Discover Köhn: Forest Paths, Water and History

Field and forest paths, the Mühlenau and the Pülsen bathing area on Lake Selent give Köhn a distinct natural character. The area also has a long history and Salzau Castle, which once served as a cultural venue. You can combine walks and days of cycling with time for swimming and historical sites. When planning activities on Lake Selent, the specific location matters: Pülsen is a bathing area, while sailors and surfers use other access points.

Waterways and walking paths

The Mühlenau flows through the municipality of Köhn and is the only direct outlet from Lake Selent to the Baltic Sea. Many stretches of its banks in Köhn are protected. The watercourse therefore connects the lake and the Baltic Sea in the landscape; the protected banks also shape the natural environment within the municipality.

For exploring on land, field and forest paths offer opportunities for hiking and cycling. Bisterfeld Forest is a destination for walks; the Bisterfeld and Pülser Vieh woods also invite you to stroll in a natural setting.

Cycling, swimming and water sports: know the difference

The shortest route from Köhn to the Baltic Sea beach at Hohenfelde is 6 km long, with a cycle path running its entire length. This provides a direct route towards the coast for cyclists.

Pülsen has a shallow, unguarded bathing cove on Lake Selent. The bathing area includes sunbathing lawns, a playground and accessible toilets. The cove is protected, as is the surrounding area. Sailing and stand-up paddling are not permitted there. Sailors and surfers can access Lake Selent at Pratjau/Fargau or Grabensee. If you are planning to swim, sail or go stand-up paddling, make sure to take these different locations into account.

Local history and a former cultural venue

Köhn was first mentioned in official records in 1404. Pülsen is recorded earlier, in 1362, under the name “villam Poltze.” This means that Pülsen’s recorded history goes further back. Salzau Castle can be reached from Köhn by bicycle. It once hosted annual music events, including JazzBaltica.

Plön as a wider regional destination

The wider Plön destination lies between the Baltic Sea and the Holstein Switzerland region and has around 50 kilometres of Baltic coastline. The district includes around 80 lakes. Lake Großer Plöner See and Lake Selent are Schleswig-Holstein’s two largest lakes, covering 29 and 22 km² respectively. The coast and lakes offer distinct regional highlights to consider when planning your trip.

Large parts of the district are part of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park. It covers 75,000 hectares and offers opportunities to enjoy nature and see rare animals. Along the Baltic coast of Plön district, swimming is possible from Mönkeberg to Sehlendorfer Strand. Sailing, surfing, diving, boat trips, offshore sailing trips, cutter excursions and surf fishing are also possible there.

For experiences on the water, you can explore the Schwentine water trail in Plön district by canoe; the lakes are also used by sailing boats and excursion boats. On land, the district has 850 km of signposted cycling routes as well as developed Nordic walking routes. The gently rolling landscape is well suited to cycling and hiking tours.

If you would like your trip to include more of Plön district’s coastal, lake and cycling options, include the wider region in your search.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Lutterbek, Laboe, Schönberg / Holstein, Schönberger Strand, Stein, Wisch, Kalifornien, Barsbek

Back to the regional travel overview: Probstei.