Things To Do
in Plön
Plön is a charming northern German town set on the shores of the Großer Plön See, surrounded by forested hills. Its centerpiece is the medieval Plön Castle overlooking the lake, with a picturesque town center nearby. The town blends history with natural beauty, offering easy access to hiking, boating, and cycling.
It makes a peaceful base for exploring Holstein Switzerland and the Baltic coast within short drives.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely stroll through the charming streets of Plön's historic center, where half-timbered houses and colorful facades beckon. Stop by a local bakery to indulge in a fresh Brötchen and a cup of aromatic German coffee. As you explore, take in the rich history reflected in the architecture, including the iconic St. Nicholas Church.
After lunch at a quaint café, make your way to the Plön Castle, where you can tour the beautifully restored rooms and learn about its fascinating history. The castle grounds offer stunning views of the surrounding lakes, perfect for a leisurely walk or a quiet moment of reflection. Don’t forget to visit the castle's gardens, which are ideal for a bit of relaxation.
As twilight sets in, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in traditional German cuisine, where you can savor dishes like Sauerbraten or fresh lake fish. After your meal, take a gentle walk along the shores of Lake Plön, enjoying the serenity of the water as the sun sets. Cap off the evening with a nightcap at a cozy bar, where you can chat with locals and fellow travelers.
Start your day with a refreshing breakfast at a lakeside café, soaking in the beautiful view of Lake Plön. Afterward, rent a kayak or canoe to explore the peaceful waters, paddling past lush greenery and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as you may spot swans or ducks gliding by.
Continue your water adventure by joining a guided boat tour of the lake, which provides a unique perspective on the surrounding landscape and offers fascinating commentary on the area's history. After the tour, find a sunny spot on the beach to relax, swim, or enjoy a picnic lunch with local cheeses and meats. The afternoon is perfect for leisurely sunbathing or reading a book by the water.
As the evening approaches, gather for a barbecue at the lakeside, where you can grill local sausages and enjoy freshly made salads. With the sunset painting the sky in beautiful hues, take some time to reflect on the day with friends or family. After dinner, share stories around a fire pit, with the soothing sounds of the lake in the background.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-18 |
| 🥖Groceries for a week | $60-120 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $7-12 |
| 🏨One night in a mid-range hotel | $90-160 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lake setting and easy access to nature
- Compact town with walkable center and charming historic spots
- Relaxed pace and friendly locals
- Limited nightlife and nightlife options
- Smaller selection of international dining compared to larger cities
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
- "Wie viel kostet das?" - How much does this cost?
- "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
- "Ich hätte gern..." - I would like...
Places to Visit in Plön
Visit one of these nice places.
Impressive views over the Großer Plöner See from the castle grounds; great for sunset shots.
Long lakeside paths with reed beds and charming boathouses, ideal for reflection photography.
Timber-framed houses and the market square provide colorful backdrops after dawn and before dusk.
Food in Plön
Plön Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty kale dish with smoked sausage, a winter specialty popular in the region.
Must-Try!
Fresh fish sandwiches, typically with Baltic herring or smoked fish on sturdy rye.
Poached pears with beans and bacon, a traditional North German comfort dish.
Corned beef hash with potatoes and onions, often served with pickled beetroot and a fried egg.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekly market in the Market Square offering fresh produce, cheeses, fish from the Baltic coast, and local bread.
Seasonal stalls along the Großer Plöner See serving quick bites and desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common when meeting someone; address strangers formally using Sie unless invited to use du.
Be on time for appointments and trains; being late is seen as disrespectful.
Keep noise levels down in evenings, especially in small neighborhoods.
Safety
Tipping in Plön
Ensure a smooth experience
In Germany, rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is customary if service was good; small tips in cafes or for taxi rides are common.
Cash is widely accepted, but debit cards (EC), credit cards, and contactless payments are increasingly common in shops and restaurants.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild to warm days, long daylight hours; water activities on the lake are popular; occasional showers.
Colorful forests around Plön with harvest markets; cooler days and possible mist on the lake.
Cold, with possible snowfall; the castle grounds feel serene and quiet; indoors offer cozy cafes.
Blooming trees and gardens; milder temperatures; occasional rain.
Plön at Night
Hiking in Plön
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic lakeside loop around the largest lake in the area with forested sections and viewpoint stops.
Hilly, forested trails offering panoramic viewpoints from Schleswig-Holstein’s highest point.
Gentle trails through pine forests and lakes, suitable for day hikes.
Airports
How to reach Plön by plane.
Major international airport about 1.5-2 hours by train or car from Plön.
Small regional airport reachable within about 40-60 minutes by road.
Small airfield close to Kiel; limited services; often used for private flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Many families live in the town and nearby villages; good schools and parks.
Popular for a peaceful lifestyle and access to nature.
Some residents commute to Kiel or Lübeck for work or study; town has some educational facilities.
Visitors come for lake activities, the castle, and hiking.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local teams and parks host casual games; popular spectator sport in the region.
Peloton-friendly routes around lakes and through countryside; infrastructure supports bikes.
Großer Plöner See is suitable for sailing, windsurfing, and rowing.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Plön.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are common in Plön; ask for vegetable plates, salads, and pasta dishes; many places can adapt recipes.