Top 20 Lakes around Schashagen

The most notable lakes near Schashagen include the Hemmelsdorfer See, known for being a former fjord and having the deepest point in mainland Germany, and the Pönitz Lakes (Großer Pönitzer See, Kleiner Pönitzer See, and Taschensee), nestled within picturesque beech forests and the Scharbeutz Heath.

Yes, the Großer Pönitzer See is an excellent choice for swimming, especially during summer. The bathing area at Klingberg is particularly family-friendly and supervised by the German Lifesaving Association (DLRG).

The Hemmelsdorfer See offers a variety of outdoor activities including boat tours, fishing, hiking, and cycling. A circular hiking trail around the lake provides diverse natural landscapes, and the easy hikes around Schashagen guide can provide more options.

At the Hemmelsdorfer See, the Hermann-Löns-Aussichtsturm is a 20-meter high observation tower offering panoramic views over the lake and surrounding areas. The northern part of the lake and the adjacent Aalbeek lowlands are also a designated nature reserve and European bird sanctuary, ideal for birdwatching.

Yes, both the Hemmelsdorfer See and the Pönitz Lakes feature well-maintained paths suitable for cycling. The path along the Großer Pönitzer See is easy to cycle. For more cycling routes, you can explore the cycling guide for Schashagen.

The Neustadt Bay, while not a lake itself, is historically significant as the site of one of the greatest maritime disasters at the end of WWII, involving the sinking of concentration camp prisoner ships. Neustadt is also home to a Cap Arcona Museum.

Many areas around the lakes are family-friendly. The bathing area at Klingberg on the Großer Pönitzer See is ideal for families. Additionally, the Neustadt in Holstein Harbour offers a chance to stroll and see traditional sailors and modern sports boats, with a pier featuring diving boards and a slide.

The summer months are ideal for visiting, especially if you plan to swim in lakes like the Großer Pönitzer See. However, the natural beauty of the lakes, such as the Hemmelsdorfer See and Pönitz Lakes, can be enjoyed year-round for hiking and nature observation.

Yes, you can discover Sculptures Along the Binnenwasser, a series of man-made monuments featuring sculptures, some made of boulders, along the path from the inland lake to the port exit in Neustadt. These enrich the route along the Neustadt inland water.

Visitors appreciate the tranquility and natural beauty of the lakes, such as the calm atmosphere of Hemmelsdorfer See and the serene charm of the Pönitz Lakes. The stunning sunsets over Großer Pönitzer See are also highly regarded, considered among the most beautiful in the entire Bay of Lübeck.

Yes, visitors often enjoy picnicking by the water at the Pönitz Lakes. Additionally, nearby country inns in Pönitz am See offer regional culinary specialties, providing options for dining and potentially accommodation.

The Hemmelsdorfer See is a haven for various water birds. Breeding birds like mute swans, greylag geese, coots, and great crested grebes are common. During migration, you might spot species such as little gulls, ospreys, and black terns, especially in the northern nature reserve.