Fargau-Pratjau: Selenter See and Gut Salzau

Fargau-Pratjau lies on Selenter See and the Salzau. Two different points of interest shape travel planning: the lakeside landscape, with its walking and nature themes, and Gut Salzau, with its architectural and festival history. If you are looking for a hotel for a stay in Fargau-Pratjau, you can consider which of these highlights better suits your plans.

Landscape and protected areas

An extensive protected landscape area with forests, meadows and fields is part of the municipality’s landscape and is well suited to long walks. The area around Selenter See is predominantly covered by deciduous forest. There are also many grassland areas, while arable land accounts for a smaller share. Forests, meadows and fields together shape the lakeside landscape, rather than just one type of landscape defining the impression.

The northern shore of Selenter See has been protected since 1978. The protected landscape area is called “Selenter See with the lowland between Fargau and Pratjau and surrounding area.” Its aim is to preserve ecologically significant natural habitat structures and their functions. As a general guideline for protected areas in Holstein Switzerland: stay on designated paths, keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife, and take your rubbish with you. Local rules may vary from one area to another.

Lakeshore, bathing areas and nature watching

On the northwestern shore of Selenter See, four stretches of shoreline provide access to the lake and small bathing areas. Five unguarded bathing areas are spread around the lake. Some sections of shoreline are also used for recreation; these include access to jetties and a sunbathing lawn. Lakeshore uses and facilities may change. Before setting out, check local access and, before swimming, find out about conditions on site, which may change seasonally.

Many waterbirds can be observed around Selenter See throughout the year. This offers a different seasonal focus from a day of swimming: nature watching is not limited to the bathing season, while conditions at the bathing areas may change seasonally. When planning, you can therefore weigh up longer walks, time by the water and birdwatching.

Gut Salzau and the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival

Gut Salzau has historical ties to the villages of Fargau and Pratjau. The large manor house was built between 1881 and 1884 and is considered a regional cultural centre. It is centrally located within the municipality and is regarded as the birthplace of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. The festival is associated with events in music and art, readings and cultural exchange; the specific programme may vary.

This gives you two different perspectives to consider when choosing where to stay: at Selenter See, the focus is on landscape, walks and nature watching; at the manor house, the building’s history and connection to the festival are the defining cultural themes. Which side interests you more can help you plan your trip to Fargau-Pratjau.

Discover more destinations

Lütjenburg, Preetz, Schlesen, Schwentinental, Nettelsee, Bönebüttel, Wahlstorf, Ruhwinkel

For the higher-level travel overview: Plön.