Best lakes around Rantzau are found in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, encompassing two distinct areas: Amt Rantzau in the Pinneberg district and a municipality in the Plön district. The region features a mix of natural and artificial lakes, with the Rantzauer See being a prominent destination in the Pinneberg area. The municipality of Rantzau in the Plön district is situated within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, known for its natural landscapes. This area offers opportunities for nature observation and outdoor activities around…
Last updated: October 9, 2026
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The Canada goose is a species of bird in the anatidae family and is considered the most common goose in the world. Its native range is North America. It is a characteristic lowland bird there, breeding on inland lakes in prairie and agricultural areas.
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The Dieksee promenade takes you from the Malente Wildlife Park to the Diekseeholm forest. The Dieksee promenade runs along the western shore of the 368-hectare Dieksee lake. Here you will find many of Malente's hotels, guesthouses, and health clinics. Redesigned in 2007, the promenade consists partly of paved stone slabs and partly of hard-packed sand. During the construction work, a floating pontoon for events was installed near the pier for the 5-Lakes Cruise and Kellersee Cruise. An additional wooden walkway was also added to the promenade. Terraced platforms have been integrated along the embankment, offering a particularly beautiful view of the Dieksee.
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Guided Tour of the Magnificent Chambers of Eutin Castle Stroll through the 850-year-old Eutin Castle and its magnificent chambers on a guided tour or on your own. The tour includes visits to the castle chapel, the original castle kitchen, and the former living quarters of the dukes. Today, the castle impresses visitors from all over the world as a museum and with special exhibitions. Large-scale ceiling paintings, precious wall coverings, original furniture, paintings, clocks, and furnishings such as three unusual ship models of Tsar Peter the Great can be admired.
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In Plön and the surrounding area, there are cormorant colonies that sometimes cause damage to vegetation and fisheries. The island of Sterin in the Great Plön Lake is a well-known example of the destructive effect of cormorant droppings, which virtually destroy vegetation. There was also a cormorant colony on an island in Lake Selent, which was later abandoned and subsequently recovered.
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Eutin Castle in Eutin, East Holstein, is the cultural center and nucleus of the town. Along with Gottorf Castle and Glücksburg Castle, it is one of the most important secular court buildings in Schleswig-Holstein. The four-winged complex originated from a medieval castle and was expanded into a royal residence over several centuries.
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Guided Tour of the Magnificent Chambers of Eutin Castle Stroll through the 850-year-old Eutin Castle and its magnificent chambers on a guided tour or on your own. The tour includes visits to the castle chapel, the original castle kitchen, and the former living quarters of the dukes. Today, the castle impresses visitors from all over the world as a museum and with special exhibitions. Large-scale ceiling paintings, precious wall coverings, original furniture, paintings, clocks, and furnishings such as three unusual ship models of Tsar Peter the Great can be admired. Prices: €8 per person | 0-6 years free | 7-12 years €2.00 | Families: 2 adults and children €16.00 | Public tour of the castle: €4 plus admission fee Reduced admission: Guests with an Ostholstein Museum ticket, schoolchildren aged 13 and over, trainees and students up to 28 years of age, severely disabled persons, welfare recipients, and the unemployed: €4.00 Photography permit: €1.50 for unlimited photographs in the castle exhibition, without flash, tripod, or similar, and for private use only.
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This lake also offers great opportunities for anglers. You can catch eels, perch, bream, pike, tench, zander, carp, roach, rudd, and burbot. For further important information and legal regulations regarding this fishing area, as well as for fishing permits, please contact: Schwarten Fishing Tenant Kellerstraße 52 23714 Bad Malente-Gremsmühlen Tel.: +49 4523 3563
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Kellersee borders Malente to the east. It has a total area of approximately 50.6 hectares and a maximum depth of approximately 27 meters. A 14.6 km hiking trail surrounds the lake, including several highlights along the way. These include, for example, the "WunderWeltWasser" nature trail for all ages and the Rothensande estate, the original setting for the Immenhof films. Kellersee can be explored by both excursion boats and sailboats. Canoe trips from Eutin-Fissau are also possible, and there is also a swimming area here. Other swimming areas can be found in Wöbbensredder or at Hamburger Strand in Sielbeck. The swimming areas in Sielbeck and Fissau are unguarded. Anglers also have plenty of opportunities here, as the lake has a good population of zander, pike, and sea bass. Numerous waterfowl can also be observed here. This lake also offers great opportunities for anglers. You can catch eels, perch, bream, pike, tench, zander, carp, and others 🐟
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The Rantzau region offers a mix of natural and artificial lakes. A prominent destination is the Rantzauer See in the Pinneberg district, known for its recreational activities and the historic Schlossinsel. For stunning views, consider the View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge, which offers picturesque vistas of the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein. Another popular spot is the Kellersee Pier, providing beautiful paths along the shore and a popular place to relax.
