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 nonchalance, the man paddles across the lake in his birthday suit, enjoying life. No wonder, as Rätzsee is idyllic. Motorboats are prohibited, and the pure nature is perfect. The paddler is likely from the local nudist campsite 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 also offers good infrastructure with hotels, guesthouses, and a great fish snack bar right on Labussee. Among the many campsites, I recommend Naturcamp Canow and Camp am Labussee–there are many tent and RV spots with direct lake views. The Biber Ferienhof is also great, as it is not only ideally located but also offers an organic farm shop and hosts small concerts and open-air movie nights in the summer.
Here is also the Diemitz Lock, which leads to 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, 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
Paddle Hiking on the Peene–How to Plan the Perfect Tour
Rätzsee Loop Perfect for a Day Trip
No wonder, as you are on the beautiful Rätzsee Loop. The route is 16 kilometers long, making it suitable for a relaxed day trip. Highlights include the narrow passages at Dollbek and Drosedower Bek. These are narrow channels where numerous waterfowl gather. Here 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 easily rented in Canow or near the Fleether Mühle at Pack und Paddel. At the Fleether Mühle, be sure to try the home-smoked trout!
The Rätzsee Loop is absolutely worthwhile, but there is much more to discover. It’s best to spend an entire 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 the high season, you can always find a campsite in the evening. Only if you’re traveling in a larger group is it advisable to book in advance.
A possible starting point could be the Mirower See, 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 discover them for yourself. You can especially look forward to the insider tip Schwaanhavel. This is a small canal leading to the Upper Havel. You travel through dark narrow passages, enchanted routes with trailing plants, and you have to tow your canoe a bit, as it’s so shallow here. The banks must not be entered, as kingfishers also nest here. Beautiful!
Canoeing on the Mecklenburg Lake District–More 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 such a cart on-site 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 that you could actually drink their water. Don’t forget a waterway 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 and black kites. In the evening, you can watch the 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 dangle.