September 9, 2025, 5:02 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Our author explored one of Germany’s most beautiful canoeing areas—the Mecklenburg Lake District. In TRAVELBOOK, he reveals what there is to discover.
My canoe glides through the expansive Rätzsee—and what do I see? Another stand-up paddler. But this one is special because he is completely naked. With graceful ease, the man paddles across the lake in his birthday suit, enjoying life. No wonder, as the Rätzsee is stunning. Motorboats are banned, and the pure nature is idyllic. The paddler is likely from the local nudist campground and is happily embracing naturism. But even clothed, you can wonderfully discover the charm of the Lake District.
Anyone who only thinks of the large Müritz, Kölpinsee, and Plauer See when it comes to the Mecklenburg Lakes is making a mistake. They forget the many smaller lakes that stretch above Rheinsberg around the towns of Canow, Wustrow, Priepert, and Mirow. Here, the tranquility of nature can be conquered much more easily with a canoe than on the larger lakes to the northwest.
The Ideal Starting Point
As a starting point for a tour through the Mecklenburg Lake District, Canow is recommended. It offers good infrastructure with hotels, guesthouses, and a great fish snack bar right by the Labussee. Among the many campgrounds, I recommend Naturcamp Canow and Camp am Labussee—they offer many tent and RV spots with direct lake views. The Biber Ferienhof is also great, as it not only has an ideal location but also offers an organic farm shop and hosts small concerts and open-air movie nights in the summer.
Here is also the Diemitzer Lock, which leads to the Vilzsee. “Do you know how famous this lock is?” the lock keeper asks us. “This is the lock with over 40,000 passages a year, making it the most frequented lock in Europe. And that’s thanks to you, the canoeists!” Indeed, you always meet a dozen paddlers here, crowding into the lock.
The Best Travel Tips for the Mecklenburg Lake District
Why the Feldberger Lake District Is Perfect for a Paddle Tour
Rätzsee Loop Perfect for a Day Trip
No wonder, as you’re on the beautiful Rätzsee Loop. The 16-kilometer route is perfect for a relaxed day trip. Highlights include the narrow passages at Dollbek and Drosedower Bek. These are narrow channels where numerous water birds gather. You can also discover black alders and moor birches, which form swamp forests with sufficient soil moisture. Motorboating is prohibited, making a canoe trip even more appealing. Boats can be rented in Canow or near the Fleether Mühle at Pack und Paddel. At the Fleether Mühle, be sure to try the smoked trout!
The Rätzsee Loop is absolutely worthwhile, but there’s much more to discover. It’s best to spend a whole week on the water. The 10-Lake Loop can be comfortably completed in 5 to 6 days with a 75-kilometer route, and even in peak season, there’s always a campsite available in the evening. If you’re traveling in a larger group, however, it is advisable to book in advance.
The starting point could be the Mirower See, for example, and at the Kanustation Ganzow, there are good boats at fair prices. It would be tedious to introduce all the lakes in detail; you should explore them yourself. You can especially look forward to the insider tip Schwaanhavel. It’s a small channel leading to the Upper Havel. You navigate through dark, narrow passages, enchanted stretches with trailing plants, and you may have to tow your canoe a bit, as it’s quite shallow here. The banks must not be entered, as kingfishers also nest here. Beautiful!
Canoeing on the Mecklenburg Lake District—Additional Important Tips
If you like, bring a small boat cart, as there are a few portage spots on the multi-day tour, such as in Wustrow. But you can also rent one locally or simply carry the boat 100 meters.
It’s important, of course, to behave correctly, not to light fires at rest areas, leave no trash, make no noise, and protect nature. Remember waterproof clothing and enough provisions and drinking water, although the lakes here are so clean you could actually drink their water. Don’t forget a water hiking map, as there are some dead zones here, and Google Maps might let you down. But a little digital detox is also good; just turn off your phone and watch the cormorants hunt. You can also frequently observe sea eagles, red kites, and black kites. In the evening, you can watch bats hunting at dusk.
The best tip for this tour is also the simplest: Take it slow, watch the clouds reflect in the water, jump into the water at the numerous well-maintained swimming spots—and just let your soul relax.