Places to visit and hidden gems in Holstein - Our favourite places in the north

Stretching between the Bays of Kiel and Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein is uniquely beautiful: two coastlines with long Baltic Sea beaches meet the rolling hills and some 200 lakes of Holsteinische Schweiz – making the region a special destination for nature lovers. What’s more, historic manor houses and towns such as Eutin and Lübeck are just waiting to be discovered. So there are more than enough reasons to take a trip to Germany’s northernmost federal state!

Join us as we explore charming hidden gems and special places to visit in Holstein – personally curated with a deep love for our North German home.

A warm welcome to Gut Immenhof. This guide has been put together by our team and contains our personal tips for Plön, East Holstein and Lübeck, which we’re delighted to recommend to our guests. We hope you enjoy reading it!

Between nature and culture - 5 excursions in Holstein

Our team recommends - 3 favourite places in Holsteinischen Schweiz

Experience Gut Immenhof - 5 insider tips on the estate

Between nature and culture - 5 excursions in Holstein

Lübeck
Eutin
Sehlendorf beach
Kellersee trip

There's more than just the sea to experience here in northern Germany! Whether it's a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a secret beach tip, a picturesque small town or a relaxing boat trip: we have put together our top 5 excursion tips between the Baltic Sea, Holsteinische Schweiz and Lübeck that show just how diverse Schleswig-Holstein can be.

Hanseatic way of life in Lübeck

The fact that Lübeck was once the capital of the Hanseatic League becomes clear on a stroll through the UNESCO-protected old town, which is still home to numerous buildings in the Brick Gothic style. The Holsten Gate is also one of the city's most famous landmarks. We love discovering Lübeck on a leisurely stroll through the city - it's the best way to enjoy the mix of cafés, shops and architecture.

Why: UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hanseatic flair
Who is it for: Popular with couples, friends, culture vultures
Distance to Immenhof: approx. 45 minutes by car

A day at Sehlendorf beach

So close to the sea, a day at the beach with fine sand between your toes is a must. Our favourite beach and insider tip on the Baltic Sea is Sehlendorf beach on Hohwacht Bay: Here you will find shallow water, quiet stretches of beach, picturesque dunes and a dog beach. The neighbouring nature reserve around the Sehlendorf inland lake is also worth a visit.

Why: Quiet, beautiful Baltic Sea beach
Who is it for? Ideal for couples, families, friends, with a dog
Distance to Immenhof: approx. 30 minutes by car

Exploring inland lakes by boat

Holstein and water - they belong together! In addition to the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the Holstein Lake District with its around 200 inland lakes is a popular destination for excursions. A boat trip is a particularly relaxing way to explore them.

The 5-lake trip starts at the "Malente Gremsmühle" jetty and takes two hours via Dieksee, Langensee, Behlersee, Höftsee and Edebergsee. The Kellersee round trip with the MS Luise calls at five landing stages on the Kellersee - one of which is "Gut Immenhof".

Why? Relaxed sightseeing
Who is it for? Perfect for couples, families, senior citizens
Distance to Immenhof: "Anlegestelle Malente Gremsmühle" approx. 5 minutes by car, "Anlegestelle Gut Immenhof" directly at the estate

On the Immenhof film tour

From April to October, the original Immenhof film tour offers a unique opportunity to get to know Holsteinische Schweiz from a new perspective - as the location for the famous Immenhof films from the 1950s. In around three hours, Mario Würz takes participants to several original locations in the footsteps of Grandma Jantzens, Dick and Dalli. Of course, the farm itself is also included. Participation is possible by pre-booking and a car is recommended.

Why: Wonderfully nostalgic and entertaining
Who is it for? A highlight for those interested in film and culture
Distance to the Immenhof: approx. 0-5 minutes by car

A trip to charming Eutin

The charming town of Eutin is a little more tranquil than Lübeck. The small town in the heart of Holsteinische Schweiz is best known for the Eutin Festival and Eutin Castle. The baroque residence is located directly on the shore of Lake Eutin and is now home to a museum. The extensive palace gardens and the kitchen garden are also well worth a visit. After visiting the palace, take a relaxing stroll through the town and discover the inviting cafés and historic buildings around the market square.

Why: Idyllic, perfect for a stroll through the castle and town
Who is it for: Popular with couples, senior citizens, culture vultures
Distance to Immenhof: approx. 10 minutes by car

Our team recommends - 3 favourite places in Holsteinischen Schweiz

Our guests regularly ask us for personal recommendations in the surrounding area – after all, our Immenhof is right in the heart of Holsteinische Schweiz, and a visit to the estate – whether for a day or an overnight stay – can be wonderfully combined with further explorations of the region. We’re always happy to recommend the following three favourite spots:

1. The Old Bräutigam Oak in the Dodau Forest

The old ‘Bräutigam’ oak has stood in the Dodauer Forest near Eutin for over 500 years. It owes its name to a romantic story: in the 19th century, a couple secretly exchanged letters here before they were finally allowed to marry – right under the oak, incidentally. Today, the tree even has its own postal address for love letters from all over the world.

Why? Very popular with visitors, an insider’s tip amongst the local attractions
Who’s it for? Perfect for dog owners, couples and nature lovers
Distance from the Immenhof: approx . 4.5 kilometres

2. Delicious fish rolls at the Seehütte

The Seehütte is situated right on the shore of Lake Kellersee, north of Malente. Here you’ll find not only excellent fish rolls, but also cakes, drinks and the most beautiful lake views. From the mainland, the café is somewhat tucked away. The Seehütte is also a landing stage on the Kellersee boat tour. So you can sail directly from the ‘Gut Immenhof’ jetty to the ‘Seehütte’ on the MS Luise and disembark there.

