Lakes around Schmalensee, a municipality in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, are characterized by their natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The area is known for its proximity to the Großer Plöner See, the largest inland body of water in Schleswig-Holstein. This region offers a variety of experiences, from serene natural landscapes to historical sites and water-based activities. Visitors can explore diverse natural features and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
Last updated: October 4, 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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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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Stand Up Paddling in the SUP area of Lake Plön As a SUP water, the Plön Lake District is suitable for both one-day SUP tours and a multi-day SUP trip. On the twelve natural lakes around Plön, water hiking on a stand-up paddling board never gets boring: enjoy the expanse of Lake Plön or experience sightseeing and amazing SUP spots in Plön's city bay - which can also be navigated with a SUP in winter. Of course, you should think about the right SUP clothing in winter here! The SUP piers in Plön are particularly practical: directly on the in-house jetty in the Seeprinz, picnic in the Plön boat harbor or a natural beach on the fishing grounds with various restaurants. And if you prefer something quieter, head for a secluded bay on the shore. Please adhere to the rules in the nature reserve and the general SUP rules. You can rent SUPs by the hour at the Wiederich sailing school.
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Holstein Switzerland is one of the most popular fishing areas between the seas. With over 200 fish-rich waters, it attracts guest anglers, professional anglers and hobby anglers alike to enjoy relaxed fishing. The beautiful natural lake landscape around the Great Plöner Lake offers everything an angler's heart desires: varied landscapes, a wide variety of fishing areas in various small and large fishing lakes, and target fish ranging from pike, perch, eel, bream, tench, catfish, zander, whitefish, carp and zander to whitefish. Every angler gets his money's worth here. And if you would like to stay longer than a day, you are guaranteed to find suitable accommodation.
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This guide focuses on the lakes around Schmalensee, a municipality located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This area is particularly known for its proximity to the Großer Plöner See, the largest inland body of water in Schleswig-Holstein.
The most popular lakes and spots include Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See), known for cormorant colonies and a sailing school, and Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel, a historical site with views of Plön Castle. Another favorite is Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön, appreciated for its sunset views and swimming facilities.
Yes, several spots are family-friendly. Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) offers boat rentals and sailing courses, including special courses for children. Both Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön are suitable for families, offering beaches and amenities for relaxation.
The region is characterized by its natural beauty, including expansive lakes, beaches, and various viewpoints. You can enjoy idyllic bays, small beaches, and lush meadows. The area around the Großer Plöner See, for example, offers stunning vistas across the water and surrounding countryside.
Yes, Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel is a notable historical site. The island was purchased by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and remains owned by the House of Hohenzollern. It features a tourist restaurant and offers views of Plön Castle.
The area offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for road cycling, gravel biking, and easy hikes. For detailed routes, explore the Road Cycling Routes around Schmalensee, Gravel biking around Schmalensee, and Easy hikes around Schmalensee guides.
Yes, there are several easy hiking trails. For example, you can find a 5.8 km loop from Schmalensee that offers views of the lake and its bathing area. Other easy loops are available from Belau and Karkhoop. You can find more options in the Easy hikes around Schmalensee guide.
Many spots offer excellent views. The View of the Großer Plöner See from the southern shore provides fantastic vistas across the lake, including Plön Castle. Additionally, the Trail Between Großer Plöner See and Vierer See offers grand views along its route.
Visitors particularly enjoy the stunning views, especially of Plön Castle and sunsets over the water. The serene natural environment, opportunities for relaxation, and the variety of outdoor activities like sailing and hiking are also highly appreciated. The area's natural beauty makes it a popular spot for photography.
Yes, swimming is possible. Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön is a popular spot for swimming, offering facilities like beach chairs and picnic benches. The guide also mentions a bathing area at Schmalensee itself.
The region offers recreational opportunities throughout the warmer months, ideal for water activities, hiking, and cycling. While the guide focuses on the Schleswig-Holstein area, generally, spring to autumn provides the best weather for enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor pursuits.
Yes, there are several cycling routes. For instance, the Trail Between Großer Plöner See and Vierer See is a bike route that runs through beautiful landscapes. You can find more options, including routes around the Großer Plöner See, in the Gravel biking around Schmalensee guide.


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