Best natural monuments around Schmalensee are primarily found within the municipality of Schmalensee in Schleswig-Holstein, centered around the Great Plön Lake. This region features the largest inland body of water in Schleswig-Holstein, covering about 28 square kilometers. The lake is characterized by its islands, such as Prinzeninsel and Sterin Island, and offers numerous bathing areas. Its shores include gently sloping sandy beaches, providing a tranquil environment for various outdoor activities.
Last updated: October 11, 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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The primary natural feature is the Great Plön Lake, the largest inland body of water in Schleswig-Holstein. It's characterized by its islands, such as Prinzeninsel and Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See), as well as numerous bathing areas and gently sloping sandy beaches.
Yes, many natural monuments around Schmalensee are family-friendly. Both Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön offer facilities and sandy beaches ideal for families. The Old Apple Orchard on Prinzeninsel is also a pleasant spot for families to explore.
The Prinzeninsel, for example, was purchased by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and remains owned by the House of Hohenzollern. The Old Apple Orchard is a historic garden monument, once the kitchen and orchard of the Plön Residence, with a replica of King Christian VIII's former summer pavilion.
Absolutely. There are various hiking opportunities around Schmalensee. You can find easy to moderate trails, such as the 'View of the Schmalensee – Schmalensee Bathing Area loop' or the 'Belau Castle – View of Lake Belau loop'. For more options, explore the hiking routes around Schmalensee.
The region is beautiful year-round. Spring and summer are ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying the beaches and lush landscapes. Autumn offers scenic views with changing foliage, while winter can transform the area into a serene, snow-covered landscape, especially if the lakes freeze for ice skating.
Yes, particularly around the Great Plön Lake. Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) is well-known for its cormorant colonies, offering a unique chance to observe these birds in their natural habitat.
Several spots offer excellent views. From Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel, you get a wonderful view of Plön Castle. The Empress's Favorite Spot – Prinzeninsel also provides a beautiful sunset spectacle over the lake. The Old Apple Orchard offers stunning views of the lake, castle, and town.
While specific regulations vary, many outdoor areas and trails around Schmalensee are dog-friendly. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or areas with wildlife, and to check local signage for any restrictions.
Beyond hiking, the Great Plön Lake offers excellent water sports opportunities like canoeing, stand-up paddling, and sailing. You can also find various cycling routes, including road cycling and touring bicycle options. Explore more activities through the road cycling routes or general cycling routes around Schmalensee.
Yes, the region around the Great Plön Lake, including the town of Plön and nearby villages, offers various gastronomic options and accommodations. For instance, the farmhouse on Prinzeninsel now houses a beautiful tourist restaurant.
Visitors frequently praise the serene escape offered by the Great Plön Lake, the opportunities for swimming and boating, and the relaxing atmosphere of the sandy beaches. The stunning views, especially sunsets from spots like Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön, are also highly appreciated.
While the main attractions are well-known, the Great Plön Lake features many idyllic bays and small beaches that can offer a more secluded experience. Exploring the various trails around the lake can also lead to quieter spots away from the main visitor areas.


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