Löptin: Cycling Route, Swimming Spot and Sirtaki

This makes it possible to plan your trip around whether cycling, time by the water or local history is your main priority.

Cycling the Vicelin Route

The Vicelin Cycling Route runs through Löptin and continues to Wankendorf, Ruhwinkel and Bornhöved. It is around 100 kilometres long and can be divided into four stages or two day trips. These two ways of dividing the route let you plan a multi-day trip or two day rides. The route also connects with the Ochsenweg, the Holstein Switzerland Cycling Tour and the Mönchsweg.

Swimming spot and village scenery

There is a swimming spot at Lake Löptin. A 2021 description mentions a small meadow and a wooden jetty there. If these facilities are important for your visit, check their current condition beforehand. Despite the nearby B 404 and A 21, the village centre around the lake is described as quiet.

Place name, emblem and festival tradition

The place name Löptin is of Slavic origin and was first recorded in 1224. The municipal emblem is based on the seal of squire Johannes Lubbetin from 1346. The dates refer to different things: 1224 relates to the place name, while 1346 is the date of the seal on which the emblem is based. Löptin is also described as the only municipality in Schleswig-Holstein with a heraldic coat of arms.

A 2021 description presents Greek folk dance as a local tradition and notes that Sirtaki is a regular feature at Maypole and village festivals in Löptin. Check event dates if you would like to plan your trip around attending a festival.

In the wider destination of Plön

Plön district lies between the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland and has about 50 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. The district has around 80 lakes, including Lake Großer Plöner See, covering 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, covering 22 km². Along the district’s Baltic Sea coast, there are opportunities for swimming from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand. Sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore sailing excursions, cutter trips and surf fishing are also possible there.

Large parts of the district belong to Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, which covers 75,000 hectares and offers opportunities to experience nature and see rare animals. The district’s gently rolling landscape is well suited to cycling and hiking. Plön Castle stands above the lake of the same name in Holstein Switzerland and is considered a landmark of the district.

There are two free audio-guided tours of Plön, usable on a smartphone, through the old town and castle area. Each takes about 20 minutes; check availability before your trip. Plön district also has a signposted network of 850 kilometres of cycling routes as well as developed Nordic walking trails. Routes may change; check the current route and signage before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Stakendorf, Giekau, Bönebüttel, Schlesen, Ruhwinkel, Plön, Wahlstorf, Brodersdorf

Back to the wider travel overview: Plön.