Schlesen lies on the northeastern shore of Lake Dobersdorf. A bathing area, trails through the countryside and traces of local history offer different ways to explore the area during a stay. The lake and village each offer their own discoveries: water, fields and forests shape the landscape outdoors, while buildings and the village chronicle tell the story of Schlesen.
Lake Dobersdorf: bathing area and circular walk
In summer, the bathing area includes a bathing island. A circular walk around Lake Dobersdorf can also start from there. This makes it possible to plan two different activities: spending time at the bathing area and taking a walk with the lake as the destination of the route. Lake Dobersdorf is considered rich in fish and suitable for fishing.
There are clear restrictions on using the water: surfing and boating on Lake Dobersdorf are prohibited for nature conservation reasons, so as not to disturb the birdlife. When planning time by the lake, visitors should take this restriction into account alongside the opportunities for swimming, walking and fishing.
Trails through the hilly countryside
Walking and cycling trails run around Lake Dobersdorf and through the surrounding areas, passing fields, forests and villages. Schlesen lies in a hilly landscape with numerous hedgerows. Whether on foot or by bike, exploring the area does not lead only to the water: trails through the open and wooded surroundings are also among the options described. The circular walk can start at the bathing area; there are also other routes around the lake and through the nearby countryside.
On the eastern shore of Lake Dobersdorf lies the Natura 2000 Habitats Directive site “Calcareous fen meadow on the eastern shore of Lake Dobersdorf”.
Village history in Schlesen
The preserved school building dating from 1891 is now used as a village community centre; its shape and appearance have been preserved. An old blacksmith’s workshop has been restored, and the village chronicle records local history. These places and records offer different perspectives: the school building links a specific year of construction with its present-day use by the community, while the chronicle and blacksmith’s workshop provide further connections to the village’s history.
Historically, Schlesen was once associated with Salzau estate. This former connection is part of the village’s history, while the village community centre represents the present-day use of a preserved school building. Those interested in both can therefore explore not only the landscape but also the village’s development and community life.
Schlesen in the wider destination of Plön
The wider destination of Plön extends the view from a single lake to the county landscape. Plön County lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland region and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic coastline. The county has around 80 lakes, including Lake Großer Plöner See, covering 29 km², and Lake Selenter See, covering 22 km². For a stay in Schlesen, Lake Dobersdorf remains the specific local point of reference, while the coast and other lakes form the wider setting of the Plön destination.
Plan your journey
Road and cycle path works are scheduled to require the complete closure of the L 211 between Rastorfer Kreuz and Schlesen from 6 July to 15 November 2026. If you are travelling during this period, check the latest traffic conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Fiefbergen, Helmstorf, Preetz-Land, Pohnsdorf, Kletkamp, Lake Großer Plöner See, Giekau, Wahlstorf.
Back to the wider travel overview: Plön.
