Campingplatz Perdöler Mühle

The area of lowland plains around Bornhöved is known for its clean, peaceful and abundant lakes. Rent an electric bike directly from your hosts at reception or bring your own two-wheeler along and get out in search of the best wild swimming spots. Similarly active times are on offer at ErlebnisWald Trappenkamp (15 minutes' drive), a family-friendly forest park with walks, playgrounds, wild animals and nature talks. Plön (20 minutes) is another must-see with its 17th-century castle, terracotta-roofed old town and lakeside walkway. The lake here is much larger than back at base, so rather than swimming you might like to head out in a hired canoe or kayak, or you could climb one of the town's historic towers for far-reaching views over the water. Further afield, it's possible to get to the pretty Baltic coastal resort of Travemünde within about an hour, where there is a spacious sandy beach. Alternatively, head towards Kiel (35 minutes), a seaside city known for its regattas, learn about the Hanseatic League in Lübeck (an hour) or visit Hamburg (an hour), home to world-class museums and Miniatur Wunderland, the largest model railway in the world.