Plön (Kreis)

Plön: A Scenic Gem in Schleswig-Holstein

History

Plön, the district seat in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, has a history deeply rooted in its strategic location on the isthmus between the Great Plön Lake and the River Schwentine, as well as its ties to the Danish royal house. First mentioned in historical records around the 12th century, Plön was a center of the County of Holstein until the Danish royal house fell in the 15th century. In 1561, it became the capital of the Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Plön, emerging in 1622 due to succession within the Danish royal family. Between 1633 and 1636, Duke Joachim Ernest constructed a Renaissance castle on the site of an older fortress, making Plön the heart of a small, independent princedom. This duchy persisted until 1729, when it was absorbed into other Schleswig-Holstein territories. After the death of Duke Frederick Charles in 1761, Plön Castle transitioned from a ducal residence to various uses, including a military academy and later a school. The region’s history reflects its shifting allegiances—under Danish, Prussian, and German control—culminating in its current role within Schleswig-Holstein, shaped by its natural beauty and historical significance.

Main Cities

The Plön district, covering 1,083 km², is relatively rural, with Plön as its administrative center and largest town. Here are the key cities and towns, along with their population figures as of December 2024:

  • Plön: The district seat, Plön lies on the shores of the Great Plön Lake and several smaller lakes, touching the town on virtually all sides. With a population of approximately 8,700, it’s a picturesque town known for its historical and natural allure.
  • Preetz: Located 10 kilometers northwest of Plön, Preetz is the second-largest town in the district, famous for its Benedictine monastery and lace-making tradition. It has a population of around 15,500, making it a vibrant community in the region.
  • Eutin: Situated about 20 kilometers southeast of Plön, Eutin is known as the “Town of Roses” and lies in the scenic Holstein Switzerland lakeland. It has a population of roughly 17,000 and serves as a cultural hub with historical ties to composers and poets.

The Plön district itself has a total population of approximately 131,000 as of December 2024, spread across its rural landscapes, lakes, and small towns, with a population density of about 121 inhabitants per km²—lower than Schleswig-Holstein’s state average of 182 inhabitants per km².

Local Economy

Plön’s economy is anchored in its natural assets and proximity to urban centers. Key sectors include:

  • Tourism: The district’s lakes, including the Great Plön Lake, and its position in the Holstein Switzerland lakeland attract visitors for boating, hiking, and cycling. The region’s scenic beauty and historical sites, like Plön Castle, drive a robust tourism industry, contributing significantly to local revenue.
  • Agriculture: The fertile lands around Plön support dairy farming, grain production, and horticulture, with Holstein cows—a symbol of Schleswig-Holstein’s agricultural heritage—playing a major role. The district’s rural character sustains traditional farming practices.
  • Services and Retail: With a growing population and connections to Hamburg and Kiel, services like retail, healthcare, and education are vital employers, particularly in towns like Preetz and Eutin.
  • Renewable Energy: Wind farms dot the landscape, capitalizing on Schleswig-Holstein’s windy climate, though their expansion is tempered by concerns over scenic preservation in this lake-rich area.

The region’s economy benefits from its balance of nature-based tourism and agriculture, with limited industrial activity due to its rural focus.

Top Attractions

Based on the region’s natural and historical highlights, here are the top three most interesting places to visit in the Plön district:

  1. Plön Castle: Perched on a hill overlooking the Great Plön Lake, this Renaissance castle is one of Schleswig-Holstein’s most important historical buildings. Originally built in the 17th century, it now houses a school but remains open for tours, offering stunning lake views and insights into ducal history.
  2. Great Plön Lake (Großer Plöner See): The largest lake in Schleswig-Holstein, covering 30 km², this pristine body of water is ideal for boating, fishing, and swimming. Surrounded by rolling hills and forests, it’s a centerpiece of the Holstein Switzerland lakeland, drawing nature enthusiasts year-round.
  3. Holstein Switzerland Nature Park: Encompassing Plön and surrounding areas, this nature park features numerous lakes, forests, and hiking trails, including the Schwentine River valley. It’s a haven for outdoor activities like cycling and birdwatching, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and ecological diversity.

Coat of Arms of Plön

The coat of arms of the Plön district was officially granted on 22 November 1948. It features a silver (white) wavy bar that divides the shield into two parts:

  • Upper Section:
    • The silver holstein nettle leaf (a symbol of Holstein) is prominently displayed, reflecting the historical connection of Plön to the Holstein rulers.
    • To the right of the nettle leaf is a silver oak leaf, symbolizing the region’s rich forested areas, which cover about one-tenth of the district.
    • To the left is a silver ear of grain, representing the agricultural significance of the area.
  • Lower Section:
    • A silver fish is depicted, symbolizing the importance of the region’s lakes and its proximity to the Baltic Sea.

The color scheme of the coat of arms uses the traditional colors of Schleswig-Holstein: red, blue, and silver (white). The wavy bar and the fish highlight the district’s lake-filled landscape and its coastal connection to the Baltic Sea.

Symbolism and Historical Context

  • The nettle leaf ties Plön to the historical rulers of Holstein, particularly the Schauenburg counts, who held political power in the region during the Middle Ages.
  • The oak leaf and ear of grain reflect the natural resources and agricultural economy of the area.
  • The fish and wavy bar emphasize the region’s geographical features, including its numerous lakes and proximity to the Baltic Sea.

This coat of arms was designed to represent both the historical heritage and the natural characteristics of the Plön district, making it a meaningful symbol for the region.