Plön: Town and Lake Landscape of Holstein Switzerland

Plön lies in the hilly lake landscape of Holstein Switzerland. The Great Plön Lake is closely integrated into the town; lakeside paths offer sweeping views across the landscape. Plön also serves as a convenient starting point for regional cycling and hiking routes, water activities and boat trips on the lake.

Lake, Town and Getting There

You can explore the town and the castle grounds independently using free smartphone audio guides. Two free audio-guided tours, accessible by smartphone, take you through Plön’s old town and the castle grounds; each lasts about 20 minutes. Check whether the service is available before your visit.

Train connections to Plön are available from Lübeck and Kiel. As timetables may change, check the current connection before you travel.

The Wider Area: Plön District

The Plön district is home to around 80 lakes. Great Plön Lake covers 29 km², and Lake Selent covers 22 km². The district lies between the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland and has about 50 kilometres of Baltic Sea coastline. This means that the wider Plön destination encompasses both an extensive lake landscape and coastal areas.

Swimming is possible along the Baltic coast of the Plön district, from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand. Sailing, surfing, diving, boat excursions, offshore sailing trips, cutter trips and surf fishing are also available there. Check dates and timetables for individual activities in advance.

There are various options on the water, too: you can explore the Schwentine Waterway in the Plön district by canoe, while sailing boats or excursion boats can be taken out on the lakes. Paddling along the waterway and taking boat trips on the lakes are two different ways to explore the area.

The gently rolling landscape of the district is well suited to cycling and hiking. The Plön district has an 850-kilometre signposted cycle route network, as well as developed Nordic walking trails. If you are planning a specific trip, check the current route, as the cycling network may change.

Large parts of the district lie within Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. The nature park covers 75,000 hectares and offers opportunities to experience nature and spot rare animals.

Culture, Swimming Spot and Cycling Route

Plön Castle stands above the lake of the same name in Holstein Switzerland and is the landmark of Plön district. Groups can book customised combined guided tours of the Plön castle grounds. They include visits to the Prince’s House, the castle park and the castle grounds. As booking arrangements may change, check the current options before making plans.

The swimming spot on Prinzeninsel has a gently sloping sandy beach about 100 metres wide. It can only be reached on foot or by bicycle. Visitor facilities may change seasonally; check before your visit.

A two-day cycling tour, “Baltic Coast – Holstein Switzerland,” starts in Kiel and leads via Plön and Lütjenburg to the Baltic coast. It is particularly suitable for pedelecs. As route details may be revised, check the current route before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Schwentinental, Fiefbergen, Schlesen, Fargau-Pratjau, Probstei, Bönebüttel, Schrevenborn, Rastorf.

Go to the main travel overview: Plön.