Yes, many areas around the Rantzau lakes are family-friendly. The Rantzauer See in Barmstedt features a free public lido with a sandy beach and a playground, perfect for families. The Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) is also noted as family-friendly, offering idyllic bays and small beaches. Additionally, Eutin Castle, located near the lakes, is a cultural center with family-friendly tours and events.
You'll find a variety of hiking trails near the Rantzau lakes, suitable for different preferences. The Rantzauer See offers leisurely strolls and longer hiking tours around its generally flat terrain. In the Plön district, the municipality of Rantzau is within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, providing opportunities for nature observation and more unspoiled environments around lakes like Dannauer See and Tresdorfer See. For specific routes, you can explore options like the easy 'Dannauer Lake – Dannau Village loop' or the moderate 'St. Johannis Church Neukirchen – Neukirchener Lake loop'. Find more hiking routes in the region on the Hiking around Rantzau guide.
The lakes around Rantzau offer various water sports. The Rantzauer See allows for pedal boating and has a public lido for swimming. The Großer Plöner See, the largest lake in the state, is excellent for water sports like surfing, rowing, canoeing, and scuba diving in its eastern areas. Sailing schools on Lake Plön offer courses and rentals for pedal boats, rowing boats, SUP, and sailing. The Schwentine, with its calm waters, is ideal for stand-up paddling.
Yes, the region provides extensive cycling paths, especially around the Rantzauer See and in the adjacent Rantzauer Forst. You can find routes like the 'St. Johannis Church Neukirchen – Malenter Au Nature Reserve loop' which is an easy cycling option. For a broader selection of cycling tours, check out the Cycling around Rantzau guide.
The Rantzauer See features the historic Schlossinsel (Castle Island) with a museum (Museum der Grafschaft Rantzau) and a café. Nearby, Eutin Castle is a significant secular court building in Schleswig-Holstein, offering guided tours of its magnificent chambers, including a castle chapel and original kitchen. It serves as a cultural center and museum.
The Rantzau lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Summer is ideal for swimming, boating, and enjoying the public lido at Rantzauer See. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with beautiful natural scenery. The region's natural beauty, including the tranquil lakes and green spaces, can be appreciated in all seasons.
The terrain around the Rantzauer See is generally flat and accessible, making it suitable for leisurely strolls. Leashed dogs are welcome on walking paths around the Rantzauer See and in the Rantzauer Forst, allowing for dog-friendly outings. While specific accessibility for wheelchairs varies, the flat paths offer good options for many visitors.
The municipality of Rantzau in the Plön district is located within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, known for its natural landscapes. Lakes like Dannauer See are part of NATURA 2000 protected areas, indicating their ecological significance and offering opportunities for nature observation. The Großer Plöner See is home to a diverse island paradise with various water birds, including the sea eagle, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching.
Visitors particularly appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, the combination of natural beauty with historic sites like the Schlossinsel at Rantzauer See, and the diverse recreational opportunities. The idyllic bays and small beaches of lakes like Großer Plöner See are highly valued. The komoot community has shown strong appreciation for the lakes around Rantzau, with over 2400 upvotes and more than 350 photos shared, highlighting the scenic views and enjoyable paths.
Yes, the Rantzauer See area is well-equipped with amenities, including a café with lake views and a kiosk. Eutin Castle also has restaurants in its inner courtyard. The Dieksee Promenade, while not directly in Rantzau, is in the broader region and features many hotels, guesthouses, and health clinics, often with associated dining options.


Still not found your perfect lake around Rantzau? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.