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Holstein Switzerland

Top 20 Natural Monuments in Holstein Switzerland

Best natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland are found within a landscape characterized by rolling hills, dense forests, and over 200 lakes, remnants of the last ice age. This region, part of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, features unique geological formations and significant ecological areas. The natural environment provides extensive opportunities for hiking, cycling, and paddling, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in its tranquil and diverse natural beauty.

Best natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland

  • The most popular natural monuments is Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel, a beach that offers a view of Plön Castle. This location includes a sandy beach and historical significance as a former property of Emperor Wilhelm II.
  • Another must-see spot is Great Eutin Lake, a lake in Holstein Switzerland. Visitors can enjoy water sports, swimming, and hiking along its shores, which are often forested.
  • Visitors also love Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See), a lake island. This island is known for its cormorant colonies and is part of the Großer Plöner See, the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein.
  • Holstein Switzerland is known for its extensive lake district, glacial hills, and diverse forests. The region offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, including large lakes, elevated viewpoints, and unique geological formations.
  • The natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland are appreciated by the komoot community, with over 1700 upvotes and 230 photos shared across the highlights.

Last updated: July 6, 2026

Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See)

Highlight • Lake

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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A beautiful view of Lake Plön and Plön

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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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Kellersee Pier

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The Janusallee pier is within walking distance of the Wonderworld of Water on the Kellersee promenade.

The "Janusallee" pier is used by the Kellersee cruise on the journey from Malente to Sielbeck-Uklei. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the children's playground on Janusallee and the Wonderworld of Water on the Kellersee promenade.
Parking spaces with public restrooms are just a few minutes' walk away.
Passengers boarding here purchase their tickets for the Kellersee tour aboard the MS Luise.

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The Princes' Island was purchased by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and is still owned by the House of Hohenzollern today. Forest, swampy terrain, a sandy beach and four large paddocks characterize the landscape. The sons of the last emperor once learned about farming here. Their mother, Empress Auguste Victoria, enjoyed her idyllic favorite places here, far away from court life.

prinzeninsel.de

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Tips from the Community

Rüdiger M
May 25, 2025, Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See)

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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The Janusallee pier is within walking distance of the Wonderworld of Water on the Kellersee promenade. The "Janusallee" pier is used by the Kellersee cruise on the journey from Malente to Sielbeck-Uklei. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the children's playground on Janusallee and the Wonderworld of Water on the Kellersee promenade. Parking spaces with public restrooms are just a few minutes' walk away. Passengers boarding here purchase their tickets for the Kellersee tour aboard the MS Luise.

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200 lakes close together, with Schleswig-Holstein's largest lake at its center: that's Holstein Switzerland. It's not without reason that this "lake paradise" is one of the most popular vacation regions for water sports enthusiasts, nature lovers, families, and those looking to slow down from the stresses of big city life. The Great Plön Lake, with its deep blue waters and pristine shoreline, entices visitors to spend relaxing holidays on, in, and around the lake. Whether paddling, sailing, fishing, swimming, diving, or golfing near the lake – the options are endless. Furthermore, the 30 square kilometer expanse of water with a depth of 58 meters invites you to enjoy relaxing lake views. And all around the lake, picturesque towns like Plön, Bosau, and Dersau boast a wealth of culture, history, and nature. It's no wonder this lake has been awarded the seal of "Schleswig-Holstein's Favorite Lake" several times in a row.

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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 Great Plön Lake attracts visitors in summer with bathing areas and good water sports opportunities. In addition to beautiful hikes and boat trips, a stroll through the small town of Plön is also worthwhile. With an area of around 28 square kilometers, the Great Plön Lake is the largest inland body of water in Schleswig-Holstein.

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There is a ban on the use of boat engines on the Great Plöner Lake (with exceptions for commercial shipping and rescue services). For several years now, electric motors for fishing boats and sailing boats (calm pushers) have been allowed on the Great Plöner Lake.

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Sailing school on Lake Plön with boat rental for pedal boats, rowing boats, SUP and sailing courses. The Plön sailing school offers a wide range of courses from May to October, with something for everyone: just a taster of sailing, courses for beginners, intensive advanced courses or sailing with a catamaran are all possible at the Plön sailing school as an individual, group or even class. There are also special sailing courses for children. Great group tours with dragon boats, canoes or sailing boats are ideal for your active holiday or as a team building event. In addition to sailing boats, fishing boats, rowing and pedal boats, dragon boats and stand-up paddling boards can be rented.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of natural features can I expect to see in Holstein Switzerland?

