Between Plön and Eutin lies a different side of Schleswig-Holstein: an inland landscape of lakes, wooded shores, farmland and low hills. In winter, Holstein Switzerland is a destination for those who want to spend time outdoors without committing to a long hike or relying on snow. The interplay of water and land remains appealing even when the skies are grey and the paths are wet.
The landscape took shape during the ice ages. Glaciers sculpted the rolling terrain and left behind lakes that now define the region alongside hedgerows, meadows and woods. The Federal Agency for Nature Conservation also describes the area as a historic cultural landscape: manor houses, tree-lined avenues, fieldstone churches and traces of early settlement sit alongside its natural features. This makes Holstein Switzerland feel less like a single viewpoint and more like a succession of distinct landscapes.
Plön: water and town within easy reach
Plön is a natural starting point for a winter day out. The town sits on the Großer Plöner See; the old town, lakeside and palace grounds are all a short walk from the station. The palace dominates the skyline above the water, while down by the shore the scale shifts: boats, jetties and the open expanse of the lake come to the fore. In clear weather, views stretch far across the water; on overcast days, the shoreline and wooded slopes define the scene.
For a manageable outing, try the Naturerlebnisweg (nature discovery trail) along the shores of the Plöner See. According to the tourist board, it follows the Strandweg, passes through the Schlosswald and crosses the Prinzeninsel; information boards offer insights into local plants and animals. The exact route and its accessibility depend on local conditions. In protected areas, stick to the designated paths and follow local notices – and frozen lakes are neither a reliable nor an automatically safe destination for an outing.
Eutin: ducal history for a rainy day
Those looking to add some culture to their day will find another good base in Eutin. The palace stands on the Großer Eutiner See and tells the story of the ducal residence. At the nearby Ostholstein-Museum, Eutin’s cultural flowering around 1800 is one of the main themes of the permanent exhibition; landscape painting from the region also features. This combination of a short walk and a museum visit is particularly well suited to winter days. Opening hours vary seasonally and should be checked before visiting.
Getting there and planning your day
Plön, Malente and Eutin lie on the railway line between Lübeck and Kiel. The tourist board lists regular regional trains and connections to long-distance services in Lübeck and Kiel; check current journey times and any engineering works before setting off. This makes the region easy to explore on a day trip without a car.
A simple plan: arrive in Plön, walk a stretch of the lakeshore and then explore the old town or palace grounds. If it rains, shift the focus to Eutin and include a museum visit. Those staying for several days can experience the two towns as different perspectives on the same landscape: in one, a large lake right on the town’s doorstep; in the other, ducal history and a lakeside park.
At a glance
- Best time to visit: Winter is ideal for quiet lakeside walks and culture; snow cannot be taken for granted.
- Getting there: Regional trains connect Eutin, Plön and Malente on the Lübeck–Kiel line; check current services.
- Highlights: Großer Plöner See, the palace grounds in Plön, lakeside paths and Eutin Palace with the Ostholstein-Museum.
- Tip for a day trip: Combine Plön’s lakeside and old town with a museum visit in Eutin.
- Tourismuszentrale Holsteinische Schweiz.
Original reviewed by the editors · 11 November 2026
