Stakendorf on the Baltic Sea

Stakendorf lies on the eastern edge of Probstei on the Baltic coast and has largely preserved its rural village character.

Beach and trails in Probstei

Stakendorf has a free natural bathing beach that connects directly to Schönberger Strand. Beach access and facilities may change seasonally, so check the conditions before your visit. The beach is in Stakendorf itself, while the cycling and hiking network covers Probstei as a larger landscape area.

Probstei has miles of paved, well-marked cycling and hiking trails. They lead through hedgerows and meadows, through villages and past historic monuments, beaches and inland lakes. The hiking trails have hardly any noticeable changes in elevation and are considered suitable for virtually everyone. As the regional trail network may change, check the current routes before setting out.

Nature around Schmoel

The nearby coastal lake landscape at Schmoel is a nature reserve and provides a habitat for many characteristic bird species. It can be reached from Stakendorf by bicycle. A hiking trail reaches the nature reserve after about two kilometres and highlights the contrast between the historic natural coastline and modern coastal protection.

Nearby coastal lakes with extensive reed beds offer many bird species places to rest and nest. At Schmoel, ridges of beach stones built up by wave action provide a habitat for salt-tolerant plants, including sea kale, sea rocket and glasswort. Observe the applicable access rules in protected areas.

Village history and memorial sites

Restored old buildings, numerous ponds and abundant trees shape Stakendorf’s townscape and reflect its largely preserved rural village character. A hiking trail through the village passes impressive farmhouses and goes by a village pond with a memorial to those killed in the world wars. Along this route, architectural reminders of village life meet a place of remembrance.

Peter Plett was a village schoolteacher in Stakendorf from 1808 until his early retirement in 1820. He discovered and practised smallpox vaccination before Edward Jenner. Plett’s biography thus brings together his local teaching career and the early history of smallpox vaccination.

Local produce and seasonal refreshments

Local offerings include an organic farm shop selling meat, sausage, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, eggs and natural foods, as well as bread rolls from the village bakery. From May to September, a garden café serves waffles, including a vegan option.

Plön: Coast and lakes in a regional setting

The wider destination of Plön takes in a larger coastal and lake landscape. Plön district lies between the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland and has about 50 kilometres of Baltic coastline. The district includes around 80 lakes, among them Großer Plöner See, covering 29 km², and Selenter See, covering 22 km². In the district, swimming opportunities along the Baltic coast extend from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand. Other activities along this coast include sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore excursions, cutter trips and surf fishing.

Discover more destinations: Schrevenborn, Högsdorf, Lütjenburg, Passade, Ruhwinkel, Preetz-Land, Fiefbergen, Preetz

Back to the overview of destinations: Plön.