At Großer Plön Lake, several ways to enjoy your stay go hand in hand: swimming, sailing and paddling on the water, paths around the lake, and observing birdlife. For specific planning, the swimming spots, routes and nature conservation rules are useful starting points.
Size and location
The lake is located in the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park and is Schleswig-Holstein’s largest, deepest and most island-rich lake. It covers around 30 km² and reaches depths of up to 58 metres; almost 30 islands are scattered across the lake. This brings together a large expanse of water, considerable depth and an abundance of islands.
Swimming and activities on the lake
You can swim at the 15 designated swimming spots; facilities and rules may vary from one spot to another. So check the information for your chosen swimming spot in advance. Official diving entry points are located in Plön Bay and Bosau Bay. The lake is also a sailing area without motorboats. Canoeing, fishing and hiking around the lake offer additional activities. Fish species include eel, perch, bream, pike, zander and roach. Boat hire companies offer canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and pedal boats. Providers and conditions may change, so check what is available if you are planning a specific trip.
Routes and paths
The 37 km Plön Lake Tour leads all the way around the lake. There are also 15 signposted day trips, which mostly use quiet roads and scenic paths and lead to picnic spots, sights, lakeside areas and restaurants. The Plön Lake Tour describes a complete circuit of the lake; on the day trips, signposts and destinations provide guidance. This offers two different approaches to planning: a clearly defined circuit and routes to a range of destinations. Check the signposting and local trail conditions if you are planning a particular route.
Birdlife and consideration for nature
The lake is an important breeding ground for waterbirds and lies on a significant migratory route for northern birds. Birdlife in the area includes greylag geese, coots, great crested grebes and white-tailed eagles. In spring, large groups of ducks and diving birds gather to moult. When out on the water, respect nature conservation: do not enter marked nature reserves or islands. Keep 50 to 70 metres away from protected areas, and do not paddle through shallow-water areas where birds breed or rest. Check local guidance before your visit.
Places around the lake
Plön, Bosau and Dersau lie around the lake and are considered picturesque places with connections to culture, history and nature. These local highlights offer a different focus from activities on the water: alongside swimming, sailing and paddling, culture, history and nature can also shape your travel interests.
If you are looking for a hotel for a stay at Großer Plön Lake, first consider whether activities on the water, routes or nature observation will shape your trip.
Discover more destinations: Dersau, Bösdorf, Lebrade, Dörnick, Wittmoldt, Bosau, Rathjensdorf, Ascheberg, Rantzau
For the broader travel overview: Plön.
