Camping in Holstein Switzerland

When camping in Holstein Switzerland, active recreation by the water is on the programme. The densely wooded, gently rolling landscape in the east of Schleswig Holstein was formed by glaciers during the last ice age and is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts with over 200 lakes. Those who prefer travelling on foot or on two wheels will discover magnificent castles, interesting museums and historic towns and villages on their tours.

Special features of camping in Holstein Switzerland

Almost all campsites in Holstein Switzerland are in quiet and idyllic locations by the water. Often surrounded by forests and green meadows, you are never far from one of the many lakes. The campsites offer a range of facilities, from simple to luxurious, and are mostly dog-friendly. Some also offer a wide range of sports and leisure activities that will delight young and old alike.

For families with children, we recommend camping in Augstfelde with several playgrounds, an entertainment programme and the opportunity to ride ponies. The campsites in Bösdorf and Plön will also make the hearts of the youngest ones beat faster. In Malente, holidaymakers will find a comfortable natural site on the banks of the Schwentine, the sacred river of the Slavs, who have settled in the region since the 7th century.

How to get there

Holstein Switzerland stretches like a picture book between the Bay of Lübeck in the south and the Bay of Kiel in the north. From the south-west, take the A1 motorway, which runs from Saarbrücken to Heiligenhafen on the Baltic Sea, to the Eutin exit and then the B76 federal road to Eutin.

If you want to travel to Plön with your caravan or motorhome, take the B430 federal road, which runs from Bornhöved through the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. For a stopover on the A1 motorway, we recommend the Tecklenburger Land service area with catering facilities, refuelling options and a play area for children.

The A7 motorway runs north-south from Ellund in Schleswig Holstein to Füssen in Ostallgäu. Coming from the south, take the Großenaspe exit; from the north, take the A210 and A215 motorways to the Rendsburg junction and continue to the Kiel western ring road and the B76 federal road.

Berlin is around 343 km from Plön. The fastest route from the German capital to your holiday home is the A24 motorway. In Holstein Switzerland, the tranquil country roads take you past thatched farm cottages and magnificent manor houses to your favourite campsite.

Destinations in Holstein Switzerland

Holstein Switzerland is home to towns and villages worth discovering, where nature and culture come together in perfect harmony.

Plön - a jewel on the water

Plön lies in the middle of a picturesque lake landscape. The landmark of the former residence of the Dukes of Schleswig-Holstein-Plön is the white castle, which sits majestically on a hill and can be visited free of charge. In Plön's historic old town centre, narrow alleyways known as Twieten invite you to take a stroll. The town hall with its Gänselieselbrunnen fountain on the old market square is also worth a visit. On the densely wooded Prinzeninsel, a fine sandy beach beckons visitors to swim in the Großer Plöner See.

Eutin - Weimar of the North

The composer Carl Maria von Weber was born in Eutin. In his honour, the renowned Eutin Festival is held every summer with a select open-air music programme. A stroll along the historic streets and a visit to the brick Eutin Castle with its impressive English landscape garden is a must. The Ostholstein Museum brings Eutin back to life in Goethe's time.

Malente - a climatic health resort with a healing climate

Malente, located in the scenically varied Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, offers pure relaxation and a wide range of health programmes. Take a Kneipp cure in the idyllic spa gardens. Water sports enthusiasts are more than welcome on the Kellersee and Dieksee lakes, and there are plenty of exciting sailing regattas to watch. Gut Rothensande, the original location of the legendary Immenhof films, is reminiscent of Dick, Dalli and the Trippel ponies.

Activities and excursions

When camping in Holstein Switzerland, you can easily move from lake to lake, be it on a 5-lake tour between Malente and Plön or while cycling and hiking. The region is also an excellent paddling area.

Water sports - over shimmering waters

The lake-rich landscape of Holstein Switzerland is an Eldorado for all those who enjoy exploring nature in a kayak or canoe. You can even paddle with the current all the way to Kiel on the 55-kilometre-long water trail along the narrow Schwentine. Guarded lakeside swimming pools, sandy beaches and natural bathing spots allow you to jump into the refreshing water in many places. If you like, you can go fishing, try your hand at surfing or get your sailing licence on the Großer Plöner See.

Cycling and hiking - trails for explorers

Over 25 marked hiking trails open up Holstein Switzerland, including sections of the Way of St James and the Monk's Way, which are so popular with pilgrims. A circular trail leads to the 500-year-old groom's oak in Dodau Forest, a tree with its own address and knothole for letters. Birdwatchers are drawn to the Heidmoor circular trail. Cyclists, on the other hand, can look forward to the 200 km Holsteinische Schweiz circuit as well as 15 well-developed day tours that lead to romantic villages, magnificent manor houses and historic windmills.

Gastronomy

Holsteiner Katenschinken, smoked fish from local waters and a slice of freshly baked fruit cake are simply part of a camping holiday in Holstein Switzerland. The Holstein Cox apple variety has its origins in Eutin. Strawberries and raspberries also thrive in the region, which are transformed into delicious jams and fine brandies and sold in beautiful farm shops.

Wine is even grown in Grebin and Malkwitz, which can be tasted during a vineyard tour. The annual potato festival in Bösdorf is all about traditional potato varieties. Holstein Switzerland is also known as a picnic region and attracts visitors with large picnic events, for example in Plön Castle Gardens and Eutin Lake Park. For smaller gatherings in the countryside, local restaurateurs pack special picnic rucksacks full of regional delicacies.

Best time to visit

Holstein Switzerland is characterised by a mild lowland climate with maritime influences from the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The extensive deciduous forests of the sun-kissed region not only equalise temperatures and offer protection from high wind speeds. They also purify the air, which is therefore considered to be beneficial to health. It is not for nothing that the towns of Plön, Eutin, Bosau and Malente are recognised as climatic health resorts.

In the summer months of June to August, average maximum temperatures of just under 21 °C are reached in Holstein Switzerland, while the water temperatures in midsummer are around 20 °C and make swimming a pleasure. Hiking and cycling are an experience from spring to autumn. In winter, a trip to the almost 168 metre-high Bungsberg, which becomes Germany's northernmost winter sports area when it snows, is well worthwhile.