Mecklenburgischer Seen Cycle Route

Starting from the historic Hanseatic town of Lüneburg, the Mecklenburgischer Seen-Radweg guides cyclists through the tranquil Elbe floodplains into the Griese Gegend region, where horse pastures and fields characterize the landscape. The magnificent palace of Ludwigslust stands prominently among these rural surroundings, while the medieval fortress of Neustadt-Glewe marks the gateway to the Lewitz wetlands. This bird sanctuary encompasses numerous canals and fish ponds, with the Elde River offering particularly inviting opportunities for swimming and paddling. The route continues to Röbel/Müritz, where Germany's largest inland lake awaits, before concluding at the Baltic Sea island of Usedom, where pristine beaches meet green dune forests.

Essential Route Information

• Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, suitable for families
• Elevation profile: Predominantly flat with gentle moraine-typical rolling terrain; some moderate climbs between Ludwigslust and Neubrandenburg, and on Usedom island
• Surface types: Mixed surfaces including well-maintained cycle paths, forest and field tracks, quiet secondary roads, asphalted farm roads, concrete slab paths; occasional sections of sandy paths and cobblestone streets
• Route type: Mostly traffic-free or low-traffic roads and dedicated cycle paths
• Recommended bike: Touring bike or mountain bike; racing bikes less suitable due to varied surfaces
• Certification: Signposted throughout the Mecklenburg section with the Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route logo

Route Marking & Navigation

The Mecklenburgischer Seen-Radweg features consistent signposting throughout the Mecklenburg section, marked with the distinctive Berlin-Copenhagen Cycle Route logo. The waymarking provides reliable navigation through the diverse landscapes from the Elbe region through the lake district to the Baltic coast. Cyclists can confidently follow the signs without requiring detailed maps for most sections, though route quality varies considerably from simple sandy paths to fully asphalted farm roads, so paying attention to surface conditions helps with planning daily distances and timing.

Best Direction & Season

The route is designed to be cycled from south to north, beginning in Lüneburg and finishing at the Baltic coast. This direction provides a natural progression from the Elbe valley through the lake district, culminating with the rewarding finale of reaching the sea. The varied landscapes build anticipation as you approach the coastal destination.

• Spring to autumn (May through September) offers the most pleasant cycling conditions
• Summer months provide ideal opportunities for swimming in the numerous lakes along the route
• Late spring and early autumn offer quieter trails and comfortable temperatures for cycling

Main Stages & Highlights

The route naturally divides into nine stages. Cyclists can adjust these stages according to their fitness level and available time. The suggested stages balance daily distances with accommodation availability.

Stage 1: Lüneburg to Neu Darchau (46 km)
The journey begins in medieval Lüneburg before following the Elbe through its scenic floodplains. The stage concludes in Neu Darchau, where the Elbe ferry crossing awaits. The riverside campsite on the opposite bank provides a tranquil first night.

Stage 2: Neu Darchau to Malliß (65 km)
Continuing along the Elbe, the route passes through Dömitz with its impressive fortress before turning inland toward Malliß. The Elde Canal accompanies cyclists through this peaceful agricultural landscape.

Stage 3: Malliß to Parchim (68 km)
This stage showcases the baroque splendor of Ludwigslust Palace and its extensive gardens before continuing through the Griese Gegend region. The Ufercamp Eldeblick near Parchim sits alongside the Elde River, though reaching it requires a brief detour from the main route.

Stage 4: Parchim to Röbel (79 km)
The landscape transitions into the heart of the lake district as the route passes through Plau am See. Cyclists first encounter the expansive waters of Germany's largest inland lake system as they approach the harbor town of Röbel. Those with extra time and energy can add the Plauer See circuit for additional lakeside scenery.

Stage 5: Röbel to Mirow (76 km)
The lively harbor atmosphere of Waren (Müritz) contrasts beautifully with the profound silence of the Müritz National Park, where only rustling leaves from ancient trees break the stillness. The Käflingsbergturm observation tower rises 55 meters above the forest, offering an eagle's perspective over this green wilderness. The stage concludes in Mirow, a paradise for recreational boaters, paddlers, and canoeists, with its castle island and the historic Three Queens Palace.

