Best natural monuments around Damsdorf are found within a region characterized by its natural landscape, particularly the **Holstein Switzerland Nature Park** and the **Großer Plöner See**. This area, part of Damsdorf Schleswig-Holstein, features significant natural attractions shaped by glacial history. The landscape offers a variety of natural features, from large lakes to unique island ecosystems. These sites provide insight into the region's ecological processes and geological past.
Last updated: October 11, 2026
Highlight • Lake
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Beach
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more natural monuments around Damsdorf.
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
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.
25
2
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.
16
1
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.
15
4
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.
16
4
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.
18
3
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.
18
4
Stand Up Paddling in the SUP area of Lake Plön As a SUP water, the Plön Lake District is suitable for both one-day SUP tours and a multi-day SUP trip. On the twelve natural lakes around Plön, water hiking on a stand-up paddling board never gets boring: enjoy the expanse of Lake Plön or experience sightseeing and amazing SUP spots in Plön's city bay - which can also be navigated with a SUP in winter. Of course, you should think about the right SUP clothing in winter here! The SUP piers in Plön are particularly practical: directly on the in-house jetty in the Seeprinz, picnic in the Plön boat harbor or a natural beach on the fishing grounds with various restaurants. And if you prefer something quieter, head for a secluded bay on the shore. Please adhere to the rules in the nature reserve and the general SUP rules. You can rent SUPs by the hour at the Wiederich sailing school.
18
4
Holstein Switzerland is one of the most popular fishing areas between the seas. With over 200 fish-rich waters, it attracts guest anglers, professional anglers and hobby anglers alike to enjoy relaxed fishing. The beautiful natural lake landscape around the Great Plöner Lake offers everything an angler's heart desires: varied landscapes, a wide variety of fishing areas in various small and large fishing lakes, and target fish ranging from pike, perch, eel, bream, tench, catfish, zander, whitefish, carp and zander to whitefish. Every angler gets his money's worth here. And if you would like to stay longer than a day, you are guaranteed to find suitable accommodation.
14
4
The region around Damsdorf, particularly within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, is characterized by its glacial landscape. You can explore the vast Großer Plöner See, a large glacial lake, and its islands. Notable features include Sterin Island, known for its significant cormorant colonies, and Prinzeninsel, which serves as a nature reserve for various bird species.
Yes, the area offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See) is particularly recognized for its cormorant colonies. Additionally, Prinzeninsel, which is part of a nature reserve, provides a sheltered breeding and moulting area for species like white-tailed eagles, goldeneyes, goosanders, and greylag geese.
The landscape around Damsdorf, including the Großer Plöner See, was shaped by the glaciation of Schleswig-Holstein after the last ice age. The Großer Plöner See itself is a typical Weichselian glacial lake, making it a central feature of the region's natural landscape and a testament to its geological past.
Absolutely. The Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön offer natural bathing areas with gentle descents into the water, making them suitable for families. The Prinzeninsel itself is accessible by foot or bicycle and provides a pleasant environment for walks. The Old Apple Orchard on Prinzeninsel is also a charming spot for a family stroll.
The summer months are particularly popular for visiting the natural monuments around Damsdorf, especially for activities on the Großer Plöner See and its islands. The Prinzeninsel is a popular destination in the summer, offering recreational activities and pleasant weather for exploring the nature reserves and beaches.
Yes, Prinzeninsel has a rich history. It was purchased by Emperor Wilhelm II in 1910 and remains owned by the House of Hohenzollern. The Empress's Favorite Spot – Prinzeninsel marks a significant location for Empress Auguste Victoria. Additionally, the Old Apple Orchard is a historic garden monument, once the kitchen and orchard of the Plön Residence.
The area around Damsdorf and its natural monuments offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy running on trails like the 'Bathing Area at Stocksee – Stocksee Lakeside Trail loop from Damsdorf' or 'Schmalensee Village Ecology Trail'. For hiking, there are easy routes such as 'Tarbeker Moor – View of Tarbeker Moor loop from Tensfeld'. Road cycling is also popular, with routes like 'View of Plöner See – View of Stocksee loop from Stocksee'. You can find more details on these activities in the Running Trails around Damsdorf, Easy hikes around Damsdorf, and Road Cycling Routes around Damsdorf guides.
Yes, there are several hiking trails available. For easy hikes, consider routes like 'Tarbeker Moor – View of Tarbeker Moor loop from Tensfeld' or 'Holmweg at Stocksee – Bathing Area at Stocksee loop from Stocksee'. These trails allow you to explore the natural beauty of the region. More hiking options can be found in the Easy hikes around Damsdorf guide.
Yes, the area is well-suited for cycling. There are various road cycling routes that allow you to explore the scenic landscapes, including views of the Großer Plöner See and Stocksee. Routes like 'View of Plöner See – View of Stocksee loop from Stocksee' offer moderate challenges. For more options, refer to the Road Cycling Routes around Damsdorf guide.
Visitors frequently appreciate the stunning views, especially from spots like the Empress's Favorite Spot – Prinzeninsel, which offers beautiful sunset spectacles. The idyllic bays and small beaches of the Großer Plöner See are also highly valued for their natural beauty and opportunities for relaxation and swimming, such as at Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön.
Yes, there are excellent spots for swimming. The Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön are popular natural bathing areas. They offer sandy beaches with gentle descents into the water, making them ideal for a refreshing swim, often with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding nature.
While not hidden, the Old Apple Orchard on Prinzeninsel offers a unique and charming experience. This historic garden monument features over 150 apple trees of approximately 90 different varieties and provides a romantic setting with views of the lake, castle, and town. It's a peaceful spot that combines natural beauty with historical significance.


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