Top 20 Natural Monuments around Damsdorf

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.

Just like in the old country: Pure nature in the Old Apple Orchard on Plön's Prince's Island. Right on the walking path to the Prince's Island, you should definitely plan a detour through the romantic Old Apple Orchard. This historic garden monument (the former kitchen and orchard of the Plön Residence) is located directly on the walking path to the Prince's Island. A charming teahouse on a small hill in the grounds invites you to linger and impresses with a stunning view of the lake, the castle, and the town. The romantically situated grounds, covering just over one hectare, are home to over 150 apple trees of approximately 90 different varieties. Since 2011, a replica has stood on the site of King Christian VIII's former summer pavilion, offering a stunning view of the lake, the castle, and the town (along the historic sight lines). A plaque in the pavilion details the history of the garden monument; in the entrance area, to the left of the main path, there is an overview with detailed information on the various apple varieties. The Old Apple Orchard has been cared for and maintained on a voluntary basis for many years by members of the "Friends of the Plön Prince's House" association. Only trees of old varieties (based on a historical list dating back to 1796) are replanted and added to the orchard. Each tree in the Old Apple Orchard has a sponsor. By leasing the tree, they support the preservation of valuable old apple varieties and also acquire the right to harvest. The association and the sponsors ask that you do not pick the apples (you are welcome to sample fallen fruit). The Old Apple Orchard is open to all visitors and can be visited at any time of year.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.