Stage 6: Mirow to Neubrandenburg (109 km)
This longest stage traverses the former residential town of Neustrelitz with its distinctive star-shaped layout before the Müritz National Park opens up toward the terraced landscape surrounding Tollensesee. Neubrandenburg awaits at the northern tip of this lake, its well-preserved defensive walls and four magnificent city gates standing as testaments to medieval craftsmanship. Given the considerable distance and limited campsite options, cyclists may prefer to shorten this stage by taking a more direct route from Neustrelitz to Neubrandenburg.

Stage 7: Neubrandenburg to Ueckermünde (82 km)
The route enters Vorpommern (Western Pomerania) and reaches the first town on the Stettiner Haff lagoon. Ueckermünde marks the transition from inland lakes to coastal waters.

Stage 8: Ueckermünde to Korswandt (86 km)
After passing through Anklam, the route crosses the Peene River to reach Usedom island. The landscape shifts dramatically as cyclists enter the realm of snow-white seaside resorts between emerald dune forests and pristine beaches. Alternative routing via ferry from either Kamp or Ueckermünde to Ückeritz offers a different perspective and avoids the climbs between Korswandt and Ahlbeck.

Stage 9: Korswandt to Wolgast (45 km)
The final stage follows the stunning Baltic coast through elegant spa towns like Bansin before concluding in Wolgast on the Peene estuary. While Wolgast itself lacks camping facilities, nearby Trassenheide provides accommodation options.

Key Attractions Along the Route

The Mecklenburgischer Seen-Radweg connects diverse cultural and natural landmarks spanning from medieval architecture to pristine wilderness.

Historical Sites:

• Ludwigslust Palace: Baroque architectural masterpiece surrounded by extensive landscaped gardens
• Neustadt-Glewe Fortress: Medieval defensive structure guarding the Lewitz gateway
• Mirow Castle Island: Historic residence featuring the Three Queens Palace
• Neustrelitz: Former ducal residence with unique star-shaped city layout
• Neubrandenburg City Walls: Exceptionally preserved medieval fortifications with four ornate city gates

Natural Attractions:

• Lewitz Wetlands: Protected bird sanctuary with extensive canal network and fish ponds
• Müritz Lake: Germany's largest inland lake offering swimming, sailing, and spectacular sunsets
• Müritz National Park: Ancient beech forests and pristine wilderness, best viewed from the 55-meter Käflingsbergturm observation tower
• Tollensesee: Terraced glacial lake landscape with excellent swimming and picnic spots
• Usedom Island: White sandy beaches, historic seaside architecture, and healing dune forests along the Baltic coast

Towns & Harbor Cities:

• Lüneburg: Historic Hanseatic town with medieval architecture and salt-trading heritage
• Dömitz: Elbe River town dominated by impressive fortress
• Plau am See: Charming lakeside town at the western edge of the lake district
• Röbel/Müritz: Colorful harbor town gateway to the Müritz
• Waren (Müritz): Bustling harbor city with excellent tourist infrastructure
• Ueckermünde: First town on the Stettiner Haff lagoon marking the coastal transition

Culinary Highlights

The route passes through distinct culinary regions, from hearty inland fare to coastal seafood specialties. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's traditional cuisine reflects both its agricultural heritage and Baltic Sea proximity. Local restaurants and farm shops offer authentic tastes of regional culture throughout the journey.

• Mecklenburger Rippenbraten: Traditional roast pork ribs, a regional specialty
• Fresh lake fish: Perch, pike, and eel from the Mecklenburg lakes, often smoked or pan-fried
• Baltic herring: Prepared in numerous ways along the coastal sections
• Local game: Venison and wild boar from the extensive forests
• Sanddorn (sea buckthorn): Tart orange berries used in juices, jams, and desserts, particularly popular on Usedom
• Regional beers: Small breweries throughout Mecklenburg offer local varieties
• Kartoffelpuffer: Potato pancakes served at seasonal markets and festivals

Accommodation Options

The Mecklenburgischer Seen-Radweg offers varied accommodation, though campsite distribution presents planning challenges. Not all campsites lie directly on the route, occasionally creating significant gaps that require careful stage planning. Major towns and tourist centers provide comprehensive lodging options, while rural sections have more limited choices.

