Lakes around Löptin offer a diverse natural landscape in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany. The region is characterized by its tranquil water bodies and protected areas, providing opportunities for nature appreciation and outdoor activities. While the local Löptiner See offers a quiet natural setting, the nearby Großer Plöner See is a significant destination for recreational value. This area combines serene natural retreats with more active lake experiences, making it appealing for various interests.
Last updated: August 6, 2026
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The 79-hectare "Kührener Teich and Surroundings" nature reserve, designated in 1994, lies directly south of the 207-hectare "Peninsulas and Bays in Lake Lanker" nature reserve, separated by the railway embankment. This protection safeguards two nationally important breeding, resting, and feeding areas for endangered and rare bird species, as well as for the rare fire-bellied toad. The core of the nature reserve is the 40-hectare fish pond, which is on average only half a meter deep and drains into Lake Lanker via a dam on the northern edge. North of the path, which runs along a narrow ridge, a species-rich, wet lowland area extends to the railway embankment. The natural water balance has been restored through damming. Large bodies of water occasionally extend here. The area is part of the European ecological network "Natura 2000" (protected habitat area and bird sanctuary). Pond management
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The Kirchbarkau - Preetz - Lütjenburg (KPL) narrow-gauge railway, founded in 1908, connected rural towns in the region from 1910 onwards over a distance of 41.1 kilometres with 23 stops and was used primarily for freight transport, for example for agricultural products. Despite good infrastructure and regular transport, it was not economically viable, so passenger transport was initially discontinued and then all operations were discontinued in 1938. The line was dismantled, but relics such as the Schwentine Bridge remind us of this short but significant era in regional transport history.
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Go into the NABU house, close the door and watch the birds 😉.
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Just watch out for the edge when going up and down
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Hey, the bridge is pretty, but make the effort to explore the moderately difficult route including the Schwentine and the western mountain landscape. It's worth it. In small groups or in pairs. Really.
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The beautiful bridge should be torn down. A citizens' initiative saved the bridge for pedestrians and bicycles. Now it is freshly painted and maintained by citizens every second year.
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Here we were able to observe the sea eagle 🦅
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The region around Löptin offers a diverse natural landscape, characterized by tranquil water bodies and protected areas. While the local Löptiner See provides a quiet, natural retreat within the Bornhöveder Seenplatte nature reserve, the nearby Großer Plöner See is known for its picturesque beauty, featuring wooded banks and over 30 islands, making it one of Germany's most scenic lakes.
Yes, the region is home to several important protected areas. The Löptiner See itself is part of the Bornhöveder Seenplatte nature reserve. Additionally, the Kührener Teich Nature Reserve is a 79-hectare area safeguarding important breeding and feeding grounds for rare bird species and the fire-bellied toad. The Großer Plöner See and its surroundings are also part of a nature reserve, known for its diverse wildlife.
You can discover several interesting historical structures. The White Bridge over the Rosensee, built in 1907, is the oldest concrete arch bridge in Schleswig-Holstein and offers scenic views. Another historical relic is the Sieversdorf Bridge, a renovated railway bridge that reminds visitors of the short-lived Kirchbarkau-Preetz-Lütjenburg narrow-gauge railway.
The Löptiner See is a smaller, more secluded lake, ideal for quiet appreciation of nature within a protected landscape, with limited tourist infrastructure. In contrast, the Großer Plöner See, located about 13 kilometers away, is the largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein and offers extensive recreational opportunities, including boat tours, water sports, beaches, and well-developed hiking and cycling trails.
The region offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy hiking and cycling on numerous trails around the lakes, including the Großer Plöner See. Water sports like canoeing, kayaking, and boat tours are popular on the Großer Plöner See. For specific routes, you can explore options like gravel biking around Löptin or various hiking trails. For more details on routes, check out the gravel biking guide or the easy hikes guide.
Yes, there are hiking trails for various skill levels. For easy walks, you can find routes like the 'Small Oasis in the Cornfield' or the 'Sorrel Blossom Meadow' near Kühren. More challenging routes are also available, such as the 'Postsee – View of Postsee loop'. You can find detailed information on these and other trails in the easy hikes around Löptin guide and the general hiking around Löptin guide.
Absolutely! The region around the Großer Plöner See, in particular, offers numerous cycling trails. You can find routes like the 'Lakeside Path on Lake Plön' or 'View of Plön – View of Lake Behler loop'. For more cycling options, including gravel biking, refer to the gravel biking around Löptin guide.
Many areas are family-friendly. The Großer Plöner See offers a natural beach on the Princes' Island (Prinzeninsel) with amenities like a playground, toilets, and showers, making it great for families. The Kührener Teich Nature Reserve also features paths suitable for family walks, and the White Bridge over the Rosensee is a pleasant spot for a family outing.
For a unique culinary experience, visit Lasner Fishery and Smokehouse on Lake Großer Plöner. This traditional family company offers fresh and smoked fish from its own catch, along with various fish delicacies, all with beautiful views of the lake.
Yes, the lakes and their surroundings are rich in wildlife. The Großer Plöner See is part of a nature reserve known for various water birds, including the reintroduced sea eagle and cormorant colonies. The Kührener Teich Nature Reserve is specifically designated to protect important breeding and feeding areas for endangered and rare bird species, as well as the rare fire-bellied toad.
Visitors appreciate the diverse natural beauty and the blend of tranquil retreats with active recreational opportunities. The komoot community has shared over 190 photos and given more than 730 upvotes, highlighting the area's appeal for outdoor enthusiasts, from quiet walks in nature reserves to scenic boat tours and fresh local food experiences.
The lakes are beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports, hiking, and cycling, with pleasant weather and lush landscapes. Autumn offers stunning foliage, while winter can provide a serene, quiet experience, though some facilities might have reduced hours.
Yes, particularly on the Großer Plöner See. You can experience the lake's charm through shipping lines that offer boat tours. Canoe and kayak rentals are available at various stations around the lake, providing excellent opportunities for paddling adventures and exploring its many islands.


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