Höhndorf: Village History, Trails and Festivals

Höhndorf and Gödersdorf are located on the edge of the Probstei, near the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. Höhndorf has a well-developed network of cycling and hiking trails that takes you close to nature, as well as recurring events. This makes it easy to combine outdoor activities, local history and community events when planning a trip.

The History of the Two Villages

Höhndorf was first mentioned in a document in 1286, and Gödersdorf in 1281—five years earlier. Historically, both villages were home to farmers and craftspeople. Each date gives the history of its village a distinct point of reference.

Cycling and Hiking

For cyclists and hikers, Höhndorf’s trail network is a good place to start: it is designed to bring you close to nature and is well developed. The Probstei also has miles of paved, well-signposted cycling and hiking trails, as well as four signposted cycling routes. When planning a trip, you can choose between local trails and a regional route. Hikes in the Probstei may take you along traditional hedgerows and field boundaries, salt meadows, nature reserves and inland lakes. Before setting out on a specific tour, check the route and trail conditions, as they can change.

Festivals and Events Throughout the Year

The local events calendar features recurring occasions across several seasons. A slaughter festival takes place on the second Sunday in February, and Höhndorf holds a traditional bike tour on May 1. On the Saturday before Pentecost, the bird-shooting festival offers entertainment and games for adults and children. Local associations organize summer festivals and Christmas theater performances. As the annual arrangements may vary, check the dates and program in advance if you plan to time your trip around one of these events.

Accommodation and Things to Do

Accommodation options in Höhndorf and Gödersdorf include a country inn with modern guest rooms and privately rented rooms. You can choose between guest rooms at the country inn and privately rented rooms; check current availability before booking. Beach & Bowl in Höhndorf offers bowling, billiards and darts, a restaurant serving fresh regional ingredients, and a beach-lounge atmosphere. The venue is considered a family activity.

In the broader destination of Plön

The district of Plön is home to around 80 lakes, including Lake Großer Plöner See, covering 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, covering 22 km². The district lies between the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland and has about 50 kilometers of Baltic Sea coastline. Along the district’s Baltic coast, there are places to swim from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand; other activities include sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore sailing trips, cutter trips and surf fishing. Large parts of the district belong to the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, which covers 75,000 hectares and offers opportunities to experience nature and spot rare animals. Plön Castle stands above the lake of the same name in Holstein Switzerland and is the landmark of the district of Plön. Plön’s old town and castle grounds can be explored using two free audio guide tours on a smartphone; each takes about 20 minutes. Check tour availability before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Fiefbergen, Probsteierhagen, Passade, Nehmten, Probstei, Lake Großer Plöner See, Löptin, Kühren.

Back to the broader travel overview: Plön.