Plön Castle: A Lakeside Renaissance Jewel
Discover Plön Castle, a majestic Renaissance landmark in Schleswig-Holstein, offering stunning lakeside views and a rich history as a ducal residence, royal retreat, and modern academy.
Plön Castle, perched majestically on a hill overlooking the Großer Plöner See, is one of Schleswig-Holstein's largest and most historically significant castles. Built in the 17th century during the Thirty Years' War, this Renaissance-style castle has served as a ducal residence, a Danish royal summer retreat, a military academy, and a boarding school. Today, it houses the Fielmann Academy, an optometry training center, and welcomes visitors to explore its grounds and learn about its rich past. The castle offers panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and town, making it a must-see destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike. Explore the castle gardens, wander through the charming Old Town of Plön, and discover the natural beauty of the Holstein Switzerland region.
A brief summary to Plön Castle
- Schloßgebiet 91, Plön, 24306, DE
- +4945228010
- Visit website
Local tips
- Take a guided tour of Plön Castle to explore its historical interiors and learn about its fascinating past as a ducal residence, military academy, and more.
- Explore the castle gardens for panoramic views of the Großer Plöner See and the surrounding Holstein Switzerland region.
- Visit the Prinzenhaus (Prince's House) in the castle garden, once home to the sons of German Emperor William II, for a glimpse into the castle's royal connections.
- Combine your visit to Plön Castle with a stroll through Plön's charming Old Town, featuring historic buildings and the beautiful Nikolaikirche (St. Nicholas Church).
- Enjoy a boat tour on the Großer Plöner See to experience the lake's natural beauty and admire the castle from a unique perspective.
Getting There
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Walking
From Plön train station, the castle is approximately a 15-minute walk. Exit the station and head north, following the signs towards the town center (Zentrum). Continue along Bahnhofstraße, which will lead you towards the lake. As you approach the lake, you'll see the castle rising on the hill to your left. Follow the road as it curves uphill towards the Schloßgebiet. The path is well-marked and offers scenic views of the lake and town. Note that the final ascent to the castle involves a moderately steep climb.
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Public Transport
Local buses operate within Plön and the surrounding area. Check the Verkehrsbetriebe Kreis Plön (VKP) website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. Several bus lines stop near the base of the castle hill. From the bus stop, follow the walking directions above for the final ascent to the castle. A single bus fare within Plön typically costs around €3.00.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis are available in Plön, although ride-sharing services may be limited. A taxi from the train station to Plön Castle would cost approximately €8-€12, depending on traffic and the specific route. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.
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Driving
If driving, follow signs for Plön and then for Plön Castle (Schloss Plön). Limited parking is available near the castle, with hourly rates typically around €1-€2. During peak season, parking may be challenging to find. Consider parking in the town center and walking up to the castle. Be aware that the road leading directly to the castle is narrow and can be congested.
Discover more about Plön Castle
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