Best natural monuments around Dersau are primarily centered on the Großer Plöner See, the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein. Dersau is situated on its western shore within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. The area features a landscape of wooded banks, islands, and natural bathing areas, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. The collective natural elements form a serene environment for exploration.
Last updated: August 17, 2026
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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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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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In the west of the island is the approximately 100-meter-wide sandy beach. The gently sloping shore offers ideal bathing conditions for children. In summer, a DLRG post is manned here. But adults also experience the purest holiday atmosphere. With lush forest in the background, you have a relaxing view of the lake landscape. Small islands interrupt the calm surface of the water, in which the sun reflects when the weather is nice. Canoes, boats and stand-up paddlers move across the lake and take disturbing thoughts of everyday stress with them. This makes the island a place to switch off and recharge.
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Beach between the Princes' Island in the Great Plön Lake with a sandy beach and DLRG. At the end of the idyllic Princes' Island is the natural beach with a view of the sunset included. As a destination for a day trip or a rest stop, you should not miss the approximately 100 m wide, gently sloping sandy beach. The bathing area can only be reached on foot, by bike or by excursion boat. The bathing area is guarded by the DLRG and has a kiosk, toilet, shower, playground and in summer also a volleyball net. Parking spaces are located on the Ascheberger Chaussee (approx. 2 km to the bathing area).
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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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Canoe pier directly on the Prince's Island Here you have the opportunity to moor and go to the beach opposite the Prince's Island. There are free toilets and a snack bar with seating. In the high season there is also a bathing jetty. The local restaurant is also well worth a visit - the "Restaurant & Cafe Prinzeninsel", which is only a few minutes' walk from the pier.
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Dersau's natural beauty is primarily centered around the Großer Plöner See, the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein. You can explore its wooded banks, numerous islands, and picturesque bays. Notable features include Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See), known for its cormorant colonies, and the tranquil Kührener Pond, where sea eagles have been observed.
Yes, the Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel offers not only beautiful views of Plön Castle but also has historical ties to the House of Hohenzollern. The Princes' Island itself was once owned by Emperor Wilhelm II, and the Empress's Favorite Spot – Prinzeninsel marks a place where Empress Auguste Viktoria enjoyed her idyllic retreat.
The Großer Plöner See and its surroundings are rich in wildlife, especially water birds. You can observe diverse species, including cormorant colonies on islands like Sterin Island. There are also opportunities to spot reintroduced sea eagles, particularly around Kührener Pond and during boat tours on the lake.
The area is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking, cycling, and water sports on the Großer Plöner See. There are well-signposted routes for exploring the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. For more detailed route information, you can check out guides like Hiking around Dersau, Cycling around Dersau, and Running Trails around Dersau.
Yes, there are several trails that allow you to experience the natural monuments. An easy option is the 'Lakeside Path on Lake Plön – Dersau Lakeside Promenade loop'. For moderate hikes, consider routes like 'Ascheberg Castle – Fish smokehouse at Dieksee loop' or 'Green Tunnel – Sepel Lakeside Dock loop'. You can find more hiking options in the Hiking around Dersau guide.
Absolutely. Dersau and the surrounding Holstein Switzerland Nature Park offer excellent cycling opportunities. Routes like 'Stocksee Cycle Route – Forest path along the Stocksee loop' provide an easy ride, while 'Plön Castle – View of the Great Plön Lake loop' offers moderate challenges and scenic views. Explore more routes in the Cycling around Dersau guide.
Many natural areas around Dersau are very family-friendly. The natural bathing area in Dersau features a sand beach and a gently sloping shore, perfect for children. Highlights like Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön are also categorized as family-friendly, offering safe and enjoyable environments.
While specific dog-friendly trail designations are not detailed, the general nature of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park with its extensive hiking and walking paths often accommodates dogs. It's always advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserves or near wildlife, and to check local regulations for specific areas.
Yes, Dersau boasts a lovely natural bathing area with a sand beach and a sunbathing lawn directly on the Großer Plöner See. It includes a bathing jetty and a gently sloping shore, making it ideal for swimming and relaxation. Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön is another secluded beach where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
The natural monuments around Dersau are beautiful year-round, but the warmer months from spring to early autumn (May to October) are ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, hiking, and cycling. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and all facilities and boat tours are typically in full operation. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while winter can provide a serene, quiet landscape, though some activities might be limited.
Visitors frequently praise the serene and idyllic atmosphere of Dersau. They enjoy the stunning views, especially the sunsets from spots like Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön and Empress's Favorite Spot – Prinzeninsel. The opportunity for a refreshing swim after a long day and the overall peacefulness of the lake and its surroundings are also highly valued.
Dersau itself offers local dining options. On the Prinzeninsel, the farmhouse has been converted into a beautiful tourist restaurant. For more options, the nearby town of Plön provides a wider selection of cafes and restaurants. You can also find charming spots along various cycling and hiking routes, such as 'Café in the Green Dersau' mentioned in some route descriptions.


Extend your search for the best caves by checking out these guides of the top ones around Dersau: