Stakendorf: Baltic Coast and Village History

Stakendorf lies on the eastern edge of the Probstei on the Baltic Sea. Restored old buildings, numerous ponds and extensive tree cover characterize the largely preserved rural village landscape. The village is therefore not only a coastal destination, but also a place with its own history and varied surroundings.

Village history and places of remembrance

A walking route through Stakendorf passes impressive farmsteads and a village pond with a memorial to those killed in the world wars. The village landscape and this place of remembrance give your exploration a historical perspective alongside the coast.

Peter Plett is also associated with Stakendorf: from 1808 until his early retirement in 1820, he was the village schoolteacher. Plett discovered and practised smallpox vaccination before Edward Jenner. His local connection and the timeline make his story a remarkable part of the village’s history.

Beach, trails and nature near Schmoel

Stakendorf has a free natural bathing beach that adjoins Schönberger Strand. Beach access and facilities may change seasonally, so check current conditions before your visit. This lets you plan your time on the coast with the local situation in mind.

The nearby Strandseelandschaft bei Schmoel nature reserve offers a different perspective. It is a habitat for many characteristic bird species and is accessible from Stakendorf by bicycle. A walking route reaches the Schmoel nature reserve after about two kilometres and highlights the contrast between the historic natural coast and modern coastal protection. Check the trails before setting out and observe access rules in protected areas.

The nearby coastal lakes are also important for birdlife: their extensive reed beds provide resting and nesting sites for many species. Near Schmoel, shore ridges of stones formed by wave action support salt-tolerant plants such as sea kale, sea rocket and glasswort. The surrounding area thus combines bird habitats and distinctive coastal vegetation with a rural village landscape.

In the Probstei, kilometres of surfaced, well-signposted cycling and walking trails run through hedgerows, fields and meadows, as well as villages. They also lead to historic monuments, beaches and inland lakes. Walking trails follow hedgerows, pass through salt meadows and nature reserves, and reach inland lakes. They have barely noticeable changes in elevation and are considered suitable for practically everyone.

Local food and the right trip idea

Stakendorf’s offerings include an organic farm shop selling meat, sausages, potatoes, vegetables, fruit, eggs and natural foods, as well as bread rolls from the village bakery. From May to September, the garden café serves waffles, including a vegan option. You can take the seasonal café opening period into account when planning.

When looking for accommodation, use your preferred focus as a guide: do you want the beach to define your stay, or would you rather explore the trails, birdlife and village history? These different interests give you a clear direction when choosing a holiday destination in the Probstei.

Discover more destinations: Giekau, Helmstorf, Schrevenborn, Fiefbergen, Probsteierhagen, Barmissen, Großer Plöner See, Preetz.

Back to the overview of the region: Plön.