Best castles in Holstein Switzerland are found within a region characterized by rolling hills, numerous lakes, and forested landscapes. This area offers a blend of natural beauty and historical architecture, providing insight into the region's rich heritage. Visitors can explore captivating castles and historic estates that showcase centuries of architectural evolution. Holstein Switzerland is a destination for those interested in history and outdoor exploration.
Last updated: August 2, 2026
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The hunting lodge (1776) is fantastically located above the lake and has been fundamentally renovated in recent months - which visually gives it a somewhat modern touch (especially due to the new bricks)
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Plön's town bay, located in the northern part of Lake Plön, features lakeside restaurants, a boat landing, and a marina. Plön's town bay has much to offer, most notably the magnificent view of Plön Castle. Along the bay, you'll find numerous restaurants, a beautiful, long lakeside promenade perfect for strolling, and the Marktbrücke landing stage for the Grand Plön Lake Tour. On Eutiner Straße, between the residential area and the sailing club, lies a fishing area with a jetty, an entry point for divers, and a launch and landing area for stand-up paddleboards (SUPs).
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Plön's town bay is a section of the Großer Plöner See (Great Plön Lake) in the north of the town. It is an important recreational area, offering a beach promenade, a marina, restaurants, and a pier for boat trips. Annual highlights include the three-day town bay festival with music and interactive activities, as well as an open-air cinema on the shore.
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Plön Town Bay in the northern part of Lake Plön with lakeside restaurants, a pier, and a sailing harbor. Plön Town Bay has much to offer, but above all, the magnificent view of Plön Castle. Along the town bay, there are many restaurants, a beautiful long beach path for strolling, and the Marktbrücke pier for the Great Plön Lake Cruise. On Eutiner Straße, between the residential area and the sailing club, there is a fishing area with a jetty, a diving launch, and a launch/drop-off point for SUPs.
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Eutin Castle in Eutin, East Holstein, is the cultural center and nucleus of the town. Along with Gottorf Castle and Glücksburg Castle, it is one of the most important secular court buildings in Schleswig-Holstein. The four-winged complex originated from a medieval castle and was expanded into a royal residence over several centuries.
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Guided Tour of the Magnificent Chambers of Eutin Castle Stroll through the 850-year-old Eutin Castle and its magnificent chambers on a guided tour or on your own. The tour includes visits to the castle chapel, the original castle kitchen, and the former living quarters of the dukes. Today, the castle impresses visitors from all over the world as a museum and with special exhibitions. Large-scale ceiling paintings, precious wall coverings, original furniture, paintings, clocks, and furnishings such as three unusual ship models of Tsar Peter the Great can be admired. Prices: €8 per person | 0-6 years free | 7-12 years €2.00 | Families: 2 adults and children €16.00 | Public tour of the castle: €4 plus admission fee Reduced admission: Guests with an Ostholstein Museum ticket, schoolchildren aged 13 and over, trainees and students up to 28 years of age, severely disabled persons, welfare recipients, and the unemployed: €4.00 Photography permit: €1.50 for unlimited photographs in the castle exhibition, without flash, tripod, or similar, and for private use only.
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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 seeking a break from the city. The Great Plön Lake, with its deep blue waters and pristine shoreline, entices visitors to a relaxing stay 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 water surface with a depth of 58 meters invites you to enjoy relaxing lake views. And all around the lake, picturesque towns such as Plön, Bosau, and Dersau boast a wealth of culture, history, and nature. It's no wonder this lake has been awarded the "Favorite Lake of Schleswig-Holstein" seal several times in a row. Experience the Great Plön Lake The Great Plön Lake is a unique experience. That's for sure. Located in the heart of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, it makes the hearts of nature and animal lovers beat faster. Furthermore, it has also been receiving top marks for water quality for years, just like all the other bodies of water around it. This is why the Global Nature Fund awarded the lakes and waterways of Holstein Switzerland the title of "Living Lakes" in 2020. So, if you're looking for relaxation in a naturally beautiful lake idyll, a day trip or vacation to the Great Plön Lake is just the thing. Furthermore, there are plenty of other adventure options around the lake. For example, you can enjoy a leisurely fish dinner at Seeprinz in Plön or at Strauers in Bosau. Or after a relaxing stroll across the Princes' Island, stop by one of the many lakeside cafés. With a bit of luck, you might even catch a glimpse of one of our sea eagles.
