Best lakes around Belau offer a diverse landscape centered around the Großer Plöner See, one of the largest lakes in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This region features numerous islands, beaches, and viewpoints, providing varied opportunities for outdoor activities. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, including forests, wetlands, and open water, making it a destination for those seeking lakeside experiences.
Last updated: June 17, 2026
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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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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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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.
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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).
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The Great Plön Lake attracts visitors in summer with bathing areas and good water sports opportunities. In addition to beautiful hikes and boat trips, a stroll through the small town of Plön is also worthwhile. With an area of around 28 square kilometers, the Great Plön Lake is the largest inland body of water in Schleswig-Holstein.
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There is a ban on the use of boat engines on the Great Plöner Lake (with exceptions for commercial shipping and rescue services). For several years now, electric motors for fishing boats and sailing boats (calm pushers) have been allowed on the Great Plöner Lake.
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Sailing school on Lake Plön with boat rental for pedal boats, rowing boats, SUP and sailing courses. The Plön sailing school offers a wide range of courses from May to October, with something for everyone: just a taster of sailing, courses for beginners, intensive advanced courses or sailing with a catamaran are all possible at the Plön sailing school as an individual, group or even class. There are also special sailing courses for children. Great group tours with dragon boats, canoes or sailing boats are ideal for your active holiday or as a team building event. In addition to sailing boats, fishing boats, rowing and pedal boats, dragon boats and stand-up paddling boards can be rented.
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Canoe pier directly on the Prince's Island Here you have the opportunity to moor and go to the beach opposite the Prince's Island. There are free toilets and a snack bar with seating. In the high season there is also a bathing jetty. The local restaurant is also well worth a visit - the "Restaurant & Cafe Prinzeninsel", which is only a few minutes' walk from the pier.
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The lakes around Belau, particularly the Großer Plöner See, offer diverse natural landscapes including forests, wetlands, and open water. You can observe cormorant colonies, especially on Sterin Island, and enjoy scenic views across the water.
Yes, the Prinzeninsel is a notable historical site. It was purchased by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and remains owned by the House of Hohenzollern. You can also enjoy views of Plön Castle from various points around the Großer Plöner See.
Many spots are family-friendly. Beaches like Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön offer swimming opportunities, beach chairs, and picnic benches. Boat rentals for pedal boats, rowing boats, and SUP are also available, along with sailing courses for children.
Absolutely. The region offers several beaches suitable for swimming. Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön is a popular spot where you can take a refreshing swim and enjoy sunset views.
Yes, the area around Belau is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for both cycling and hiking. For cycling, explore options like the 'Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön – Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel loop' or the 'Lake Ihl – Bridge over the Young Trave loop'. For hiking, consider routes such as the 'Perdöler Mühle – Kattholz Oak loop' or the 'Kattholz Oak – Bathing area at Schierensee loop'. You can find more details on these and other routes in the Cycling around Belau and Hiking around Belau guides.
For fantastic panoramic views, visit the View of the Großer Plöner See from the southern shore. Additionally, the Trail Between Großer Plöner See and Vierer See offers grandiose views along its path.
The Plön sailing school on Lake Plön offers boat rentals for pedal boats, rowing boats, SUP, and various sailing courses. They cater to individuals, groups, and even offer special courses for children.
Visitors frequently praise the beautiful scenery, especially the idyllic bays and small beaches of the Großer Plöner See. The opportunity to enjoy stunning sunsets, particularly from spots like Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön, is also a highlight. The diverse landscape and the peaceful atmosphere are highly appreciated.
Yes, Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön are both popular choices. They offer amenities like beach chairs and picnic benches, and are great for swimming and enjoying the lakeside views.
Yes, there are many easy walking trails. For example, the Easy hikes around Belau guide lists several routes, including a 'Hiking loop from Belau' and the 'Gut Perdöel – Kattholz Oak loop', which are rated as easy.
Yes, on Prinzeninsel, there is a beautiful tourist restaurant. Additionally, the various beaches and towns around the lakes offer amenities and dining options.
The region is known for its natural habitats, including cormorant colonies that can be observed on islands like Sterin Island. The diverse ecosystems of forests and wetlands support various bird species and other local wildlife.


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