Best lakes around Fargau-Pratjau are located in the Plön district of Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. This area is defined by its proximity to significant natural bodies of water, including the Selenter See, the second-largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein. The landscape features a mix of large recreational lakes and smaller, protected natural reserves. The region provides opportunities for water sports, swimming, and extensive walking and cycling routes.
Last updated: July 14, 2026
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The natural area features numerous protected areas in almost all protection categories. Only a small number of areas are designated as true nature reserves, including the Alter und Neuer See bird sanctuary south of Sulzheim-Mönchstockheim. Another larger area is the Dürrfelder and Sulzheimer Wald fauna-flora habitat, which is also one of the largest forest areas within the Steigerwald foothills. The area is also part of the Schweinfurt Basin and Northern Steigerwald Foothills bird sanctuary.
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The bathing area at the newly designed playground is popular with young and old. Around 80 years ago, bathing in the lake was strictly regulated: girls and women bathed on the eastern side of the lake, from the "Laak", which was still undeveloped at the time, while boys and men were allowed to bathe opposite from the "Milschkamp". Ice skating in winter The lake also offers leisure activities in winter, or rather in cold winters, when it is covered with a stable surface of ice. Then you can see ice skaters, hockey players, sledders and walkers on the ice. At weekends, visitors come from far and wide to enjoy this pleasure. At the request of the owner, it should be noted at this point that the lake is privately owned. With all the great opportunities that the lake offers the public, it should not be forgotten that people and, above all, animals live here who want and need peace and quiet.
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Lake Passader is around 290 hectares in size and measures 12m at its deepest point. It is fished commercially; but a fishing club originally from Kiel has also had permission to use the lake since 1912. Since 1743, fishing on Lake Passader has been in the hands of the Schnoor family, who own a large part of the lake and have leased the other part. In the summer months, the 1st Kiel Water Ski Club invites people to take part in sporting activities on the lake. The club moved its training area here soon after it was founded, as the Kiel Fjord is usually too "choppy". The sailing boats are also pretty to look at, although they set off from Wulfsdorf.
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The Passader See is one of the large lakes in the eastern hills of Schleswig-Holstein. It is 2.7 km² in size and up to 10.7 m deep. The lake is named after the neighboring town of Passade. The Passader See has tributaries from the closely neighboring, roughly equally large Dobersdorfer See and the eight times larger and comparatively very deep Selenter See. This lake system drains via the Hagener Au into the Baltic Sea near Laboe on the Kiel Outer Fjord.
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The Dobersdorfer See is a lake between Schlesen (eastern shore) and the districts of Jasdorf (southern shore), Gut Dobersdorf (western shore) and Tökendorf (northwestern shore) of the municipality of Dobersdorf in the Plön district of Schleswig-Holstein.
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Water skiing on Lake Passader Water skiing course on Lake Passader of the 1st Kiel Water Ski Club e.V. With slalom field and figure course as well as a ski jump. Handicapped accessible facility. Guests are also welcome!
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The southern shore is an impertinence for cyclists!
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Even in November you can enjoy the view of Passader See and relax on the benches by the lake.
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Several lakes in the area are well-suited for families. The Grabensee Bathing Area on Selenter See offers shallow entry, a new jetty with a bathing island, picnic spots, and playgrounds. Lake Passade features a large swimming area and a children's playground. The Dobersdorfer See Lakeside Recreation Area also provides facilities and play equipment for children.
The lakes offer a wide range of activities. You can enjoy swimming, fishing, and cycling around Selenter See. Großer Plöner See is excellent for water sports like paddling, sailing, angling, and diving, with pleasure boat tours also available. For land-based activities, there are numerous signposted hiking and cycling paths. You can find specific routes for running, gravel biking, and mountain biking in the area. For example, explore routes like the 'Bathing Spot at Selenter See – View of Fargau Lake loop' for running or the 'Hessenstein Tower – Gut Panker loop' for mountain biking. More details on these activities can be found in the Running Trails around Fargau-Pratjau, Gravel biking around Fargau-Pratjau, and MTB Trails around Fargau-Pratjau guides.
Yes, both Selenter See and Großer Plöner See offer extensive hiking and cycling paths. Around Selenter See, you can find scenic routes like the 'Kirchen und Herrenhäuser rund um den Selenter See' which passes through Fargau and Pratjau. Großer Plöner See has a popular lakeside trail that can be completed in a day, and the 'Plöner Planet Path' in Plön. For specific running routes, consider the 'Lake Dobersdorf – Forest Path to Tökendorf loop' or the 'Running loop from Martensrade', detailed in the Running Trails around Fargau-Pratjau guide.
The region is rich in natural beauty. Selenter See is known for its clear waters and abundant fish like eels, perch, and pike, with its northern part designated as a nature reserve. Großer Plöner See, located within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, boasts deep blue water, pristine natural shores, and is a habitat for rare bird species such as the white-tailed eagle. The Coastal Lake Landscape at Schmoel Nature Reserve also features small lakes directly on a natural beach cycle path, offering unique coastal flora and fauna.
The lakes are enjoyable year-round, but the warmer months, especially summer, are ideal for swimming and water sports. This is when bathing areas like those at Selenter See are most active, and pleasure boat tours on Großer Plöner See are in full swing. The surrounding landscape is also perfect for extensive walks and bike tours during spring, summer, and autumn.
While the focus is on natural beauty, the region does offer some cultural points of interest. The cycling route 'Kirchen und Herrenhäuser rund um den Selenter See' suggests historical architecture. Near Großer Plöner See, you can visit Plön Castle, a significant landmark in the charming town of Plön. Additionally, the village of Stakendorf, close to the coast, is known for its annual straw sculptures at the village pond during the Probsteier Korntage.
Selenter See is the second-largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein and is highly valued for its clear waters, abundant fish, and tranquil natural setting. Its northern part is a nature reserve, and it offers family-friendly bathing areas like Grabensee with amenities. The surrounding landscape is perfect for relaxation, swimming, fishing, and extensive walks or bike tours.
Großer Plöner See is the largest and deepest lake in Schleswig-Holstein, renowned for its deep blue water, pristine natural shores, and over 20 islands, including the popular Prinzeninsel. It's a hub for water sports and offers excellent water quality. The lake is centrally located within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park and is close to charming towns like Plön with its historic castle, making it a significant draw for diverse interests.
Yes, many lake areas are equipped for visitors. The Grabensee Bathing Area on Selenter See provides picnic opportunities. Lake Passade has seating by the shore, and the Dobersdorfer See Lakeside Recreation Area is well-maintained with facilities. Towns surrounding Großer Plöner See, such as Plön, Bosau, and Dersau, offer various dining and relaxation options.
Absolutely. The Coastal Lake Landscape at Schmoel Nature Reserve is a natural monument featuring small lakes directly on a natural beach cycle path. The northern part of Selenter See and its surroundings are also designated as a nature reserve, offering protected landscapes of forests, meadows, and fields. Großer Plöner See is nestled within the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, known for its rich biodiversity.
Visitors frequently praise the tranquil settings, clear waters, and the abundance of outdoor activities. Many appreciate the well-maintained bathing areas, especially for families, and the extensive network of cycling and walking paths. The natural beauty and the opportunity to relax by the water or engage in various sports are consistently highlighted. The komoot community has contributed over 200 photos and more than 1000 upvotes, reflecting the area's popularity.


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