Land of a thousand lakes ­ nature, sports and a water paradise

Charming canals steer water gently though the Mecklenburg countryside. Swathes of fields and sandy pine forests conceal a chain of tranquil lakes as well as the `small sea' of Lake Müritz, the largest body of water set entirely within Germany's borders. This land of a thousand lakes lies on the doorstop of Berlin in north-east Germany and there is nothing quite like it in Europe. Towns and villages surrounding the Mecklenburg Lakes bear all the characteristics of northern Germany, from grand gabled houses to splendid baroque parks. The landscape is perfect for water sports enthusiasts and anyone in search of peace and quiet.

A richly varied land of lakes, rivers and canals

More than a thousand lakes linked by rivers and canals make the Mecklenburg Lakes ideal for water sports. The options for getting active on and around the water are virtually endless. Standard activities along with swimming include canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, waterskiing, rafting, fishing and diving. Those in search of a mini adventure can hire a house boat and discover the countryside from the water. Licences are not always required. Sightseeing tours, romantic moonlight cruises and excursions lasting several days complete the choice of entertainment on the water. Attractions on land include historical old quarters, picturesque harbours and a great many museums. Müritz National Park provides ample opportunity for walking and cycling tours with its network of marked routes.

Röbel an der Müritz

The resort of Röbel on the shores of Lake Müritz is one of only a handful of places where the new part of town looks just as historical as its older counterpart. Röbel's not always straightforward rise to prominence began with the granting of a town charter in 1250. The locals of the town, which was created through the merger of German and Slavic settlements, split into factions instead of following a joint path. St. Mary's Parish Church on Tempelberg hill was erected by the Slavic townsfolk in the 13th century. Those with a head for heights can look out over the balustrade, 58 metres above the ground, and enjoy spectacular views of Lake Müritz and Röbel harbour with its promenades, cafés and restaurants. Nearby is a mighty oak that dates back even earlier than the church. The ancient tree, whose trunk has a circumference of almost ten metres, stands in Glienholz close to a delightful water lily pond.

Müritzeum visitor centre in Waren

The new visitor and information centre in Waren on Lake Müritz houses the Mecklenburg-Western Pomeranian Natural History Collections. An exhibition on the themes of nature and history as well as the region's many other facets is complemented by Germany's largest freshwater aquarium, which has a capacity of 100,000 litres. Afterwards, you can enjoy a guided tour of Waren's old quarter and explore the cultural riches of this small resort town. The tour takes you to 31 sites including the Old Fire Station, the market and a number of historical gabled houses and sculptures. The Müritzeum also incorporates the original Müritz Museum from 1856. Here you can admire the extensive insect collection and learn all sorts of fascinating information about the region and nature conservation.

Neubrandenburg

Neubrandenburg is one of the few towns in Central Europe whose fortifications have survived completely intact. The town wall from the early 14th century stretches for 2.3 kilometres around the historical old quarter and reaches a height of seven metres. Neubrandenburg only had three town gates in the Middle Ages. But congestion is not just a modern curse, and the locals later added a fourth. Today you can walk along the top of the town wall and admire the twenty-five timber-framed keeps and the 100-year-old oak trees that form a green belt around the town centre.

Neustrelitz

The regimented streets of pretty little Neustrelitz are laid out like a star. It is a young town with a glittering history. Founded in 1733 as a residence for the Dukes of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, this bastion of culture with its theatre, museum and eye-catching architecture offers a journey of discovery from the baroque to the modern age. The proximity of Müritz National Park and the Feldberg Lakes reserve make days out in the surrounding region a celebration of rare natural beauty and outstanding scenery.

Mecklenburg - the land of organic produce

Producers and outlets specialising in organic produce have sprung up in abundance around the Mecklenburg region. There are a number of farm shops selling organically grown produce straight from the field. The local Alter Kalmüser makes an excellent souvenir. You can buy this easy-to-drink, herbal liqueur in a gift bottle with a personalised label. Try it yourself and find out why they say, "One Kalmüser helps a lot, two make things even better."