninsel Pier offers a scenic and family-friendly experience with culinary options on Prinzeninsel.
For those willing to travel a bit further, Schwerin Castle in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a majestic option, often considered one of Germany's most beautiful. Hamburg's only remaining castle, Bergedorf Castle, dates back to around 1220 and houses a museum. Herrenhaus Tralau in Travenbrück is known for its striking, fairytale-like architecture, and Wasserschloss Winsen is a romantic moated castle over 700 years old.
Belau Castle, a neo-Gothic country house, is unfortunately not open to the public. While it has been newly renovated and was once a popular castle restaurant, visitors can typically only view it from the gate.
The Seedorf Gatehouse, built in 1583, has a rich history and is actively used today. It serves as a venue for events, a museum, a registry office, and an archive. It's also featured on the Seedorf municipality's coat of arms.
Yes, the View of Plön Castle from Prinzeninsel Pier is a popular viewpoint. It offers excellent views of Plön Castle and provides a historical and culinary experience on Prinzeninsel, an island in Holstein Switzerland.
The region around Schmalensee offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking and cycling routes. For hiking, explore options like the 'View of the Schmalensee – Schmalensee Bathing Area loop' or 'Hiking loop from Belau'. Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy routes such as 'Rest Area at Bornhöveder See – Bornhöveder See loop'. You can find more details on these activities in the hiking guides and cycling guides for the Schmalensee area.
Visitors appreciate the diverse historical exploration opportunities, from neo-Gothic country houses to Dutch late Renaissance gatehouses. The community has shared 16 photos and given 161 upvotes, highlighting the appeal of these landmarks. The scenic views, like those of Plön Castle from Prinzeninsel, and the historical significance of places like the Seedorf Gatehouse are particularly enjoyed.
Ascheberg Castle, a former noble estate, is currently leased to a Christian youth organization as a holiday home and is still used for agriculture. While the modest mansion is flanked by restored historic bills, public access might be limited due to its current use.
The Seedorf Gatehouse is a beautiful structure built in 1583 in the Dutch late Renaissance style. It's part of the fortifications of the Seedorf estate and features two flanking towers. It was extensively renovated between 2000 and 2002. It's advisable to check local listings for specific event schedules or museum opening hours if you plan to visit its interior.
The best time to visit the castles and historical sites in the Schmalensee region generally aligns with pleasant weather for exploring. Spring and summer offer lush landscapes and comfortable temperatures for outdoor activities and castle grounds. Autumn provides beautiful foliage. Always check specific opening hours and accessibility for individual locations, as these can vary seasonally.


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