Why? A favourite of our team, with a great lakeside atmosphere
Who’s it for? Popular with couples, groups of friends and foodies
Distance from Immenhof: approx . 4.5 kilometres

3. Wildlife experiences at Malente Wildlife Park

The beautiful wildlife park on the outskirts of Malente covers a large, unspoilt area home to wild boar, fallow deer and red deer. The wildlife park is particularly popular with families: it’s a wonderful place to watch deer and other animals, and depending on the season, you might even spot adorable young wildlife, such as little piglets in spring. Entry is free.

Why? Very popular with visitors, animals and nature
Who is it for? Highly recommended for families, nature lovers and nature photographers
Distance from the Immenhof: approx . 3.3 kilometres

Experience Gut Immenhof - 5 insider tips on the estate

Old estates and Herrenhaus are among the most beautiful destinations for a day trip to Holstein. Here, historic architecture meets a cosy atmosphere and fresh ideas. Many estates have now been revitalised - with modern gastronomy, cultural events and special accommodation and leisure facilities. One of these places is Gut Immenhof in Malente.

One or two hidden highlights await you on our grounds by the Kellersees - we have put together the best 5 experiences for you.

Coffee and cake with a view of the lake

Planning a day trip to the lake? Then a culinary stopover is a must! The Melkhus Hofküche is the perfect destination for this. Both the kitchen philosophy and the atmosphere are designed to make you feel good. When the weather is fine, there is a large terrace with parasols right by the lake - our favourite place for relaxing, enjoyable hours!

Who is it for: Perfect for friends of farm cafés and delicious farmhouse cuisine
What's on offer: Breakfast, coffee and homemade cakes with a view of the lake, regional cuisine for lunch or dinner

English teatime at the Herrenhaus

Is there a nicer place for a teatime than an old Herrenhaus right by the lake? On selected weekends, we offer the British tea ceremony with delicious teas and homemade scones, sandwiches & co. in the Rodesand restaurant. Like a little trip to another world!

Who is it for: Ideal for foodies, tea lovers, couples, friends
Good to know: Bookable from October to March, always on Saturdays and Sundays

Cosy farm shop stroll

Two farm shops await you on our estate and invite you to browse in a relaxed atmosphere. Foodies will find tasty little souvenirs such as regional honey, homemade jams and Grandma Jantzens' egg liqueur in the Peerstall, while high-quality textiles and accessories await in the hotel shop next door.

Who is it for: Perfect for lovers of small shops, culinary delights and home accessories
Good to know: Our farm shops are open all year round

Hire a SUP or canoe

The fact that you can hire canoes and SUP boards on a historic estate may come as a surprise at first. But at Gut Immenhof, they belong together! Our location right on the shore is ideal for going straight from the farm to the water and actively enjoying the Kellersees.

Who is it for? Popular with outdoor fans, families, couples
Good to know: SUP and canoe hire information

Ride out with the Immenhof horses

One of the most impressive experiences at Gut Immenhof is a guided ride with our horses. With a maximum of four participants, we head out into the nature of Holsteinische Schweiz - through the Prinzenholz and along the lakeshore.

Who is it for: A highlight for horse fans, families with children
Good to know: You can enquire about our riding offers online. Please book early in the main season and at weekends!

Holidays at Gut Immenhof - Why don't you stay a little longer ...

If you want to experience Schleswig-Holstein off the beaten track, our manor house and hotel is the ideal starting point for relaxed discovery tours and day trips between the Baltic Sea and Holsteinische Schweiz.

After a restful night in the hotel or in our holiday flats, you can start your day relaxed and decide spontaneously: Shall we explore the region today or would we rather spend time at the estate by the lake? Because there's plenty to do on site too - it's not for nothing that the Immenhof is one of the hotel insider tips and most beautiful excursion destinations in Holstein.

At a glance: Historic estate directly on the Kellersee, peace & nature, lovingly renovated rooms & holiday flats, two farm restaurants, wellness area with lake view, SUP, canoe & bike hire, farm shops, horses & riding offers, events

Holidays at Gut Immenhof - Relaxation has a home

Restaurants & Bars - Pleasure is our guiding principle

Horse riding - In step with nature

Immenhof Spa - Moments for myself

Activities & Nature - When nature itself is the highlight!

Events - A good to experience

Meetings & Celebrations - Time to be together

The estate - A place with history. A place to arrive.

Summary

Excursions & insider tips in Holstein

Holstein inspires with nature, culture and maritime experiences in the north of Germany. The UNESCO-protected old town of Lübeck impresses with its brick Gothic architecture and Hanseatic flair. Sehlendorf beach on Hohwacht Bay with its fine sand, shallow water and nature reserve is a quiet insider tip on the Baltic Sea. The Holstein Lake District with around 200 lakes can be explored in a relaxed way on boat trips such as the 5-Lakes or Kellersees cruise. The Immenhof film tour to the locations of the well-known film series offers a special cultural experience. The small town of Eutin delights visitors with its baroque Eutin Castle and idyllic atmosphere by the lake. Among the lesser-known destinations in Holsteinische Schweiz are the Bräutigamseiche in Dodauer Forst, the Seehütte on Kellersees and Malente Wildlife Park. Gut Immenhof combines historic estate architecture with a stylish hotel, café with lakeside terrace and outdoor activities such as SUP, canoeing and horse riding. All in all, Holstein presents itself as a versatile destination for families, couples, nature lovers and those seeking relaxation.