4.6
(6394)
23,795
hikers
23
hikes
Hiking around Dersau, located on the western side of the Great Plön Lake in Germany's Holstein Switzerland region, offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The area is characterized by gentle hills, extensive forests, and the prominent Great Plön Lake, which features wooded banks and numerous islands. This terrain provides varied hiking experiences, from lakeside strolls to routes through rolling hills and meadows.
Last updated: May 15, 2026
4.8
(13)
58
hikers
5.26km
01:22
40m
40m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(12)
47
hikers
8.77km
02:15
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(11)
35
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
20
hikers
11.9km
03:07
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
19
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Gut Ascheberg is located on the west bank of the Großer Plöner See in the district of Plön in eastern Schleswig-Holstein. The former aristocratic estate is still farmed today. The French garden, preserved only in its basic features, was one of the most significant Baroque gardens in the former Duchy of Holstein. The manor house, known as Schloss Ascheberg, now serves as a youth leisure and recreation center. Source Wikipedia
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Almost everything here is homemade. It's worth a visit!
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A great section of Lake Plön at any time of year
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The hilly landscape of Holstein Switzerland was formed when melting ice left behind masses of rock, causing water to collect in the depressions. This is how the Great Plön Lake, one of many bodies of water in the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, was formed. Numerous animal species call this area home; with a bit of luck, you might spot kingfishers, otters, or even a white-tailed eagle. In addition to the diverse natural landscape, Holstein Switzerland also offers cultural highlights such as castles, manor houses, and estates. You can find more information here: https://nationale-naturlandschaften.de/gebiete/naturpark-holsteinische-schweiz.
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The name "Holstein Switzerland" dates back to the 19th century, when travel to Switzerland was popular (among the wealthy). Therefore, other regions also sought to give themselves the name or suffix "Switzerland." On May 20, 1885, Johannes Janus, a merchant from Eutin, opened the "Holstein Switzerland" hotel on Kellersee in Krummsee (Malente), which enjoyed great popularity. The hotel's name was initially applied to the Holstein Switzerland train station and later to the entire surrounding area.
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The charm of this region lies in the diverse landscape that emerged in the young moraine landscape of the Schleswig-Holstein hills during the Weichselian glaciation. Small forest areas alternate with arable land divided by hedgerows, and the landscape is characterized by low hills interspersed with numerous lakes. These include the Great Plön Lake, the Dieksee, and the Kellersee. Many are crossed by rivers and floodplains, such as the Schwentine, which flows into the Kiel Fjord, or the Kossau, which flows into the Great Binnensee. The highest point of Holstein Switzerland is the Bungsberg near Schönwalde, at 168 m above sea level, the highest elevation in Schleswig-Holstein.
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Holstein Switzerland is located in the eastern part of the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein. The region, part of the historic Wagria region, is not politically or geographically defined. It is largely located in the districts of Ostholstein and Plön, roughly between the cities of Lübeck and Kiel, and extends to the Baltic Sea coast. Larger towns include Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen, Lütjenburg, Oldenburg in Holstein, Preetz, and the former royal residences of Eutin and Plön.
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There are over 20 hiking routes around Dersau that are easily accessible from local bus stations. These trails cater to various preferences, with a good mix of easy and moderate options.
The bus-accessible hikes around Dersau offer a diverse landscape typical of Holstein Switzerland. You'll experience rolling hills, dense forests, and picturesque views of the Great Plön Lake. Many routes follow lakeside paths, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and enjoy the tranquil rural idyll.
Yes, for an easy and scenic walk, consider the Lakeside Path on Lake Plön – Dersau Lakeside Promenade loop. This route is just over 5 km and offers beautiful views along the lake with minimal elevation gain, perfect for a relaxed outing.
Absolutely. Many of the trails are suitable for all fitness levels. The region's gentle terrain and well-maintained paths make it ideal for families and beginners. Routes like the Ascheberg Castle – Fish smokehouse at Dieksee loop, at around 8.9 km, are considered suitable for all and offer charming lakeside views.
Many routes offer stunning views of the Great Plön Lake. You can find excellent vantage points such as the View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge or the View of the Großer Plöner See from the southern shore. The area is also known for its natural bathing areas and the possibility of spotting diverse water birds, including sea eagles.
For a more extended moderate hike, the View of Großer Plöner See – Fish smokehouse at Dieksee loop covers about 13.6 km and offers continuous scenic beauty. Another great option is the Café in the Green Dersau loop, which is around 11.9 km and takes you through varied landscapes.
The hiking trails around Dersau are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 6,200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil lakeside paths, the well-marked routes, and the charming views of the Holstein Switzerland landscape.
Yes, some routes will lead you past useful facilities. For instance, you might encounter the Siebenstern Picnic Shelter or other shelters like the Shelter at the Bathing Area, Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, which can be convenient for a rest or picnic.
Dersau is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant hiking conditions with mild temperatures and vibrant natural colors. Summer is ideal for combining hikes with swimming in the Great Plön Lake, while winter can provide serene, crisp walks, especially along the frozen lake shores.
Certainly. The Green Tunnel – Sepel Lakeside Dock loop is a moderate 9.7 km route that beautifully combines stretches through wooded areas with open views of the lake, providing a varied and engaging hiking experience.


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