Lake Großer Plöner See: Water, Trails and Birdlife

Lake Großer Plöner See is located in Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. It is Schleswig-Holstein’s largest, deepest and most island-rich lake: it covers about 30 km², reaches depths of up to 58 metres, and nearly 30 islands are scattered across its waters. These figures describe different features: area, depth and number of islands. The destination offers a range of options for planning your trip: activities on the water, trails around the lake and birdlife. You can first decide whether your stay will focus mainly on water sports, a tour or an interest in nature.

Water, bathing spots and water sports

You can swim at 15 bathing spots. Sailing, canoeing, walks around the lake and fishing are also among the options. The lake is a sailing area with no motorboats. Boat hire services offer canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Official diving entry points are located in Plön Bay and Bosau Bay. Fish species targeted by anglers include eel, perch, bream, pike, zander and roach.

Facilities and rules may vary depending on the location and activity. Rental options and conditions may also change; check rental options and conditions locally if needed.

Circular routes and day trips

When planning your routes, you can choose between a walk around the lake, the 37-kilometre Plön Lake Tour and 15 signposted day trips. The day trips mostly follow quiet roads and scenic trails, leading to picnic areas, sights, lakeside areas and restaurants. You can choose whether your outing will focus on circling the lake or on a destination along the way. Check the signs and trail conditions locally.

Birdlife and places around the lake

The lake is an important breeding ground for waterbirds in Schleswig-Holstein and lies on a major migration route for northern birds. The area’s birdlife includes greylag geese, coots, great crested grebes and white-tailed eagles. In spring, large groups of ducks and diving birds gather to moult. A breeding ground and a migration route serve different roles: one is a place where waterbirds reproduce, the other a route taken by northern bird species during migration.

Plön, Bosau and Dersau lie around the lake and are considered picturesque towns associated with culture, history and nature. These places add another travel interest to activities on the water: culture, history and nature can also shape your perspective on the region.

Respecting protected areas

When out on the lake, avoid marked nature reserves and do not go onto the islands. Keep a distance of 50 to 70 metres from protected areas. Do not paddle through shallow-water areas where birds breed or rest. Also check the latest local notices before setting off.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Rathjensdorf, Wittmoldt, Dörnick, Lebrade, Bösdorf, Dersau, Bosau, Ascheberg, Rantzau.

Back to the main travel overview: Plön.