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The castles in Holstein Switzerland, such as Eutin Castle and Plön Castle, offer a deep dive into the region's rich history. They evolved from medieval fortresses into grand residences, serving as ducal seats, cultural centers, and even military academies, reflecting centuries of architectural and political changes in Schleswig-Holstein.
Inside Eutin Castle, you can explore its magnificent chambers, including a two-story chapel, the original castle kitchen, and the former living quarters of the dukes. The museum showcases furnished state rooms with original furnishings, paintings, and decorative arts from the late Baroque to the Neoclassical period. Notable exhibits include large ship models, gifts from the Russian Tsar family, and large-scale ceiling paintings.
Yes, Eutin Castle Garden is a prime example. It's a historic English landscape garden with special trees, winding paths, and romantic views of the lake. It also includes the Eutin Castle Kitchen Garden, which features an orangery and various maintained plantings. Plön Castle also has meticulously maintained gardens and the historic Prinzenhaus.
Plön Castle, historically a ducal residence and military academy, now houses the Fielmann Academy, an optometry training center. While it serves a modern educational purpose, guided tours are available to explore its rich history and interiors, and visitors can enjoy its gardens and panoramic views of the Großer Plöner See.
Yes, both Eutin Castle and its gardens are considered family-friendly. The Eutin Castle offers family tickets for tours, and the Eutin Castle Garden hosts numerous educational programs for children. Exploring the expansive gardens and historical grounds can be an engaging experience for families.
Plön Castle, perched on a hill, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Großer Plöner See and the Holstein Switzerland landscape. Near Eutin, the Jagdschlösschen at Lake Uklei provides fantastic views of the Ukleisee after a steep climb. The English landscape garden at Eutin Castle also offers romantic lake views.
The region around the castles is ideal for outdoor activities. You can find numerous cycling routes, such as the 'Culinary loop of Lake Plön' or the 'Lakeside Path on Lake Plön', which offer moderate to difficult rides. For running, trails like 'Bebensund Bridge – Eutin Castle loop' are available. You can explore more options on the Road Cycling Routes in Holstein Switzerland, Cycling in Holstein Switzerland, and Running Trails in Holstein Switzerland guide pages.
The castles are generally open to the public from March to December, with varying hours depending on the season. Spring and summer are ideal for enjoying the castle gardens and the surrounding lake landscapes, especially with events like the Eutin Festival. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter visits can provide a unique, quieter experience, though some outdoor areas or specific tours might be limited.
Yes, both Eutin and Plön, the towns where the main castles are located, offer various amenities. Eutin Castle itself has restaurants in its inner courtyard. The towns provide cafes and restaurants where visitors can relax and dine after exploring the historical sites.
The castles in Holstein Switzerland showcase a range of architectural styles. Eutin Castle, for instance, evolved from a medieval fortress into a Baroque palace, featuring a distinctive red-brick facade and elegant towers. Plön Castle is a significant example of Renaissance architecture, known for its striking white facade.
The duration of a castle tour can vary. A guided tour of Eutin Castle's magnificent chambers typically takes about an hour, not including time spent exploring the gardens or other exhibitions. For Plön Castle, tour lengths depend on the specific guided options available. Allow extra time to enjoy the surrounding grounds and nearby attractions.
Yes, both Eutin and Plön are accessible by public transport. Eutin has a train station, and local buses can connect you to the castle area. Plön also has a train station, and its castle is centrally located, often within walking distance from the town center and public transport stops. It's advisable to check local schedules for the most current information.


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