It is close to the cities of Lübeck, Wismar and Schwerin and is part of the Hamburg Metropolitan Region.

A marina with fishing harbour connects to the resort at its easternmost end, offering hotels and private beaches overlooking the vast Wohlenberger Wiek, a shallow bay in between Boltenhagen and Wismar.

West of the town and close to the seaside lies the picturesque little castle of Gross-Schwansee, recently refurbished and converted into a luxury hotel.

South of it, Bothmer Mansion, a remarkable Tudor-style manor house in the nearby village of Klütz can be visited.

Even historically Boltenhagen has been a popular holiday resort in Eastern Germany as being the second town, where bathing wagons have been placed.