Rantzau is located in the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park and has numerous hiking trails within the municipality. Hiking and cycling are great ways to experience the natural surroundings. The destination also combines its connection to nature with a specific local history: Rantzau Castle was built by Heinrich Rantzau in 1592.
Hiking, Cycling and Local History
If you enjoy spending time outdoors during your stay, Rantzau offers various options. The numerous hiking trails are located within the municipality; cycling is also mentioned as a way to experience Rantzau’s natural surroundings. You can therefore consider these two activities as different focal points for planning your trip: hiking, with a direct connection to the trails within the municipality, or cycling as another way to experience the landscape.
Rantzau Castle adds a historical dimension to this connection with nature. The building dates back to 1592 and was constructed by Heinrich Rantzau. Alongside the landscape, this provides a clearly defined chapter of local history that may interest travelers who want to consider both nature and history when choosing a destination.
Another specific local landmark is the old Rantzau paper mill. It is located on the B 430 toward Lütjenburg. Together with the castle and the hiking trails, it gives you a picture of the area’s natural surroundings, local history and a named landmark along the road.
The Baltic Sea, including Hohwacht Bay, is also close to Rantzau and appeals to swimming and beachgoers. It is a regional reference point for trip planning, but is not among the sights within Rantzau. This makes it possible to distinguish the local focus on nature and history from the coastal attractions in the wider area.
The wider destination of Plön
The wider destination of Plön broadens the perspective to include landscapes and activities throughout the Plön district. The district lies between the Baltic Sea and Holstein Switzerland and has around 50 kilometers of Baltic coastline. It also includes around 80 lakes, among them Lake Großer Plöner See, covering 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, covering 22 km². These size comparisons provide two specific points of reference for the lake landscape of this wider region.
Along the Baltic coast of the Plön district, there are swimming spots from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand. Other activities include sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore sailing trips, cutter trips and surf fishing. There are also various activities on inland waters: you can explore the Schwentine by canoe in the Plön district, and sail across the lakes in sailboats or excursion boats.
The gently rolling landscape of the Plön district offers suitable conditions for cycling and hiking. The district also has a signposted 850-kilometer cycling network and developed Nordic walking trails; routes may change in the future. Another specific option is the bathing spot on Prinzeninsel: its sandy beach is about 100 meters wide and gently sloping. It is accessible only on foot or by bicycle. Visitor facilities are subject to seasonal changes, so it is advisable to check conditions before your visit.
Discover more destinations: Bosau, Wittmoldt, Bösdorf, Rathjensdorf, Dörnick, Ascheberg, Lebrade, Dersau
Back to the wider travel overview: Lake Großer Plöner See.