Holstein Switzerland is characterized by its extensive lake district, rolling hills, and dense forests, all remnants of the last ice age. You'll find large lakes like the Großer Plöner See, which is the largest in Schleswig-Holstein, and elevated viewpoints offering panoramic views of this unique glacial landscape. The region also features diverse flora and fauna, including various water bird populations and ancient forests.

Are there natural monuments suitable for families with children?

Yes, several natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland are great for families. For instance, the Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel offers a sandy beach and views of Plön Castle, perfect for a relaxing day. The Mirror Ponds and Kneipp Pool, Malente provide a unique experience with fresh spring water basins for wading, surrounded by an idyllic forest path.

Where can I enjoy water sports or swimming among the natural monuments?

The region's numerous lakes are ideal for water activities. The Great Eutin Lake is a popular destination for water sports enthusiasts and swimming, with beautiful spots along its forested shores. The Großer Plöner See, with its many islands, also offers excellent opportunities for boat tours, canoeing, and observing wildlife.

What are some unique natural phenomena or geological formations in Holstein Switzerland?

Holstein Switzerland is home to unique geological formations shaped by the ice age. Bungsberg, the highest elevation in Schleswig-Holstein, is a significant terminal moraine that formed as a 'nunatak' above glaciers. Additionally, beneath the rolling hills, there's a fascinating network of underground caves, notably in the Kalkberg hill area near Bad Segeberg, which provides habitat for over 20,000 bats.

Are there good spots for birdwatching or wildlife spotting?

Absolutely. The Holstein Switzerland Nature Park is a haven for wildlife. Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) is particularly known for its cormorant colonies. The extensive lake district, including the Großer Plöner See and the Schwentine River system, supports diverse water bird populations such as sea eagles, grebes, and coots, making it an excellent area for birdwatching.

What kind of hiking trails are available near the natural monuments?

You'll find a variety of hiking trails that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Holstein Switzerland. Many trails offer views of the lakes and pass through forests. For example, you can explore routes like the 'Großer Segeberger See Loop' or 'Around the Kellersee and Ukleisee lakes'. You can find more detailed hiking routes in the Hiking in Holstein Switzerland guide.

Can I go cycling near the natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland?

Yes, the region offers extensive opportunities for cycling. The landscape of gently undulating hills, forests, and lakes provides picturesque routes. Consider cycling routes like the 'Culinary loop of Lake Plön' or the 'Lakeside Path on Lake Plön'. More cycling options are available in the Cycling in Holstein Switzerland guide.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about the natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland?

Visitors frequently appreciate the tranquil and diverse natural beauty, often describing it as having a 'Canadian feeling'. The idyllic bays and small beaches of the lakes, like those around the Großer Plöner See, are highly valued for relaxation. Many also enjoy the opportunities for active recreation, such as hiking and cycling, and the chance to observe rich biodiversity.

Are there any natural monuments with historical significance?

Yes, some natural monuments are intertwined with local history. For example, the Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel is part of Prinzeninsel, which was purchased by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and remains owned by the House of Hohenzollern. This area offers both natural beauty and a glimpse into imperial history.

What is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Holstein Switzerland?

The region is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, hiking, and enjoying the lush greenery and wildflowers. Autumn brings vibrant fall foliage to the forests, while winter offers tranquil, often snowy, landscapes for peaceful walks, especially around the frozen lakes.

Are there running trails available near the natural monuments?

Yes, the scenic environment of Holstein Switzerland is also great for running. You can find various running trails that take you through forests and along lake shores. Routes like 'Wading Pool at Lake Segeberg' or 'Bebensund Bridge – Eutin Castle loop' are popular choices. For more options, check out the Running Trails in Holstein Switzerland guide.

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Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones in Holstein Switzerland:

Schönwalde am BungsbergAltenkrempeSüselKasseedorfSchashagenLensahnRatekauEutinFehmarnScharbeutzSierksdorfWangelsMalenteTimmendorfer StrandBad SchwartauNeustadt in HolsteinBosauOldenburg in HolsteinStockelsdorfGrömitzBeschendorfGremersdorfAhrensbökManhagenGroßenbrodeHeiligenhafenGöhlDamlosRiepsdorfKabelhorstKellenhusenGrubeDahmeKellerseeGroßer Eutiner LakeSchwartautal und Curauer MoorDiekseeRiesebusch

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