Top 20 Lakes around Stocksee
Best lakes around Stocksee, a municipality in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, is characterized by its namesake lake and proximity to the larger Großer Plöner See. The region is part of the scenic Holstein Switzerland, featuring a landscape shaped by the Weichselian Ice Age. Stocksee itself is a glacial tongue basin lake with relatively steep banks and narrow reed belts, including a designated nature reserve. The area offers opportunities for hiking and experiencing natural tranquility.
Best lakes around Stocksee
- The most popular lakes…
Last updated: July 7, 2026
View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge
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Sterin Island (Großer Plöner See)
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Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel
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Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön
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View of the Großer Plöner See from the southern shore
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When you have driven through the beautiful nature and here enjoy the first lake views, you know that it was worth the drive.
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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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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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Rental of canoes, kayaks, SUP boards for individual and guided tours across the lakes and the Schwentine. The Malenter Kanucenter by Bottervogel is located just a few minutes' walk from Malenter train station, directly opposite the Dieksee promenade. Canoes (Canadians), kayaks and SUP boards as well as the necessary accessories such as paddles, life jackets and barrels for waterproof transport of smartphones and other valuables can be rented here. Groups, families and individuals can paddle across the lakes and the Schwentine either independently or - by prior arrangement - as part of a guided tour.
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Rental and sale of kayaks and Canadian canoes. Boats and accessories are also available for purchase. Boats Keusen, located in the Eutin district of Fissau, is just 130 m from the water hiking car park at the start of the Schwentine water hiking trail. Here you can not only rent kayaks and Canadian canoes, but also buy your own boats - the range includes kayaks, Canadian canoes, pedal boats, SUPs and fishing boats. For a fee, transport and collection of the rented canoes can be arranged.
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From 1-person kayaks to 10-person canoes with equipment and instructions If someone has arrived without a canoe, they don't have to miss out on the fun of paddling. The rental stations in Malente, Plön, Eutin and Bosau offer everyone the opportunity to rent a canoe or kayak including accessories and you usually also receive a short instruction.
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Boat rental near the campsite on Lake Plön offers canoe and kayak rentals and a pick-up service. The Plön canoe rental is located on the Schwentine water hiking trail and has a variety of canoes and kayaks for rent. In addition, a transport and pick-up service can be booked, which brings the boats to the starting point of the paddling tour and picks them up again at the destination. Guided canoe tours can be booked for groups of 20 people or more. In addition to canoes, sailing boats, fishing boats, rowing and pedal boats, dragon boats and stand-up paddling (SUP) boards can also be rented. The staff provide tips on paddling and help plan your paddling tour. Kanovermietung_Plön©TI GPS Tatjana Kay
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main lakes to explore in the Stocksee region?
The primary lake is the Stocksee itself, known for its natural beauty and hiking trails. Additionally, the region offers access to the Bornhöveder See and Schmalensee, part of an interconnected lake chain, and the much larger Großer Plöner See, which is the biggest lake in Schleswig-Holstein.
Are there good hiking opportunities around Stocksee?
Yes, the Stocksee area offers various hiking trails. The 'Stocksee Lakeside Trail' is a popular option with different loop lengths and difficulty levels. For more detailed routes, you can explore options like the 'Stocksee Lakeside Trail – Bathing Area at Stocksee loop' or the 'Holmweg at Stocksee – Bathing Area at Stocksee loop'. You can find more hiking routes in the Hiking around Stocksee guide.
What kind of natural features can I expect to see around the lakes?
The lakes are set in a landscape shaped by the Weichselian Ice Age, featuring glacial tongue basins, steep banks, and narrow reed belts. The Stocksee has islands and a peninsula with alder-carr forests, and parts are designated as a nature reserve. The Großer Plöner See is dotted with over 30 islands and is home to diverse wildlife, including cormorant colonies on islands like Sterin Island.
Are there family-friendly activities available at the lakes?
Absolutely. The Bornhöveder See features a public bathing area and a playground, making it ideal for families. The Großer Plöner See also has numerous bathing sites and offers activities like pedal boating and ferry trips. Many viewpoints, such as the View of Großer Plöner See from the Town Bridge, are easily accessible and family-friendly.
Can I go swimming in the lakes near Stocksee?
Yes, swimming is possible. The Bornhöveder See has a public bathing area on its southern shore. The Großer Plöner See offers many bathing sites, including Prinzenbad Beach, Prinzeninsel, and Prinzenbad Beach, Lake Plön, which are popular spots for a refreshing dip.
What water sports can I do on the lakes?
The Bornhöveder See is popular for paddling, boating, kayaking, and canoeing. The Großer Plöner See, being much larger, offers a wider range of activities including boating, sailing, diving, and fishing. Canoe and kayak rentals are available, and guided tours can be booked for groups.
Are there cycling routes around the Stocksee lakes?
Yes, the region is well-suited for cycling. You can find various road cycling routes, such as the 'View of Plöner See – View of Stocksee loop' or the 'Gut Muggesfelde – Stocksee loop'. For mountain biking, routes like 'Pier on Großer Plöner See – Holmweg – above the Stocksee loop' are available. More options can be found in the Road Cycling Routes around Stocksee guide and the MTB Trails around Stocksee guide.
What historical or cultural landmarks are near the lakes?
On the shores of Stocksee, you'll find the historic Gut Stockseehof estate, which hosts seasonal events like harvest festivals and Christmas markets. The Großer Plöner See is overlooked by the impressive Plön Castle, and the Prinzeninsel has historical ties to Emperor Wilhelm II.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Stocksee?
Visitors frequently praise the picturesque views, especially of Plön Castle from spots like Prinzenbad Beach or the View of the Großer Plöner See from the southern shore. The serene natural environment, opportunities for hiking, and the diverse water-based activities are also highly appreciated.
Is the Stocksee nature reserve accessible to the public?
Parts of the Stocksee are designated as the 'Mittlerer Stocksee und Umgebung' nature reserve. While this highlights its ecological importance, the designated nature reserve, including its islands and water areas, is privately owned and generally not accessible for public entry or navigation to protect the wildlife.
Are there any specific rules for dog owners on trails around the lakes?
While many trails are dog-friendly, it's generally advisable to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas or during breeding seasons, to protect local wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Specific rules may vary by municipality or protected area.
What is the best time of year to visit the lakes around Stocksee?
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time for outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and water sports is typically from spring to early autumn (April to October) when the weather is milder. Summer offers the best conditions for swimming. The Gut Stockseehof also hosts seasonal events, adding to the appeal during specific times of the year.
Most popular routes around Stocksee
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