Plizio Visual Lab

Preetz

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
City
—°79
Preetz (Germany)
ℹ️

Practical info — Preetz

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • The historical Kloster Preetz (Preetz Convent) is a must-see; its peaceful grounds and the old abbey church reflect centuries of history.
  • As the "Shoemaker City," look out for subtle nods to this heritage, including the famous silver wooden shoe monument in the city center.
  • Rent a canoe or pedal boat on the Kirchsee; it's the most relaxing way to view the city from the water.
  • If you visit in early summer, the Schusterfest (Shoemaker Festival) brings the market square to life with local traditions.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fresh Lake Fish

Try freshly caught fish from the Plön Lake District at a lakeside restaurant.

🍽
Holstein Katenrauchschinken

A savory local Holsteiner specialty best enjoyed in a traditional Gaststube.

🍽
Rote Grütze

End your meal with this classic Northern German red berry compote served with vanilla sauce.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Regional farmers' market

Visit the market on the Cathrinplatz for local cheese, bread, and produce from the Holstein region.

🛍
Leather goods

In a nod to its shoemaker history, look for high-quality leather goods in independent boutiques along the Lange Brückstraße.

🧘
Kirchsee Promenade

A beautifully maintained walking path along the lake, well-suited for a sunset stroll.

🧘
Wehrberg

A wooded recreation area close to the center, good for a quiet break under the trees.

Preetz, proudly known as the "Shoemaker City," serves as the welcoming gateway to the photogenic Holstein Switzerland nature park. Tucked away between the Kirchsee and Lanker See lakes, it is just a short drive from the coastal city of Kiel. The craftsmanship of local shoemakers once defined the town's identity, a history now preserved in the Shoemaker Museum and commemorated by the bronze statue on the market square. However, the town's absolute cultural highlight is the noble Kloster Preetz, a monastery founded in the 13th century. With its impressive monastic church, intricately carved wooden choir stalls, and the historic half-timbered houses of the convent women, it provides a fascinating journey back in time. Water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers will find their paradise on the Schwentine River, which is perfectly suited for extended canoe trips through the forested lake district. The lakeside promenades offer beautiful walking paths, while the idyllic Postsee invites you to enjoy quiet moments by the water. In the small alleys of the old town, cozy taverns serve up regional fish dishes, making Preetz a great blend of historic tranquility and active nature experiences.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C114812161818141052
Rain mm635147375467777155605866

Geography

Population
15,768
Coordinates
54.23670, 10.28220

Facts

  • Total area: 28.53 km².
  • The Preetz Convent was founded in 1211 as a Benedictine nunnery.
  • Features a significant local museum dedicated to the shoemaking history.
  • The Schwentine river is a popular route for canoe trips through the lakes.
  • Part of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park.
  • The St. Aegidien town church dates back to the 13th century.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Preetz (7)

Preetz Priory

Founded in 1211, this Benedictine nunnery is one of the most significant ecclesiastical sites in Schleswig-Holstein.

Priory Church

The Gothic brick church of the priory is famous for its sacred art and remarkable historic pipe organ.

Preetz Local History Museum

Documents the history of the 'Shoemaker Town', showcasing traditional crafts and archaeological finds.

🕒 We,Sa,Su 15:00-17:00🆓

Lake Lanker

A large recreational area on the outskirts, excellent for hiking, sailing, and birdwatching in the nature reserve.

St. Hüls Town Church

This late Gothic brick church with its high steeple is a defining feature of the historic town center.

Badestelle Lanker See👨‍👩‍👧 family

The swimming area at Lake Lanker in Preetz invites you to swim and relax in nature.

Am Gildehus👨‍👩‍👧 family

The bath Am Gildehus in Preetz gives water fun for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

Why is Preetz called the 'Shoemaker City'?
Preetz has a long tradition in shoemaking; in the 19th century, there were over 160 independent master shoemakers here.
What is Preetz Monastery?
Founded in the 13th century, the Noble Preetz Monastery is a significant historic complex with an impressive monastery church.
What water sports possibilities are there?
The Kirchsee and the river Schwentine offer convenient conditions for canoeing, stand-up paddling, and cozy boat trips.
How do you reach Preetz from Kiel?
Preetz is located only about 15 km southeast of Kiel and is quickly accessible by train in about 15 minutes.
When does the Paper Theater Meeting take place?
The international Preetz Paper Theater Meeting usually takes place in September and is the world's largest festival of its kind.
Preetz: where is it located?
Preetz is located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.
Preetz: what is there to see?
Highlights include Preetz Priory, Priory Church, Preetz Local History Museum.
Preetz: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Preetz: why is it worth visiting?
Preetz, proudly known as the "Shoemaker City," serves as the welcoming gateway to the photogenic Holstein Switzerland nature park.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → Most beautiful beaches → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Germany →

Nearby cities