Best lakes around Lanker Lake are situated in the Holstein Switzerland region of North Germany, south of Preetz. Lanker Lake covers an area of over 320 hectares and features a maximum depth of 21 meters. The lake is characterized by numerous bays and peninsulas, particularly on its western side, and is home to approximately 10 islands. A significant portion of the western area is designated as the "Halbinseln und Buchten im Lanker See" nature reserve, important for various water bird…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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⚠️ We met a herd of Highland cattle in the paddock.
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Very helpful facility that allows an off-the-grid tour on an unmapped pasture path on the shore of Lake Lanker.
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It's great that the horses also have their own beach 🐴
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The horse bathing area is directly north of Gut Wahlstorf and can be reached via a beautiful avenue of birch trees.
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Nice view not only for horses.
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Coming from Gut Wahlstorf it's pretty uphill. But very nice route with wonderful views of the Lanker See. No traffic because vehicles are closed.
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Beautifully situated swimming area, which is also a great place to take a break in the off-season.
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Very nice record walk with the typical curtsies
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The area around Lanker Lake offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous trails for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling. For example, there are hiking routes like the 'View of Lake Lanker – Wahlstorf Manor loop' and MTB trails such as the 'Langenrade Windmill Sventana – Plön Castle loop'. Cyclists can also explore road cycling routes like the 'Country Lanes Near Martensrade – Schönweide Country Road loop'.
Yes, Lanker Lake has several family-friendly options. The Schellhorn Lakeside Beach at Lanker Lake is a large, free swimming area with a lawn, sandy beach, and a bathing island. Additionally, there are two shallow bathing bays with sandy beaches in the north of the lake, which are particularly suitable for families with children.
Lanker Lake is known for its intricate structure with numerous bays and peninsulas, especially on its western side. A significant portion of this area is designated as the "Halbinseln und Buchten im Lanker See" nature reserve. The lake also features about 10 islands, including Probstenwerder (Möweninsel), a major breeding ground for various gulls and terns, and Appelwarder, famous for its abundant cowslips in mid-May.
The nature reserves around Lanker Lake, particularly "Halbinseln und Buchten im Lanker See" and the Kührener Teich, are crucial biotopes for numerous water bird species. You can observe various ducks, Great Bitterns, Western Marsh Harriers, Black-necked Grebes, and many songbirds like Reed Warblers and Nightingales in the reed beds and alder carrs.
While there isn't one single designated 'Lanker See Rundweg' mentioned, the region offers various trails for hiking and cycling that allow you to explore the diverse landscape around the lake. The Concrete slab path at Lake Lanker provides a two-lane concrete track through the landscape, suitable for cycling, and offers opportunities for detours to the lake.
Lanker Lake offers experiences in every season. For instance, the Concrete slab path at Lake Lanker is described as a 'Class route in every season'. If you're interested in flora, mid-May is particularly beautiful on Appelwarder island when cowslips cover it in yellow. Birdwatching is excellent during breeding, molting, and resting seasons for water birds.
Yes, a unique attraction is the Horse Bathing Area at Gut Wahlstorf, accessible via a picturesque birch avenue. Another interesting spot is the Staircase Over the Barbed Wire Fence at Lanker See, which allows access to an unmapped pasture path along the shore.
The NABU Information Hut near Kührener Teich provides further insights into the protected areas and their ecological importance. Both Lanker See and Kührener Teich are designated as Natura 2000 sites, highlighting their significance for nature conservation.
While specific dog-friendly areas are not detailed, many natural areas and trails around Lanker Lake are generally accessible for walks with dogs. However, always be mindful of nature reserve regulations and local signage, especially concerning protected wildlife and grazing animals like the Galloway cattle on Appelwarder.
Yes, several spots offer beautiful views. The Schellhorn Lakeside Beach at Lanker Lake provides a great view over the lake. The Horse Bathing Area at Gut Wahlstorf also offers a nice view for visitors. Many of the trails and paths along the shore will provide scenic vistas of the water and its numerous bays and peninsulas.
The nature reserves protect unique flora. On Appelwarder island, you'll find abundant cowslips that bloom vibrantly in mid-May. The ancient-forest-like swamp forests around the lake are home to bog myrtle, thriving due to minimal human interference. The wetlands also contribute to the area's ecological significance.


Still not found your perfect lake around Lanker Lake? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.