• Campsites: Scattered along the route, often near lakes and rivers; some require short detours from the main path; many offer cyclist-friendly amenities and on-site dining
• Guesthouses and hotels: Available in larger towns like Ludwigslust, Waren, Neubrandenburg, and the Usedom seaside resorts
• Farm stays: Rural accommodations providing authentic regional experiences in the agricultural areas
• Seaside resort hotels: Ranging from historic spa hotels to modern beachfront properties on Usedom island
• Cyclist-specific services: Secure bike storage, repair tools, and early breakfast options increasingly available at accommodations catering to cycle tourists

Access & Transportation

Getting There

Lüneburg serves as the southern starting point with excellent rail connections from Hamburg and other northern German cities. The historic Hanseatic town is easily accessible by regional and intercity trains, making it convenient for cyclists arriving from across Germany. Most trains accommodate bicycles, though advance reservation is recommended during peak travel seasons.

Getting Back

The route concludes in Wolgast on the Peene estuary, which offers direct rail connections back to major cities. Cyclists can also end their journey at any of the Usedom seaside resorts, where regular train services connect to the mainland rail network. Ferry connections operate between various points along the route, including the essential Elbe crossing at Neu Darchau and optional shortcuts to Usedom island from Kamp or Ueckermünde. These maritime alternatives provide flexibility for route planning and can help avoid some of the island's hillier sections.

Practical Considerations

The Mecklenburgischer Seen-Radweg presents a generally accessible route suitable for families, though several factors merit consideration during planning. Surface quality varies dramatically, ranging from smooth asphalt to challenging sandy stretches and occasional cobblestone passages. While racing bikes struggle with these varied surfaces, touring bikes and mountain bikes handle the mixed terrain comfortably. The predominantly flat profile punctuated by gentle moraine-typical undulations requires minimal climbing fitness, though the sections between Ludwigslust and Neubrandenburg, as well as parts of Usedom island, introduce more noticeable elevation changes.

Campsite gaps represent the route's primary logistical challenge. The irregular distribution of camping facilities sometimes necessitates longer daily distances than ideal, particularly in the Mirow to Neubrandenburg section where options are sparse. Planning stages around available accommodation proves essential for camping cyclists.

Services and facilities along the route:

• Bike shops available in major towns (Lüneburg, Ludwigslust, Waren, Neubrandenburg, Usedom resorts)
• Grocery stores and restaurants found in most villages and all towns
• Swimming opportunities abundant in lakes and Baltic Sea
• Water fountains and rest areas at regular intervals in tourist areas
• ATMs available in all towns
• Tourist information offices in major destinations providing maps and local advice

The route avoids traffic-heavy sections entirely, maintaining a consistently peaceful cycling experience through low-traffic roads and dedicated paths. Weather conditions follow typical northern German patterns, with the best cycling weather occurring between May and September. Summer offers warmest temperatures ideal for lake swimming, while spring and autumn provide comfortable cycling conditions with fewer tourists on the most popular lakeside sections.

Final Tips

The Mecklenburgischer Seen-Radweg rewards flexible planning. While the suggested nine-stage itinerary provides a solid framework, adjust daily distances based on your fitness level and accommodation availability, particularly in the Mirow to Neubrandenburg section where campsite gaps can complicate planning. Consider using the ferry connections as strategic shortcuts when weather or time constraints arise. The Käflingsbergturm observation tower in the Müritz National Park deserves the brief climbing effort for its spectacular forest panorama. Pack layers for variable weather and prepare for occasional sandy or rough surface sections with appropriate tires. The route connects seamlessly with other regional cycle paths, particularly the Berlin-Copenhagen route of which it forms a section, and the Elbe Cycle Route at its southern terminus. Cyclists seeking additional lake district exploration can extend their journey with circuits around Plauer See or the comprehensive Müritz-Rundweg.